a new regime

I spent the last month making my way through Season 3 of The Sopranos, originally broadcast so long ago that the Twin Towers are still in the opening credits.  Admittedly I'm more than a little behind and yes I've already seen the series' famous final episode, but I find something intensely satisfying about watching the characters slowly work their way toward that finish.  There are so many unforgettable moments in this season (Livia's funeral, Dr. Melfi's attack, the unfortunate results of Ralphie's coke bender, Tony's relationship with Gloria), and the entire Steve Buscemi-directed "Pine Barrens" episode where Christopher and Paulie get lost in the woods is a small masterwork of self-contained TV storytelling from start to finish.  Just don't ask me how long it's going to be before I get to Season 4.