The Sopranos season 5
Returning prisoners strain loyalties between New York and New Jersey.
The fifth season of *The Sopranos* premiered on HBO between March and June 2004, with a DVD release in region 1 following in June 2005. The narrative centers on Tony Blundetto and Feech La Manna, two DiMeo family figures released after long prison terms who find it difficult to readjust to both the organization and a criminal lifestyle. Several Lupertazzi family members also emerge from incarceration, particularly Phil Leotardo. The death of boss Carmine Lupertazzi creates a leadership void, widening the conflict between the New York and New Jersey crime families. Meanwhile, Tony and Carmela navigate their separate lives after their split, a situation that increasingly affects their son A.J. Uncle Junior’s mental state begins to decline, and Adriana’s burden as an FBI informant intensifies.
- Aired
- March 7 to June 6, 2004
- Network
- HBO
- Dvd release region 1
- June 7, 2005
- Rotten tomatoes rating
- 93% approval rating, average score 9.3/10 based on 14 reviews
- Entertainment weekly grade
- A−
Lore & Background
The story of season five centers on Tony Blundetto and Feech La Manna, released from prison and struggling to reintegrate with the DiMeo family. Phil Leotardo also returns from a long prison term, and the death of Lupertazzi boss Carmine creates a power vacuum that widens the rift between the New York and New Jersey crime families. Tony and Carmela adjust to their new lives following their separation, which greatly affects their son A.J., while Uncle Junior's mental health starts to deteriorate and Adriana's guilt over her role as an FBI informant grows.
Reader's Guide
The fifth season of The Sopranos is noted for its focus on the consequences of imprisonment and the difficulty of re-entering organized crime. The return of characters such as Tony Blundetto, Feech La Manna, and Phil Leotardo drives conflict between the DiMeo and Lupertazzi families. The season also deepens the personal struggles of Tony Soprano, his family, and associates, including Christopher Moltisanti's sobriety and Adriana La Cerva's informant dilemma. Critical reception was strong, with a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A− grade from Entertainment Weekly for the DVD release. The season is considered a penultimate chapter that builds toward the series' climax.
Did You Know?
- The fifth season aired on HBO from March 7 to June 6, 2004.
- The season five DVD was released in region 1 on June 7, 2005.
- Steve Buscemi appears as Tony Blundetto, Tony Soprano's ex-convict cousin.
- The season has a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 14 reviews.
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