I’m looking forward with eager anticipation to Sunday night. Yes, I’ll admit it: I’m a big Sopranos’ fan. I realize many might blanch at this given the show’s violence, foul language, nudity and general portrayal of moral chaos. Look closer. This show doesn’t glorify the criminal life (as do so many other items of pop culture). It isn’t some vapid thrill ride. It’s great because of the depth of characterization and because of its moral element.

Yes, that’s right, the show has a significant moral element. This program demonstrates very clearly that people who do things that most of us find repugnant aren’t that different than we are. Tony Soprano can, in the course of day, murder someone, rob someone else, commit adultery and be a loving father to his children and an unremarkable homeowner in suburbia. In this culture we need a reminder that not everyone driving down the road is a “nice” person – someone indistinguishable from you or me (maybe even you or me) can do things that are beyond the pale.

The next significant moral element is that nearly every character has some moral absolutes. None of them happen to be the right moral absolutes, but in our culture to have any moral absolutes is a step out of the gutter. To most of the crew, loyalty and obedience are absolutes. What a contrast with society at large!

Another great moral element is that, as in life, actions have consequences. The consequences may not be immediate, but they are there.

The show depicts people who, for all their faults, actually care about each other. Sal Bompensiero faced a real moral dilemma as he was torn between his hopes for his children and his loyalty to Tony. His care for his children won out and he paid with his life. Tony wants to do everything he can to keep his son from turning out like he did. He wants his daughter to be happy, even if he can’t demonstrate that in a way she can understand. Contrast that with, say, Seinfeld – the show where no one cares about anything other than self-gratification. It’s no coincidence that Seinfeld was the most popular show in the country.

The foul language can be offensive. This series, though, is an attempt to depict the life of crime in a way that is realistic. Hardened criminals aren’t likely to say “oh my goodness”.

The nudity and depictions of sexual behavior can also be offensive. They are, though, integral to the plot and the producers are generally thoughtful enough to keep such scenes brief. It’s also unique in that it doesn’t demonstrate promiscuity as glamorous and fun – it shows the vapidity, the inconvenience, the danger and even a hint of the shame of it. I’d rather have the Sopranos’ depiction of sex than that found on most fully-clothed major network shows..

The violence is jarring. It pales in comparison to what is shown on commercials on many other shows and it’s generally presented in such a way as to de-glamorize violence. More often than not, the violent scenes clearly indicate the devastation that violence wreaks.

So now you know a little about why I’m looking forward to Sunday night. Salud!