Tonight's Soprano's episode is "The Ride," described as:

Christopher makes a surprise announcement; Paulie pays a price for cutting costs at an Italian Street Fair; Tony embraces the "old school."

There's a big photo of Bobby on the episode page, so he probably plays a big part. I hope there's not too much of Janice, she's like fingernails on a blackboard.

I can't believe we're already on Show 9 of the new and almost last season. I'm not feeling like a lot has happened -- Other than Tony being shot, Vito sticks out in my mind as the one major development. Maybe his "embracing the old school" means he agrees to order Vito taken out. Or he hooks up with the real estate agent.

The episode tonight is JohnnyCakes.

Tony is tempted by a real-estate offer; Vito is wowed by an act of heroism; AJ looks to "diversify."

I thought last week's episode was just so-so. Maybe that's because the two weeks before that were so good. I suspect A.J. will get into big problems tonight.

Let us know what you think of tonight's show.

It's time for our Sunday night Soprano's Open Thread. Tonight's episode:

Artie's business is jeopardized by a rival restaurant and staff scandal; Christopher and Little Carmine pursue a new venture out of town.

I hope it's as good as the past two weeks.

The Sopranos starts now. Tonight's episode: Live Free or Die, described as "Tony debates whether to give a top earner a second chance, and looks abroad to settle a local dispute." The dispute, of course, is the hit that Johnny S. got Tony to agree to do at his daughter's wedding last week. And we should find out about Vito's impending suicide after being outed as gay.

The Sopranos starts now. It looks like tonight is going to feature Meadow and her fiancee, but the actual description says. "Johnny files a petition to attend his daughter's wedding and Tony hires a new bodyguard." It's called "Mr. & Mrs. John Sacrimoni Request."

I think last week's was the best of the season so far -- so did several commenters. Let us all know what you think of tonight's show. And if you're not into the Sopranos, please just scroll on by.

The Sopranos starts now. The episode is called "The Fleshy Part of the Thigh." Here's the lead-in:

Tony and Johnny Sack haggle over Barone Sanitation's future; Paulie is rocked by an aunt's revelation.

I bet a lot more happens than that.

Back by demand. After watching last night's show which think was the best of the season by far, I wasn't sure anyone would want to discuss it. But, I've gotten a request, so here it is.

Spoiler Alert: Don't read until after you've seen the show.

The second episode of the new Sopranos season is about to begin. The only hint from the show's website so far is this, "A west-coast business trip turns into a case of mistaken identity."

Toronto Sun columnist Bill Harris, who has seen tonight's show, reports that A.J. has a starring role and a chilling scene. Edie Falco is also excellent.

You will definitely see the most eerie episode of The Sopranos. Parts of it may stick with you for a long, long time....The episode tonight is a weird one, with plenty of imagery and symbolism and outright spookiness.

Reactions, anyone? I'll be back with mine after the show.

I'm counting the hours until the return of the Sopranos tonight. There's lots of media articles on the show today, but be careful, some give away too much. If you weren't a viewer before, you can catch up here. There's also this video recap of Season Five.

And leave it to Newsweek to find a link between the show and the Bush administration:

Sopranos:
America's true First Family is back, with better ratings and firearm-safety record than White House.

Update: Did any of you watch it? What did you think? I thought it was very dark, edgy, angry and ominous. It seems like the feds and snitches are going to play a bigger role this year.

We are anxiously awaiting tonight's season finale of "The Sopranos." Here's the clues, as offered by HBO:

• Tony's crew circles the wagons as Johnny Sack turns up the heat.
• Carmela counts her blessings;
• Christopher is freaked out by an unexpected visitor;
• Benny's connection to the plumbers' union comes in handy;
• AJ demonstrates his business acumen;
• and Tony ponders whether to execute a "sacrifice bunt."

Here's some possibilities:

• Someone will get whacked. Will it be Tony's cousin Tony B. or Christopher or mob boss Johnny? This reviewer thinks it's Christopher.
• Will Tony's burned mistress or the black bear make a return appearance to cause some final trouble?
• Will Christopher's visitor be the FBI or Adrianna who turns out not to be dead?

We'll go with this reviewer who predicts much of the action will revolve around an engagement party at home for Meadow. We think this will be cousin Tony's (Steve Buschemi's) last appearance, but we don't know if he gets whacked or set up like a guy in a previous episode to go back to prison.

Predictions, anyone?

Here's an open thread for The Sopranos, which has its season premiere tonight, 9pm ET, on HBO.

Update: Maxspeak details the show.