Television shows and series play a significant role in shaping our understanding of culture, human behavior, and societal norms. Some series that have deeply resonated with me include “The Wire,” “The Sopranos,” “Breaking Bad,” and “Game of Thrones.” These shows, primarily produced from the late 90s to the present, have set new standards for drama, production value, and character development. They have also transformed how we consume narratives, especially with the advent of streaming services allowing for binge-watching entire seasons.
The Sopranos: A Deep Dive into Culture and Human Behavior
Among these series, “The Sopranos” stands out due to its rich portrayal of the culture, corruption, and intricacies of life in New Jersey, which mirrors the landscape of Scranton’s culture in many ways. The show’s depiction of political, culinary, and cultural elements among Irish, Italian, and Jewish communities resonates with the reality of these communities in Scranton. While not entirely realistic, “The Sopranos” captures the essence of these cultures, providing a lens through which we can examine the complexities of family, power, and societal expectations.
According to Mittell (2015), “The Sopranos” redefined television drama, offering a sophisticated portrayal of its characters and setting that resonated with audiences due to its authentic depiction of complex emotional and social dynamics. This authenticity is a key factor in its effectiveness in capturing the nuances of family life and societal interactions.
The Unique Perspective of Television Narratives
One of the fascinating aspects of consuming television series is the omnipotent perspective it offers viewers. Unlike real life, where we have a limited point of view, these shows allow us to see the world from multiple angles, giving us a god-like understanding of the characters and their motivations. However, this omnipotent view is still limited by a “deity effect”—trapped by space and time, unable to foresee the multiple plot twists that may happen. This allows for an emotional experience in the stakes, providing objectivity, forced empathy, and indulgence in the characters’ complexities.
If we were to experience “The Sopranos” solely from Tony Soprano’s perspective, including his internal monologue, it would likely feel chaotic and overwhelming, akin to experiencing psychosis. The omnipotent perspective in television is essential for entertainment but also illustrates our own limitations and biases when trying to “play god” in our understanding of others. This omnipresence in the lives of so many characters also allows us to experience the absence of self, a concept integral to recovery and self-awareness.
A noteworthy example of this is Hal Holbrook’s character in “The Sopranos,” who appears in the final season. Portraying a man prepping for death with an entirely stoic position, he interacts with Tony Soprano in a manner that reflects an absence of self and complete authenticity. Despite conversing with someone he likely understands to be a sociopathic mob boss, Holbrook’s character remains authentic, perhaps the most genuine character in the series’ final season.
Relating to Recovery and Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
In the context of recovery and Substance Use Disorder (SUD), good therapy and recovery practices allow us to see, empathize, and experience the absence of self when considering who we are objectively. The 12-step tools of inventory and trust discussions in recovery programs help expose our relationships with people. A powerful line from Alcoholics Anonymous describes the root of Substance Use Disorder as a component of someone’s personality that can be selfish. A selfishness that rises up from one who has unresolved pain ( trauma). It draws an analogy to an actor possessing a spectrum of traits from virtuous to tyrannical to achieve their goals on stage. This perspective shifts as one completes Step 3 with the line, “we are in the world to play the role He assigns.” Through the full actualization of practicing the steps, or short of a high-dose trip lol, one can realize the role that has always existed for them to recover. This space, initially found for some in Step 3, is always accessible again through a daily practice of Step 11 and is described by some as fostering a growing absence of self and producing a deeper concern for others.
“The Sopranos” offers valuable insights into themes of death, tragedy, and mourning, which align closely with real-life cultural practices and emotions surrounding addiction and recovery. The show’s portrayal of these themes effectively captures the dysfunctions and dynamics of family life, offering a compelling and relatable depiction of the struggles faced by those in recovery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, television series like “The Sopranos” offer a unique platform to explore and understand complex cultural and psychological themes. While they provide an omnipotent perspective that is not entirely realistic, they manage to capture the essence of human experience and societal norms. This omnipotent perspective is essential for entertainment, providing objectivity, forced empathy, and indulgence in the characters’ complexities. These shows help us reflect on our lives and the world around us, making them valuable tools for learning, personal growth, and understanding the intricate journey of recovery.
At Fellowship House, we believe that recovery is about seeing the world with fresh eyes, understanding our limitations, and empathizing with the experiences of others. Through good therapy and structured recovery programs, we strive to help individuals achieve this perspective, enabling them to rebuild their lives with honesty and integrity. This authentic version of oneself, free from the ego’s interruptions, is a key aspect of recovery, allowing individuals to live openly and fully.
References:
Mittell, J. (2015). Complex TV: The Poetics of Contemporary Television Storytelling. NYU Press.
The Sopranos (2006), Episode featuring Hal Holbrook.