Now What Channel is HBO Again?

I know The Wire is a great show...

I'm sure Rome is decent...

But both of HBO's flagship shows return on Sunday for abbreviated seasons (or continuations of last season as they're advertised but doesn't make sense)

The Sopranos and Entourage...

So why aren't I more excited???

In the case of Entourage, its simple. I know exactly what each episode is going to be. Vince is going to be admired by women, Eric will be whipped in his relationship while trying to make deals with people a foot taller than him, Turtle will continue his care free useless life, Drama will be mired in B roles, Ari will yell inappropriate comments. Some eye candy and interesting behind-the-scenes Hollywood storylines will make for an entertaining, if not plot-driven half hour of television.

For the Sopranos. I'm ready for it to end. This is still the "Sixth and Final Season" even though it started over a year ago. The whole show debuted in 1999 and at the time was an edgy view of mafia family life. Now it is a character driven artfest that can't help but disappoint bloodthirsty viewers. To try to predict how the series will end is useless and counterproductive. I find the more you try to predict The Sopranos nowadays, the more you're disappointed.