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The tightly guarded world of HBO’s The Sopranos wasn’t immune to leaks, with someone on set allegedly selling plot details during the indicate’s run. This revelation, shared recently by actor Steve Schirripa, highlights the lengths the production team went to in order to maintain secrecy around the critically acclaimed series. The issue of information being compromised became so severe that, by the end of production, actors reportedly only received the pages of the script pertaining to their own scenes.
Schirripa, who played Bobby Baccalieri, recalled suspicions surrounding the source of the leaks during a recent interview. While the individual responsible was never identified, the breach of confidentiality forced creator David Chase to implement increasingly drastic measures to protect key plot points. This included a particularly ingenious tactic employed during season five, centered around a pivotal moment for the character of Adriana La Cerva (Drea De Matteo).
To ensure the shocking outcome of Adriana’s storyline remained under wraps, Chase filmed two separate versions of a crucial scene in the episode “Long Term Parking.” According to Schirripa, Chase filmed both a version where Adriana lived and one where she died, keeping both outcomes secret from the cast and crew until the episode aired. This elaborate deception was designed to prevent information from reaching the public and spoiling the surprise.
Drea De Matteo herself confirmed Chase’s strategy in a 2017 interview with Entertainment Weekly, explaining that the director told her, “I’m going to shoot this two ways: I’m going to kill you and I’m going to let you live. And nobody’s going to realize until it airs.” Matteo admitted her initial reaction was disbelief, questioning why such a measure was necessary, to which Chase responded that it was both to explore his options and, crucially, to prevent leaks from the set.
The Sopranos, which aired from 1999 to 2007, garnered widespread acclaim and a total of 21 Emmy Awards during its six-season run. The series delved into the complex life of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a New Jersey mob boss grappling with the challenges of leading a criminal organization while navigating a turbulent family life. The show’s success was built, in part, on its unpredictable storylines and shocking twists, making the preservation of those secrets paramount.
The lengths to which Chase went to protect the narrative demonstrate the high stakes involved in maintaining the show’s impact. The practice of filming alternate endings, while costly and time-consuming, proved effective in preventing spoilers and preserving the element of surprise for viewers. This commitment to secrecy underscores the dedication to storytelling that defined The Sopranos and cemented its place in television history.
The incident also highlights the challenges of maintaining confidentiality in large-scale productions, particularly those with complex and dramatic storylines. The potential for leaks, whether intentional or accidental, is a constant concern for showrunners and producers. The Sopranos experience serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the require for robust security measures and a vigilant approach to protecting sensitive information.
As the show continues to resonate with audiences through streaming and syndication, the story of the on-set leak serves as a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of a television masterpiece. The dedication to secrecy, and the lengths to which the creators went to protect their vision, ultimately contributed to the show’s enduring legacy.
What are your thoughts on the lengths showrunners go to protect plot twists? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow Sopranos fans!
