‘Sopranos’ finale killed hopes

In regards to Martin Miller’s story [“On ‘Sopranos’ Closure, Chase Resists the Mob,” Nov. 9], there’s another reason why “Sopranos” fans and HBO viewers in general were not only disappointed but almost dumbfounded at the series finale, and it wasn’t any feeling of Mr. Chase’s contempt for the audience (we had already come to grips with that by the 12- to 18-month gaps between seasons).

Whether fair or not, the expectations bar had been set earlier by Alan Ball and the ending of HBO’s “Six Feet Under.” That was a TV series ending for all time. Not only did the series achieve closure when Claire leaves L.A., each of the main characters found the ultimate closure in the ending montage showing how and when each character dies. It was fitting for a series that centered on death, but also powerful and somewhat unexpected and certainly final.

With that precedent, “Sopranos” fans who also watched “Six Feet Under” probably expected more than Chase was willing or able to deliver.

William Sottile

Palmdale