I honestly think I am more familiar with the HBO Sopranos than I am with parts of my own family. When my mother used to introduce me to Tante X and Cousin Y at a wedding or Bar Mitzvah, I used to shake my head, smile obliviously and say hello to the absolute stranger.

When I tune into Tony and Carmella and their children Tony Jr. and Meadow, I am on more familiar ground. I have been in the Soprano kitchen while Carmella was doing her Italian specialty cooking. I have had access to their bedroom where Tony snored and rolled over in his sleep. And most private of all, I sat in the room where Tony unloaded his deep family (personal and business) problems and secrets to the attractive Dr. Melfi. Tony had a crush on his psychiatrist, but like a true professional she discouraged our hero.

Tony grew up with many insecurities due to his mother. He fought hard to get over them. His position as mob boss showed to the world his manliness. His cohorts Pauly Walnuts, Christopher and Silvio respect his leadership role.

Carmella wears "horse blinders" because she knows of Tony's profession but she accepts the "good life" that comes from his illegal activity. Once or twice she was attracted to other men, but she remains "true blue". She is an ordinary suburban housewife, that's all.

Meadow and Tony Jr. are trapped. She knows of her father's shady life but she loves him. She wants to help humanity, but she cannot choose her calling, medicine or the law. Her boyfriends somehow do not work out well.

Tony Jr. is a disappointment to his parents. He is not a scholar nor is he an alpha-male like Tony Senior. His suicide attempt in the family pool was pitiable.

Uncle Junior has faded off into his Alzheimer's world. Before he was committed to a sanitorium he shot his nephew Tony Soprano while in a delusional state.

After six plus years, the Soprano family is drifting away. How can we replace them on Sunday night at 9 p.m.? Only time will tell!