So what makes season 2 so good? There are many reasons a few of which I will try to explain in this review. First and probably foremost is the writing, good as the writing was in season 1 it reached new heights in this season. This is down in no small part again to creator-producer David Chase who writes one episode and co-writes a further 2 including the brilliant season finale. The rest of the writing is shared out amongst many others including Michael Imperioli who plays Christopher Moltisanti, Tony's nephew in the show. The storylines twist and turn but are never predictable, I feel this is one of the main reasons season 2 becomes such addictive viewing, when I first purchased this Box set I watched all 13 episodes within a week, never quite knowing what to expect next.

Apart from some new additions all the old crew from season 1 are still here Paulie Walnuts, Silvio Dante and Big Pussy Bompensiero to the fore. Paulie is one of my favourite characters in the Sopranos as the hard-nosed old school Mafioso, played brilliantly by Tony Sirico. Tony is utterly convincing in the role, little wonder as it turns out that Tony was a one time hoodlum and spent a stretch in jail for armed robbery in the 1970's! Silvio played by Steven Van Zandt isn't quite so convincing and his acting is perhaps the weakest in the show again this is largely due to the fact he really isn't an actor at all but a talented musican who plays as part of Bruce Springsteens E Street Band. I am unsure of how he landed this roll but his acting is a little one dimensional.
The last Character I will mention is Big Pussy played by Vincent Pastore, this is really his season as anyone who has watched the show will attest, his story threads its way through almost every episode until it reaches its conclusion in the season finale.

So why should you buy this Box set on DVD for £35 or more when you can catch it sooner or later on C4 or Sky? Good question and one I hope I can answer. This series should be watched without the interruption of adverts or other diversions, who wants to wait a week to find out what happens next?
You could be sitting in your favourite armchair waiting expectantly on that season finale when the in-laws drop in to show you their latest holiday snaps!
The only way to watch television of this quality is on DVD presented as it is in 16:9 wide-screen format with surround sound so you can appreciate this masterpiece of the small screen in all its glory! Oh and then there's the extras!
3 audio commentaries by the various directors, 2 featurettes "The real deal" a short feature containing interviews with law enforcement agents on the shows accuracy and a 15 minute feature "A Sit Down with the sopranos" which features the stars of the show talking about the season. Add to that each episode has its own video synopsis of the story so far and it all adds up to a cracking package.

Episode 2
Do Not Resuscitate
Directed by: Martin Bruestle
Written by: Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess and Frank Renzulli

Episode 6
The Happy Wanderer
Directed by: John Patterson
Written by: Frank Renzulli

Episode 8
Full Leather Jacket
Directed by: Allen Coulter
Written by: Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess