The Sopranos

I missed the boat on this show, but I catch an episode from time to time in syndication. I like the editing — brief images and subtle juxtapositions do a lot to suggest the characters' mood and thoughts. This is important in a poker-face culture of wiseguys. Quick transition between scenes: A truckload of asbestos has been dumped in one of those waterways in the industrial nether region between the suburbs and the Manhattan skyline. Poisonous work; Tony looks ill. I think of my favorite shot from the Godfather, when Paulie gets popped in the wetlands and the Statue of Liberty is visible in the distance.