It is expected that when the show returns in 2006 that there will be a Harry Potter-like buzz for what will be the final 10 or 13 episodes of the series. As of now, 10 episodes are expected, but HBO is in the act of persuading creator David Chase to raise that number to thirteen. Whatever the number is, expect the extended hiatus to create a massive buildup when the airdate finally arrives in 2006.

Will another show come along from one of HBO’s rivals, such as Showtime to fill the void left by the Soprano family’s absence? Apparently HBO is arrogant or smart enough to realize that there won’t be. And since the Sopranos demand attention no matter what, why not go against the grain and build up excitement from their fans by keeping them in the dark. Normally, when a show reaches must-watch, office discussion, with your friends and on-the-street talk status, the network will ride that show hard, make as much money as they can off of it, and if the show is overexposed, then so be it.

Give HBO credit for thinking differently. Will the product be enhanced by the wait? Will added time translate into a more carefully constructed show? What will the world be like in two years, and will the TV viewing public still care about the characters? HBO is taking a big gamble, threatening to make their signature show irrelevant.

When the show returns, how will the potential collapse of the New York crime family change the world of organized crime? Will Tony find opportunity in the void created and become the king of NY? Will the series end with Tony’s murder or imprisonment? Does Christopher hold himself together and move on in the post-Adriana era? Will Uncle Junior’s trial ever happen? Is Furio going to return to the states? If you find intrigue in any of these questions, well, too bad. You’re just going to have to wait until 2006 like the rest of us.