Unlike the previous three, this fourth series of The Sopranos largely eschews an overriding story arc in favour of developing several interrelated plot strands, most of which are then left dangling tantalisingly at the end. This year Tony's many extra-marital affairs finally come home to roost, even as he faces challenges to his leadership from within and without. Paulie Walnuts simmers with resentment over his perceived neglect, a resentment only exacerbated by Christopher's promotion; while Christopher's growing drug habit undermines Tony's trust in him. Paulie makes overtures to Johnny Sack and the New York family; Sack himself bears a deadly grudge against Ralph Cifaretto, and also embroils Tony in a dispute between the two families. Ralph and Tony clash over a shared interest in both a race horse and a goomar--you just know it's going to end in something much worse than tears.

The women have as many problems, though: Adriana has reluctantly turned FBI informer, a drug-addled Christopher squashes her dog, and she has to confess that she can't have children; Carmela falls maddeningly, frustratingly in love with one of Tony's closest companions; Janice inveigles herself into Bobby's affections in a display of breathtaking emotional manipulation; while Meadow can no longer conceal the disgust she feels about her father's business, and Dr Melfi is increasingly sidelined, since Tony's behavioural issues have become, to all practical purposes, untreatable. The whole ends on a downbeat note as personal disillusionment overshadows the mob politics. With the imminent arrival of Steve Buscemi to the cast, the fifth series is primed to be an explosive one. --Mark Walker

This is without doubt the best series however it recieved heavy criticism due to the level of violence depicted. However although the violence is graphic and often uncomfortable to watch it is crucial for the development of the characters. Furio in particular has a challenging moral dillema which keeps the viewer on a razors edge throughout!

very poor quality the box was not glued together right , A good price though .

series 4 of this classic show treads new ground in brilliance,the three previous series reigned supreme but series four really takes the distinction of being the best series yet and thats some praise indeed,praise that you cant ignore.
Of course if you are reading this and havent seen sopranos then you have to start at the beginning,series 4 can stand on its own but you need the previous three series as well just to make series 4 what it is.This series is pacey,direct,packed with memorable scenes and the characterisation takes off,certain characters that we think we have figured out show themselves to be different than what you think and thats whats so good about this show,it may lull you in and then it tears you away from your safety zone.
Series 4 has plenty of key incidents,uncle juniors trial being just one of them,the show has we all say doesnt end with shock or horror or twists or open endings,all of that occurs in the realms of the show but the ending may be nothing more than an ending,life is like that i guess.
Sopranos is a show that defies what you think you know about television,subtle stories blend in with high drama and the show never outsells itself,it can be slow burning at times but the lights are always on if you understand what i mean,this is more than vital viewing,series 4 has raised the standard yet again,series 5 is my next purchase.

All of the Sopranos series centre on some kind of struggle, power, personal or a mixture of both, between Tony and another character or characters, who present him with a problem. Sometimes it's someone like Pussy, whom he genuinely likes - his best friend - but who, in the end, weak and trapped, has to go ; or it is Richie Aprile, a thoroughly nasty little man, brought to grief by Janice (you don't strike a Soprano woman and get away with it), thus saving Tony the trouble, though he does have to clear up afterwards. Here it is the reptilian Ralphie whom Tony neither likes nor trusts (and he's right), the petulant, brutal murderer of his naive girlfriend in an earlier series, but clever, useful and difficult to winkle out. Tony does it, but for an unexpected yet typically Tonyish reason - a horse. As always the narrative turns and twists in all directions, the acting is beyond praise, the direction is pacy, the dialogue corruscates and the whole thing has a wonderful unity and inevitabliity about it. It is TV drama of the highest order, as good as it gets, and hugely watchable.

bearing in mind iam watching this show on dvd and not tv , i have as im writing this just finished season 4 and personally think it is the best overall so far though is a slow burner . the best two episodes are :WHOEVER DID THIS and WHITECAPS.
Brilliantly acted dark realistic and disturbing . you need this dvd set in your collection