HBO’s Wise Guy was highly anticipated by fans who were eager to revisit the world of organized crime made famous by The Sopranos. With its gritty portrayal of mob life and its legacy within the television landscape, Wise Guy seemed like the perfect opportunity to continue that storied tradition. However, despite its promise, the series falls short of fulfilling the expectations of both Sopranos fans and newcomers alike. There is one glaring omission in Wise Guy—a missed opportunity to explore a crucial topic that The Sopranos touched upon but never fully explored: the mental health of mobsters.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Wise Guy missed the mark by neglecting this theme and why it’s something that HBO should have revisited to create a more nuanced and thought-provoking series.
The Sopranos: A Deep Dive Into the Psyche of a Mob Boss
When The Sopranos first aired in 1999, it revolutionized television by blending the brutal world of organized crime with an in-depth exploration of personal psychology. Tony Soprano, the show’s central character, wasn’t just a mob boss; he was a man struggling with anxiety, depression, and family issues. His therapy sessions with Dr. Melfi were groundbreaking for television, as they offered a candid look at how mental health could manifest even in the most dangerous and hardened individuals.
Throughout The Sopranos, viewers witnessed Tony’s emotional battles and his complex relationship with his mental health. The show didn’t just focus on the violent, criminal aspects of his life but also presented a more vulnerable side, highlighting how his psyche influenced his decisions, his relationships, and even his criminal empire. The Sopranos set a new standard for storytelling in the genre, emphasizing that mobsters are not just ruthless criminals—they are human beings, shaped by trauma, mental illness, and internal conflict.
Why ‘Wise Guy’ Should Have Followed Suit
Given the lasting cultural impact of The Sopranos, it’s baffling that Wise Guy failed to tackle the mental health of its characters, especially when mobsters are inherently fascinating in terms of their psychological complexity. By focusing primarily on mob politics, crime, and surface-level character dynamics, Wise Guy missed a golden opportunity to explore the internal struggles of its characters in a meaningful way.
Wise Guy could have followed the blueprint laid out by The Sopranos and provided insight into the mental toll of living a life steeped in crime, loyalty, and violence. Whether it’s a mob boss grappling with his own fragile sense of self or a soldier facing PTSD from years of brutal killings, there are numerous psychological themes that could have been explored. The absence of this depth leaves the show feeling superficial, as it fails to delve into what makes these characters tick beyond their criminal acts.
The Missed Opportunity for Character Development
Character development is essential in any long-running series, and it’s even more crucial in the world of organized crime. In The Sopranos, Tony’s struggles with his family and his mental health provided a fertile ground for rich character arcs—not just for him but also for those around him. Characters like Paulie, Carmela, and Christopher all had their own emotional and psychological journeys, which made their actions far more compelling.
In contrast, Wise Guy seems to focus more on plot and external conflict rather than the inner workings of its characters. Mobsters are often portrayed as stoic, detached, or cold-hearted individuals, which can be one-dimensional if not explored through a psychological lens. Without a deeper dive into the characters’ vulnerabilities, fears, and emotional baggage, the show loses the opportunity for viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. This is where The Sopranos excelled and where Wise Guy faltered.
A Fresh Look at the ‘Mobster and Therapy’ Dynamic
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Sopranos was its exploration of Tony’s therapy sessions. It was a bold and unexpected move to have a mob boss seek professional help, especially considering the stigma surrounding mental health in such a machismo-driven world. Wise Guy could have explored this same dynamic with its characters, showcasing how even the most hardened criminals might seek help to cope with the psychological toll of their violent lives.
Incorporating therapy or other mental health themes could have provided Wise Guy with more depth and resonance. For instance, a character like a high-ranking mobster suffering from guilt or paranoia could have benefited from a storyline that involved counseling or self-reflection. The power dynamics and cultural expectations of the mafia world would have made such a narrative compelling and poignant, offering a fresh angle on a genre that is often steeped in tradition and predictability.
The Value of Exploring Mental Health in Crime Dramas
The need to tackle mental health in crime dramas is more important than ever, especially in a time when audiences are more open to discussing emotional well-being. Mental health struggles are not limited to any one demographic—everyone, regardless of their career or background, is affected by it in some way. By acknowledging this, Wise Guy could have been at the forefront of a much-needed conversation about the psychological toll of living a life of crime.
In fact, such a narrative could resonate with audiences beyond traditional mob drama fans. Today’s viewers are more likely to engage with content that challenges societal norms and explores deeper emotional truths. Wise Guy could have used its platform to address issues like trauma, depression, and addiction within the context of the mafia, providing a more nuanced portrayal of its characters and enriching the genre as a whole.
The ‘Sopranos’ Legacy and What It Could Have Inspired
Ultimately, the absence of a focus on mental health in Wise Guy is a missed opportunity to continue the legacy of The Sopranos. The latter’s portrayal of Tony’s mental health struggles became one of the show’s most defining and memorable aspects. If Wise Guy had taken a similar approach, it could have added layers of complexity to its characters and raised the bar for crime dramas in general.
While Wise Guy has its strengths, including compelling crime stories and intense action, it lacks the emotional and psychological depth that The Sopranos so brilliantly explored. By missing the opportunity to focus on the mental health of its characters, Wise Guy missed an opportunity to elevate itself into the realm of complex storytelling that resonates with viewers on a deeper level.
Conclusion
In the world of organized crime dramas, The Sopranos set a gold standard for character development, emotional depth, and psychological exploration. Wise Guy, while a promising series, missed the mark by not delving into the mental health of its characters. The failure to address this key topic left the show feeling more like a traditional crime drama, rather than a modern exploration of the human condition within the mafia world. As HBO continues to expand its repertoire of crime dramas, one can only hope that future shows will learn from the lessons of The Sopranos and fully explore the psychological complexity of their characters, just as Tony Soprano’s story so masterfully did.
