The Sopranos - Season 2

The second season didn't feel significantly different from the first, but did plenty enough to keep the expanding cast of characters and multiple story lines interesting without ever getting out of hand. It's a very bold show, as can be seen from much of the finale centering around Tony puking and having bizarre fever dreams. Dreams were an element in the first season too, and they're always effective. They're always related to the plot, and even without that they're always compelling in a humorous or creepy way. Tony continues to deal with his mental demons while trying to run a criminal business, and all sorts of problems crop up.

Much of the season, Tony is unable to get much help since his psychiatrist refuses to see him, so it just builds up in him as he lashes out irrationally and continues to pass out. When he eventually gets back on the couch, it's different, still cathartic but he just vents more instead of really getting to the root of the issue. His nephew Chris' role gets more significant, as he has a crisis of conscience and considers taking another avenue in his work and life altogether. Tony also has to manage his opportunistic older sister who's come back home, a mob member recently released from prison who won't stay in line, and an old friend who can't stop gambling his life away. Everything seems a bit better integrated this time, and I can see why people really loved the show when it was relevant. It's not as addicting or culturally important as I think The Wire was, but it's an excellent crime story.