‘Sopranos’ gives rise to real issues

I enjoyed reading Lynn Smith’s article on the effect of “The Sopranos” [“Cable Capo’s Legacy,” April 8].

So many of us can identify with Tony’s personal demons and dilemmas: The need for some men to be “real men” and provide for their families while dehumanizing women, betraying their wives and committing unspeakable violence physically and emotionally to everyone around them.

Then there is the complicity of wives and even children by taking part in that life. Tony and Carmela are surprised when their children adopt the same moral bankruptcy of their parents?

And what of the helplessness the children must have felt in such a life?

Do the soccer moms who drive enormous, gas-guzzling SUVs consider what kind of environment they are leaving for their children and grandchildren? Are they tortured by the hypocrisy of their actions?

Are we all complicit in supporting an economic system that allows us to pursue our freedom at the cost of so many other lives around the world?

Does psychotherapy do any good once Tony leaves the couch? Did the Enlightenment and the Age of Reason have any validity?

A television drama that brings up all these issues can’t be all that bad. Good job, Mr. Chase.

GLORIA BLUME

Santa Monica