During that time period, there would never have been engagements of black gangsters and the Italian mafia as portrayed here. It also really added more distraction to an already aimless plot line. There needed to be more focus on the Soprano family and young Gandolfini did great for the time he was on camera. So many missed opportunities to show meaningful throwbacks as mentioned in the TV series(i.e. poker game robbery & bludetto getting busted). Why on earth is Ray Liotta playing two characters? Added another star for Junior's parts and Livia, that actor and actress were solid.