For the 20th anniversary of “The Sopranos,” creator David Chase talked about the times he clashed with HBO.
The network did not like the title “The Sopranos” because it caused some confusion over what kind of show it would be, but what troubled them the most was the fifth episode in the first season, “College,” which critics now regard as one of the greatest in both the series and television history.
While taking Meadow on college tours, Tony spots a rat who entered witness protection, Fabian “Febby” Petrulio, and brutally strangles him.
“College” is a crucial narrative turning point because it is the first time the audience witnesses Tony kill someone.
Chase describes HBO’s initial reaction to the scene:”I got a call from Chris Albrecht, who ran HBO, screaming about, ‘How could you do this?! You’ve created one of the most dynamic characters of the past 20 years, and you’re just going to ruin him.
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