Sopranos Finale Theory: Paulie Walnuts Betrayal?

The ending of The Sopranos is a major topic for those who watched it and a lot of discussion amongst fans and those who were curious about the details! It remains one of the most discussed TV endings ever! Everyone has wondered how Tony Soprano met his end but a theory is suggesting that someone betrayed Tony Soprano in season 6!

Tony's Betrayal

While we know how the story ended. It was never exactly made clear about exactly what happened, and plenty of speculation about this has fueled discussions among the fans. We know Tony was involved with the Mafia. What's interesting and likely gave this the impression that a hit would be ordered, was the way that Tony conducted himself through these powerful, ruthless transactions! This is what makes this latest theory so gripping.

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Paulie Walnuts, The Betrayer?

A theory emerged that suggested Paulie Walnuts betrayed Tony! Paulie was Tony's long time, close friend and yet, some of the finer details point to Paulie as the main culprit in the shocking ending. But is that actually possible?

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Paulie's Motives

There are tons of reasons why some believe Paulie actually had cause to do something that really rocked the foundations of this amazing HBO show! Tony and Paulie were close and yet! It seems this show was created around betrayals, suggesting everyone needed to look over their shoulder! Tony became less trustworthy, too. Even going to the extreme of considering killing Paulie in season 6’s “Remember When?” episode. There was also this intense feeling amongst many people that things weren’t sitting quite right! This whole series came together with betrayals, with characters being killed. Ultimately Paulie knew his life was hanging by a thread.

This doesn't only have one motivation for him to move in a decisive direction but an intriguing fact suggests Paulie was likely also demoted. Tony actually called Paulie his underboss in season 2, while the New York faction brought a different underboss called Bobby Baccalieri! The shift may have provided plenty of fuel, enough to have Paulie completely rethink where his future laid!

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Clues To Paulie's Betrayal

There’s not only speculation about Paulie’s betrayal! That makes The Sopranos such a fun series that is revisted by those that watched it time and time again. Some key moments from Season 6 point to this really compelling theory!

He remained oddly friendly with the New York group, including Johnny Sack, especially when there was a significant fight amongst Tony’s team. This may seem innocuous until you see that Paulie's name completely vanished when the big conflict began, and this omission, for a major player, suggests there might be a deal in place!
Paulie witnessed Tony speaking to the FBI, something only significant if Paulie was intending to deliver him up before anything else transpired. This action, and then the potential to eliminate him beforehand. Protects Paulie and creates a clear opportunity to become head of Jersey’s division.
A Reddit post also mentioned that Paulie showed up outside Satriale's Pork Store at the ending. He had zero worries or anxiety, indicating that he didn't expect a blow back from the conflict.

There are more clues than only the major parts as Paulie brought scissors to the store! He'd just heard a conversation about killing Tony, in a barber shop. His disturbing dreams about Pussy might indicate his own fears. What if Paulie knew the potential for betraying a boss, in the form of a rat? And there are additional potential signs and events that build up this particular narrative that makes The Sopranos, a super deep exploration that you have to really revisit.

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Changing The Sopranos Storyline

If Paulie betrayed Tony, what's interesting about this new viewpoint about the series is that things look differently! The behaviors look suspicious now with what was to come in the very last episode! We really get a chance to delve into Tony’s anxiety and paranoia! There was a reason behind the season 6 plot!

Other Theories

The reason The Sopranos remains an incredibly fun series to watch time and time again is its layers and layers of clues and plot lines! So many questions were unanswered. The entire show is based around ambiguity. The fact that everyone keeps looking back to discuss possibilities. Truly points out that these moments give fans an even deeper exploration!

Patsy Parisi might have ordered the hit after being furious at Tony for his actions. Even considering to end Tony's life,
Adriana's death is shown and yet, many feel that perhaps it didn’t truly take place, speculating about the possibility that perhaps Silvio may have done his part. But had changed course when faced with such a major challenge.
A theory says Tony never died, only pointing to a life in fear.

While Tony Soprano’s death at the end of The Sopranos had so many ideas as to who might have pulled the trigger. What is so interesting? One major narrative that Paulie was the main betrayer of the boss.

It truly leaves an imprint and it’s an amazing insight for a powerful narrative and some unforgettable and memorable moments in this timeless crime series.