‘The Sopranos’ finale: Piggyback onto this one

The final episode of “The Sopranos” airs a week from Sunday on HBO, and smart Publicity Hounds aren’t wasting time wondering if Tony Soprano will flip—or get whacked.

Instead, they’re figuring out ways to generate publicity by piggybacking onto this story.

The Washington Post called the show, wrapping up its sixth season, “the television landmark that leaves other landmarks in the dust.” So expect significant coverage in the next nine days.

Here are some ways to get in on the action:

—Major Italian-American organizations have universally condemned the show for its racism, violence and misogyny. In 2001, a New Jersey congresswoman, backed by 16 colleagues, proposed that the House chastise producers of shows like “The Sopranos” for depicting Italian-Americans as criminals. In 2002, an Illinois court dismissed a lawsuit filed by the American Italian Defense Association that claimed the program wrongly portrays most of the ethnic group as mobsters. OK, Sopranos-haters. Are you glad it’s finally over?    

—I cover my eyes when somebody gets whacked or bludgeoned. But some fans love every gory detail. We know what exposure to extreme violence does to kids. But what does it do to adults? Experts, weigh in with your opinion.

—Somewhere, Sopranos fans are hosting a party on Sunday night, June 10, to celebrate the final episode. If your guests are coming dressed as their favorite character, the media will love the story. (Invite me, and I’ll curl my hair and come as Janice, complete with the Rolling Stones tongue tatoo.) Why not invite a local media person who loves the series to cover the party? Can’t convice your local TV station to jopin you? Shoot your own video early in the evening, and drop it off at the station in enough time to make the 10 or 11 o’clock news. Sunday is a notoriously slow news day. Some stations will even let you upload video to their website. Don’t forget YouTube.    

—Foodies, what has “The Sopranos” done for an appreciation of Italian-American cooking? How about sharing some of your great recipes with food writers? (See “Publicity Tips for Restaurants, Chefs & Foodies.”)

—One of the most intriguing parts of the show are the scenes of Tony Soprano in his psychiatrist’s office. Therapists, does the show portray therapy accurately? 

I love the show. Sunday nights will never be the same.