In that thought then yes, the writers have introduced something interesting and revealing. Right now he is caught in a form of pergatory because of his choice in briefcases (aka, his life). He cannot escape and he can see the light from above or the fires of hell on the TV set. He is also a nobody and for a wise guy, that is a form of hell for him. The stairway scene is representative of his life in that he sought short cuts and hurt himself by doing so. But, it was that short cut on the stairs that allowed him to see that he was dying.
I don't know if it was really necessary for Chase and company to have to lay it on so thick with his family though. Yes, we have seen Carmella in all her vanity and shallowness but it is a road we have travelled far too often in the past. AJ is also shallow and vain and again, it is wasted time.
The seeds have been planted for the mafia family to come apart and that seems to be where the good action will be found.
Agreed 100%. You can just watch the show and when his loser sister walked in with the fake tears you could just feel the B.S. in the room. Nobody cares...they all see their meal tickets on life support.
When is the likeness of Furio coming in to save the day and take Carm away?