You're going to hate me, but maybe try starting from season 2.

Seriously, the depth of the crazy shit in the Sopranos is what inspired and paved the way to even allow shit like Deadwood, which is very similar when it comes to smart writing.

Start from season 2, and here's a challenge. Purposely pay no attention to media business talk shit. I would guess that shit is somewhat optional.

Think about how realistically they portray the subconcious stuff. This is the revolution in cinema. It's the reason Deadwood is so good (see above). They get in there to the stuff we don't want to think about; shit the average person doesn't want to hold a mirror to. I have a theory that the mafia angle was a ploy to keep it interesting to the average simpleton.

Seriously, I rant because I care; you're missing something. It might take a few viewings but it's there.