The Sopranos a spec script for the series "Mad Men" in 2000. The script was passed on to Chase who was so impressed that he immediately offered Weiner a job as a writer for "The Sopranos". Cast members Michael Imperioli and Toni Kalem portray Christopher Moltisanti and Angie Bonpensiero respectively, and they also wrote episodes for the show. Imperioli wrote five episodes of seasons two through five, and Kalem wrote one episode of season five. Other writers included Frank Renzulli, Todd A. Kessler (co-creator of "Damages"), writing team Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider (worked with Chase on "Northern Exposure"), and Lawrence Konner,
The Sopranos (season 2) Bark of "Dallas Morning News" wrote, "[It] could be the best TV series of our times. Not for everyone, no. But for what it is, The Sopranos is near magical." Steve Johnson of the "Chicago Tribune" praised the series for accurately portraying human communication, observing how the show reveals "matters of the greatest consequence stem from misunderstandings and misinterpretations." Eric Mink of "The New York Times" wrote of the show's unique writing and multifaceted characters: "The Sopranos remains a showcase for ferociously distinctive writing, inventive direction and brilliant portrayals of surprisingly, even disturbingly, sympathetic multilayered characters by a perfectly cast