The Sopranos’ Weirdest Couple Was So Uncomfortable to Watch, Fans Still Can’t Get Onboard With Them Years Later

SUMMARY

• A.J. and Blanca's relationship in The Sopranos was widely criticized for its lack of chemistry and mismatched pairing, with Blanca being 10 years older than A.J.
• The relationship was seen as forced and uncomfortable to watch, with A.J.'s immaturity and need for validation clashing with Blanca's rebellious streak.
• The relationship ultimately ended with Blanca returning A.J.'s proposal ring and breaking up with him, citing her desire for an "established" man, which fans saw as a relief from the awkward pairing.

When it comes to The Sopranos, the series is action-packed with groundbreaking mob drama and unforgettable storylines, characters, and relationships. For years, fans have enjoyed and delighted with its theme and plot that has millions across the world hooked even today.

The Sopranos | Credit: HBO

However, not everything about the series has hit the mark and there are a few, baffling moments that are uncomfortable to watch for fans due to their cringeness. One particular relationship, in particular, was so cringe-worthy that it continues to garner hate from fans even today.

The most cringe-fest relationship of The Sopranos and why fans hate it

Blanca and A.J.’s relationship is the most hated one of the series | Credit: HBO

The Sopranos features some of the best character dynamics and storylines making it one of the best crime drama television shows even today. However, there were a few polarizing character relationships that left a lasting impression on viewers but just not in the way that writers might have hoped. Of course, we are talking about the much-fan-hated relationship between A.J. and Blanca.

A.J. aka Anthony John Soprano Jr. (Robert Iler) is the son of Carmela and Tony Soprano, while Blanca Selgado (Dania Ramirez) is Dominican, 10 years his senior, and has a three-year-old son. A.J., throughout the series, is a spoiled and good-for-nothing brat who has made a string of questionable decisions throughout the series.

So when he is forced to work at a construction site after dropping out of college, he meets Blanca. However, their relationship seemed forced and hard to watch for fans, since she is not only older than him but also has a rebellious streak that makes it hard to take them seriously Furthermore, there is an evident lack of chemistry between them and they appear pretty mismatched throughout their time.

It did not take long for their relationship to turn into a ‘cringe-fest.’ While Blanca’s interest seemed rooted in a mix of boredom and convenience, A.J.’s interest was steeped in immaturity and a need for validation. Thus, making the whole thing seem like an unnecessary, deeply awkward event to watch.

What happened to A.J. and Blanca in The Sopranos?

Dania Ramirez as Blanca Selgado and Robert Iler as Anthony John Soprano Jr. / A.J. | Credit: HBO

While Carmela severely disapproved of her son’s relationship with a woman ten years his senior, Tony seemed to be more approving of them since Blanca was at least ‘Catholic.’ However, to the delight of the fans, their relationship did not turn out to be the endgame.

In the sixth season, A.J. finally proposed to Blanca at a pretty fancy place, telling her that he would work hard and would have his own couple of restaurants in a couple of years. However, Blanca soon ended up returning the ring and breaking up with him since she wanted an ‘established’ man and A.J. was still just a child with big dreams and no sense of reality.

Thus, the way their relationship ended only reaffirmed fans’ belief that it was unnecessary and served no other purpose than to showcase the many character flaws of the younger Sopranos. Instead of using it to showcase A.J.’s character in a more meaningful way, the relationship felt like an odd detour that continues to be disliked by fans even after all these years.

The Sopranos is available to be streamed on Max.

Written by Maria Sultan

Articles Published: 1965