In many ways I find the does-he-live-or-doesn't he question quite irrelevant. In the final scene I find an endearing sense of circularity, both in the "life goes on" vibe (Tony's possible death notwithstanding) and the thematic wrap-up.

The show begins as it ends, from Tony's POV. Both are women: the alluring green statue in Melfi's waiting room (off limits, largely, for Tony's family), and Meadow's entrance to the restaurant (a family scene; the family returns).

The show takes as its opening point a son (not a gangster) who wishes to vent about his mother; hereafter, said mother interferes with business - family becomes Family.

At the end, Tony survives both family (he gets back with Carm, he outlives his mother, his children finally have some career direction) and Family (Phil is dead, things begin to look rosy again) and sits down for one Last Supper.