A friend of mine that wasnt even a fan of the show explained that to me. The mob aspect was simply a way to draw in veiwers and keep them watching, other than swit downs, murders, and card game the show nearly delved into organized crime a lot. It was a lot more about personal relationships, like showing how people act in front of each other and then what they really think about the other person when they are not with them anymore. It was also about the constant strain that a marriage and children can be, which most of the time pushes people to seek outside affection. On top of all that it went into feelings of personal obligations to family and extended family, having to do something for someone not because you owe them or like them but because they are your cousin and need your help.