http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/0 ... index.html
LOS ANGELES, California (Hollywood Reporter) -- There's no need for any premature whacking of characters when "The Sopranos" returns next year for its final eight episodes.
After lengthy and acrimonious negotiations, Tony Sirico(paulie walnuts) and Steven Van Zandt(silvio) -- the last key actors without new deals -- reached an agreement with HBO Friday to continue on the Emmy-winning series.