A compelling and innovative television writer, David Chase has created distinctive programs since the 1970s, each reflecting his edgy humor and psychological realism. These critical essays examine Chase's television writings, placing particular emphasis on how his past works have shaped and influenced the cultural phenomenon of HBO's The Sopranos, and studying Chase's use of identity, community, and place in defining his on-screen characters. Topics explored include Chase's constructs of the urban L.A. environment in The Rockford Files, the portrayal of hybridized American archetypes in Northern Exposure, and the interpretation of sexual identity/masculinity in The Sopranos. An appendix containing complete episode guides for The Rockford Files, Northern Exposure, and The Sopranos is also included.

Thomas Fahy, also the author of several books and editor of Considering Alan Ball: Essays on Sexuality, Death and America in the Television and Film Writings (2006) and Considering Aaron Sorkin: Essays on the Politics, Poetics and Sleight of Hand in the Films and Television Series (2005) is an assistant professor of English and director of American Studies at Long Island University.