Bada bing! Tony's a 'hit' in Long Branch

At right: James Gandolfini, Tony Soprano to fans of the hit series "The Sopranos," and a crew member stroll near the Long Branch beachfront during a pause in filming scenes for the final episode in the long-running series. Above: Gandolfini poses with local resident and fan Lori Ann Vendetti.

LONG BRANCH - This city by the sea can add one more accolade to a list that stretches back to its golden age as a resort town for the rich and powerful - the final episode of "The Sopranos."

The wrap-up to the final season of HBO's wildly popular mob chronicle was filmed, fittingly, in the embattled MTOTSA beachfront neighborhood, where the city plans to take the homes through eminent domain for a redevelopment project.

A small crowd of fans braved the unseasonably cold Good Friday weather to gather on Ocean Terrace last week to watch the filming of a scene for the final episode at a vacant house in the modest three-street neighborhood.

They watched Tony Soprano, series star James Gandolfini, exit a van and run into the boarded-up house.

PHOTOBYGLORIASTRAVELLI

Another scene, reportedly of a drive-by shooting, was also shot that day along the boardwalk.

Cast and crew members gathered in the Marine Terrace, Ocean Terrace and Seaview Avenue neighborhood as early as 8 a.m. April 6.

According to a crew member, the former beach house will act as a refuge for Tony Soprano and his family in the final episode.

Once the shoot concluded at around 6 p.m., Gandolfini made time for his fans, autographing photos and even signed an anti-eminent domain poster for MTOTSA resident Lori Ann Vendetti.