I thought the last season of The Sopranos was outstanding. However, David Chase did say that if HBO hadn't asked him to add 8 eps. to it he wouldn't have included the Veto/outing storyline. That being said, I liked what came of it. Poor Veto should have stayed in NH. I love how they turned Veto's death into part of the escalation of tensions between NJ and NY, culminating in a short war with Phil's head being squashed like a melon.
The last 8eps. of 6 also included one of the great ones of all-time, "Luxury Lounge." How do you argue with an ep. w/ Ben Kingsley and Lauren Bacall in it. Check out this ep. w/ the directors commentary on. Awesome.
I agree w/ your view on The Wire's 5th season. The manipulation and spin by the Mayor's office was wonderful.