I think if and when Maurice Benard finally decides to retire, it’s going to be an absolute hit to the show. Say what you will about Sonny as a character, but he’s been such a fixture for so long that he’s essentially the heartbeat of the canvas. His presence is the gravity that keeps so many other storylines in orbit, and it’s going to be fascinating (and a little nerve-wracking) to see if the writers can actually fill that gap.
They were able to pull off a massive shift before, like when they transitioned the focus from Luke by bringing in Laura, but Sonny’s world is just so specific to him. You aren't just replacing a "tough guy"—you're trying to replace thirty years of history and a very particular energy. If he ever hangs it up, the writers are going to have to do some serious heavy lifting to keep the show from feeling empty. It'll be a massive gamble to see if they can pivot to someone or something that carries even half that weight. They really need to begin the process of weening his presence out bit by bit, and they really need to find a new tone to shift to. Also, I think I just realized how much I enjoy Maurice Bernard. He's such a good soul, and I really hope his days retirement are far, far away.
