The publicists for the new Sopranos: The Book have hit upon a goldmine for instant publicity: David Chase’s thoughts on the controversial ending to the series.

The interview, included in “‘The Sopranos’: The Complete Book,” published this week, finds Chase exasperated by viewers who were upset that Tony didn’t meet explicit doom.

Chase says the New Jersey mob boss “had been people’s alter ego. They had gleefully watched him rob, kill, pillage, lie and cheat. They had cheered him on. And then, all of a sudden, they wanted to see him punished for all that. They wanted ‘justice’ …

“The pathetic thing — to me — was how much they wanted HIS blood, after cheering him on for eight years.”

If anyone wants to argue the ending until we’re blue in the face, I’m here for you. But here’s my stance: it was brilliant.

Spread the word!