They were season 2 and 3 respectively. I was thinking even later, for a six season show like The Sopranos maybe the last two seasons would apply. Or whatever time the shows feels like it's coming to an end. For The Sopranos I was thinking about Tony Blundetto and Phil Leotardo, strong characters but I wouldn't call either of them great, not compared to the two you mentioned.
There are also guys that hang around in the background as bit-part players or comic relief, only to come on strong towards the end and put a stamp on the show like Bobby Bacala, but they don't count either.
