Originally Posted by TheGodfather

I may be able to shed some light on some of the issues / questions being raised here so allow me to attempt to clear some things up if I can.

Tony has told Chris on numerous occasions that he will take over when Tony's gone. Syl is Tony's consigliere and it's extremely rare for a consigliere to take over a family. It's more of an "on the side" position; not under anyone but the Boss, but still no real power of his own over the Capts. He is mostly a diplomat and his only real power is that of the Boss' sort of devil's advocate / sounding board, helping in decision making and negotiating. A consig. is usually not a hands on earner. He gets his income from a share of the Capts. collective tributes. This is to keep him clean of any legal issues regarding day to day business operations and to keep him safe as he is in closest contact with his Boss.

Mostly Capts. are promoted to Boss if there is no blood heir active in the life. Also it's not the top earner who gets the top spot it's the Capt. with the most balls who would be feared most by the other Capts. as long as he's not a certifiable lunatic like Ralphie Ciffaretto. Paul Castellano was an exception to this rule and anyone who's eaten at Sparks Steak House or heard of John Gotti knows how that worked out. Remember the mob is a business but it's one run by fear.

A guy like Paulie would be a soldier, or button all his life. The fact that he is a Capt. is unrealistic but hey it's a TV show and he's a well liked character.

Assuming the other Capts. are out as possibilities only because we know next to nothing about them as they were never featured as principle characters on the show I have to assume if anyone's taking over in the near future it's Chrissy. Although I'd love to see A.J. get involved in the life.

Also Junior said "Gatso (sp?) Malenga!" as he shot Tony. Which loosely translated means "Up yours Malenga".

Originally Posted by Mopower

Why didn't Gino try to kill Tony? Vito pretty much spelled it out for him that if Tony died (hinting that Gino could do it) Vito would become Boss and let Gino off the hook. That sounds like a better alternative to Gino hanging himself.

Originally Posted by keit2208

how does that help him with the fbi

Originally Posted by bralph

Tony: "AJ, no matter how close you are, your friends will let you down. The only thing you can count on is family, like Uncle Junior, your grandmother and Tony B."

Originally Posted by Michael Ballack

For all you guys who think that AJ is going to get in the family buisness, keep dreaming. He couldn't make it for several reasons. One, he grew up with a sliver spoon and just does not have the street smarts you have to have, like his father before him. Two, he freaking cried for his mommy when there was a bear in his back yard, he's not a tough kid. Last but not least, Tony won't allow it. This is the Sopranos, not the Godfather. Maybe just maybe AJ tries to go Jackie Junior and start his own gang full of wannabes, he could end up exactly like Jackie Junior, dead. I'll eat my words and seriously question David Chase's decision if I turn out wrong.

Originally Posted by bralph

Tony: "AJ, no matter how close you are, your friends will let you down. The only thing you can count on is family, like Uncle Junior, your grandmother and Tony B."

Originally Posted by Mopower

Why didn't Gino try to kill Tony? Vito pretty much spelled it out for him that if Tony died (hinting that Gino could do it) Vito would become Boss and let Gino off the hook. That sounds like a better alternative to Gino hanging himself.

Originally Posted by TheGodfather

I know someone asked about it before but can we get a transcript of the narration at the open of the episode? I watched the rerun last night and still couldn't make out what was being said. I'm really curious.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Michael Ballack

Freaking Meadow has a better shot at getting in the family buisness.