Universal Polymath wrote:In the beginning of the episode, Tony makes it clear to Bobby that he feels that he can depend on Christopher less and less. While the heir apparent for several years now, Christopher’s lack of devotion – and diverging interests – have left Tony uncertain that his nephew can effectively carry the family after Tony’s gone. Unfortunately, this realization about Chris couldn’t have come at a worse time for Tony. He feels old and tired, and seems to recognize the end of his tenure as boss approaching rapidly. At a time when he feels the need to solidify someone in the position to take charge of the family, Tony feels that he must turn to someone else. And that someone turns to be his brother-in-law Bobby. His brother-in-law is a loyal, dependable soldier – a man whom Tony decides deserves more responsibility and a chance to step up.
However, the next responsibility Bobby is given is to commit murder, something he has managed to avoid for his entire life. Tony, feeling threatened and bitter about being beaten up by Bobby the night before, vindictively uses Bobby’s pride in never having killed another human being against him. And being the loyal person Bobby is, he commits the deed – despite his extreme desire not to. The act clearly shakes Bobby up. He isn’t a hardened killer like his peers, desensitized to even the most grizzly acts of violence. Bobby is hesitant and timid, as he not only commits an act he never wanted to do himself, but knew his father always wanted him to avoid as well. The episode ends with Bobby reuniting with his family, but through his warm smile, we can see a change in his face. He seems regretful, remorseful, and we see just how quickly one can be sucked into Tony Soprano's world of uncertainty, lament, and evil. And kudos to Steve Schirripa, by the way, as that thoughtful gaze he gives at the end is eerie as hell! Almost as strikingly hard and chilling as Gandolfini’s signature stare.
So what effect will taking another life have on Bobby's psyche now? He has been unquestionably devoted to the life in the past, but never at a time when he was put in such a compromising and psychologically-damaging situation. Will Bobby forever resent Tony for knowingly forcing him to “pop his cherry”? Will he attempt to gradually isolate himself from his boss, in an attempt to isolate himself from the possibility of having to commit such an act again? I can see Bobby – hopelessly rueful and troubled by the killing – begin to try to distance himself from the life. He was comfortable within that world, only as long as he never committed murder, but that is something he can no longer tell himself, which could really destroy him.
What effect will this change have on his new position in Tony’s eyes? Tony will most likely find Bobby too weak to carry on his legacy, and find Bobby as unsuitable for the position as Christopher. Of course, this would be a detrimental blow to Tony; what a terrible thing, to be on the way out without having anyone around him fit to take over. It would leave Tony in an extremely unfavorable position, made worse only by the fact that he will know it was his own actions – motivated by his trivial need for revenge – that brought about that position. Even as he tried to convince himself that Bobby was too weak and unfit, he would still struggle with his own part in his brother-in-law’s downfall. Who would be next in line, if not Christopher or Bobby? Silvio would appear to be next in line, but he discovered last year just how heavy the crown lies, when he proved to be in no way able to deal with the stress of being boss. Paulie? He is a great soldier, but I just could never picture him as the boss of the family (though I’m not exactly sure why not).
I believe this is the function the storyline will serve in the long run. This quiet, simple episode was merely a setup that showed us where Tony now is both mentally and physically, and in both regards he is becoming more and more exhausted. And as the realization that he has more years as boss behind him than ahead becomes clearer to him, the need to name and train an heir seems all the more urgent. But it is Tony’s own ill-treatment of his own men that will leave him alone and helpless. In this case, it was the need for revenge over a ridiculous fight that could leave Tony and Bobby’s relationship stressed beyond repair, and leaving the options for Tony’s successor even more limited than it already is.
Do you guys think I’m off-base? Could there be a more likely turn Bobby will take as a result of this? What exactly will his emotional response be to taking another man’s life for the first time?
Some interesting views there. I defintely think Tony is considering Bobby for potentially replacing Chris if needed down the road, and I have to wonder if perhaps now more than ever after he feels a certain sense of new-found respect for Bobby underneath all the shame and frustration. The kill for Bobby was as much to tie him to Tony (much as he did with Chris) as it is making Bobby do something he doesn't want to do as a way to get back at him.
As for Bobby, I am surprised really, that he has made it as far as he has in the mafia without a hit. If he is going to get higher up, then he needs to command respect. It appears he might be doing a little of that now. And do not discount Janice's role - I think we all know she want's Bobby to keep rising in the ranks. Were the opportunity open, she would love to be the Boss's wife. And with the way things seem to be moving between Tony and Chris, there is a void to be filled. I would have to admit, however, I would have never picked Bobby before. Who knows...maybe he's a changed man this time around.