Is Ralph Cifaretto around prior to Season III, or does he just show up in the Aprile crew after Richie gets killed? There doesn't seem to be any explanation of where he came from in Season III, and I don't remember seeing him before.

yeah he just show up after richie die he must been
richie's right -hand

From what I've read, Ralphie was always a member of the Aprile crew, back when Jackie Aprile Sr was the capo. During the years before Season Three, he was on the lam and living in Florida.

Apparently, matters cleared up so he could return to New Jersey safely. And when Richie disappeared, Ralphie, ever the opportunist, moved in on his old crew and sought its captaincy (which he eventually got).

Ralphie was one of the pluses of season 3 and 4. Looks like Pantoliano's other show Dr Vegas is on hiatus.

The Sopranos always bring in good characters and then kill them off or get rid of them. I liked Ralph and Richie a lot and they got killed.

I definatly agree with you about Richie. They killed him off way too soon, he was such a goon antagonist. Ralphie was good too, but it seemed like Season III Ralphie and Season IV Ralphie were two entirely different people to me.

I agree. But I forgot who Richie was... I've seen every season so far but I can't remember Richie.

I agree. But I forgot who Richie was... I've seen every season so far but I can't remember Richie. [/b][/quote]Oh! Richie Aprile! Nevermind I remember...

they might have killed him too soon, but did you see it coming when it happened?

i knew that he was on his way to getting wacked, infact he should have bit the bullet in season three...but i didn't expect it...and i do wish he was stuck around till the end of the season, or at least for the lastseason. it would be really nice if they could get someone big to take a role, an important role.