When you look at it like this it makes the ending to Part II all that more shocking and heartbreaking and also gives you a new perspective. I was also never really quite sold on the idea that Fredo meant to harm Michael. I have also always had this feeling that Fredo was desperate for approval, he really wanted to be on peoples good side. In my opinion this can be seen in the flashback, when he wants to shake Mike's hand and show his brother that he is happy for him. Great post JCrusher!
Now my sources tell me we can teach old topics new tricks!
Fredo shaking Mike's hand happened before he was stepped over!
As Lana posted,
- What a welcome party! Fredo had organised for Michael in his territory
- Fredo is the only one who congratulated Marine Michael and got his hand nearly broken! by Sonny
Fredo put up with whatever was dished out by his father Vito
older brother Sonny and being straightened out / slapped around in public by "we're good friends, right Moe" but couldn't handle his
kid brother, Michael being the Don because it should have been Fredo
As Turnbull posted,
1. He betrayed his brother for personal gain.
2. What did Fredo
think was going to happen?
I reckon he was after the Donship but interested in your explanation as to why even after the Tahoe shooting and the brothers having drinks in Havana if Fredo meant no harm to Michael, his --
1. deliberate and deceitful concealment of the Senate hearing
2. cunningly withholding information
3. I'm your older brother Mike and I was stepped over!
4. It ain't the way I wanted it!
