He was a basket case because his beloved mother was dead and he wanted desperately to talk to his brother the Don who had made him (deservedly so) an outcast. Still...he managed a friendly hello to Al which Al somehow managed to return. (though Connie's gleaming look to Al may have had some influence on his courteous response to Fredo).

No, he didn't panic because he didn't know, and yes if he had known that's probably EXACTLY what he would've done; rushed off the boat. He wouldn't have been worring about whether or not Mike would let him near the edge of the compound, because he'd be busy trying to save his own skin. And ... to avoid having his son witness any chaos and subsequent harm to Fredo, Michael WOULD have allowed Fredo to go, confident he'd eventually be hunted down anyway. Fredo would not have thought this way and just decide to 'get it overwith'.

Look, people...if this helps ANY of you look at this from Michael's POV. The whole point of this being carried out under the guise of a quite fishing trip was that so Fredo would be relaxed, unaware and completely unprepared for the end. He made a show of forgiving Fredo in front of the entire family. He didn't want Fredo to know of his inevitable fate.

If none of this works for you, then keep watching the film and PAY ATTENTION to the characters and the dialogue for another 10 years or so...you'll eventually come around.

Till then (as Krlea kindly reminds us)...I'm happy to do continue to do my part to set y'all straight.

Yes, the end was near and no, Fredo didn't know it.



Apple