I agree 100%, Snake! Richie was not only the best and most convincing Tony-enemy, he was also the best new-starter character in the series so far. All the other enemies had something comical or vulnerable about them, but not Richie--he was pure menace! Interesting that he was played by David Proval, who was a pudgy, almost-lovable character in Scorsese's "Mean Streets" (which I continue to urge you to see, if you haven't already).