Originally posted by Benchgod:
As I stated, a Hyman Roth or Frank Pantangelli is O.K. because there was no attachment character in the novel or GF1. But.....you cannot naturally assume that Lucy Mancini had a child by Santino Corleone and use that new personna in GF3, when there is absolutely no mention or evidence of it (child) in it's original form.
Again, a separate entity or character is fine for plot and story enhancement, just so long as there was no prior attachment.
I understand, and I do agree. There was no prior indication that Lucy Mancini was pregnant in GF I, or GF II for that matter, and certainly not in the novel.
Supposing we should look at this from the perspective of the writers themselves, who else could've really taken over the Corleones? Tom Hagen's son was a priest, Anthony didn't want anything to do with his fathers business, and it appears that Sonny's kids (save for the twins) didn't bother to even show or make an appearance at Michael's party.
I wonder whether there were any previous characters who could've made the storyline more interesting than Vincent. Sure, the idea is a little hair brained because those who read the novel will be confused; but certainly it makes sense that a son of Santino is returning to claim his birthright (even if he is a "bastard") and take over the Corleone family from an aging and waning Michael.
