In Season 3, there is a scene in which Jackie Jr. comes into Vessuvio to meet with Tony. Coming to the meeting, it's obvious Jackie Jr. believes that Tony had Richie killed. Tony even remarks that Jackie would be stupid to believe that Tony wasn't involved, but it was the truth according to Tony.

I get that. What I don't get is why Tony made up the ridiculous story of Richie going into Witness Protection. It's such a half-baked story and nobody, not even AJ as dumb as he was, should have believed it. I realize Jackie Jr. was not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but how could he have believed that story? I think it was one of the few moments of weak writing on the show. Had Tony said "My sister actually clipped your Uncle," I think that would have been more believable to Jackie Jr.

Thoughts?