Merlino is the real deal and anyone that is old school Philly will confirm that. He took on a Sicilian mobster and won back South Philly. The problem is nobody from the younger crowd to step up and be the next Skinny so the cameras can follow him around and take the heat off of Skinny like he did for alot of old timers. Need a young guy with balls to step up now like he did. Someone not scared to go to jail like him. Skinny is veteran now and deserves respect.Old timers made a killing while Joey was boss because he took the heat off them now someone needs to take heat off him. I dont know younger crowd does anyone on here know if there is any up and comers that are as serious as he was? Who is the next Skinny I am to old to know that crowd but would like to here input on subject.