Originally Posted by Lana
Wait a minute! Turnbull “Michael takes Kay and Mary to the opera house--all of them sitting in an open box, together” because Vincent, guaranteed their safety

Barzini and the other Dons, in a sense, have already won the war? at least got the upper hand? – There was no retaliation from Vito after Sonny's murder which “weakened the Corleones and devastated Vito”

I am not sure whether “Michael’s survival actually was a lucky break for the Dons” as if Michael had died in the car bomb, I believe Vito becomes irrelevant, a non-entity

My take, for what it is worth!
  • Vito with both his Don material [bad and good Dons] sons dead, would probably have handed over what was left of the Corleones to Clemenza and Tessio
  • As regards “Vito’s police/political protection” with Vito out of the 'business' the judges and the politicians now in Barzini's pocket
  • Barzini and the other Dons “get into drugs here and now”
  • money rolling in! for Barzini, the other Dons, the judges and the politicians
  • Barzini becomes the Numero Uno Mafia Don
  • Vito dies a broken man

Vincent the new Don Corleone Idiot!

1 Michael dead
2 Vito broken
3 Tom stay on
4 Fredo Greene lackey
5 Carlo lives
6 Mama and Connie carry on same
7 Barzini top Don