Did Ralph Set Up Jackie Jr With The Card Game? | The Sopranos Explained

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The Sopranos is a mob drama which follows New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano and his life. As boss of his family, Tony is in charge of a wide collection of colourful characters, including Ralph Cifaretto, played by Joe Pantoliano. Ralph is a solider of the DiMeo crime family who later becomes a captain and one of the highest earners in the family. He is not present in the first or second season as it is said he spends a length of time in Miami overseeing family business here.
Ralph is given the task by Tony of making the call on Jackie Jr's fate after Jackie Jr carries out a disasterous card game robbery, putting Ralph into an uncomfortable position which ends with Ralph reluctantly agrees to sanctioning a hit on Jackie Jr, and eventually he is found after going into hiding and killed by Vito.
But many Sopranos fans theorise that Ralph intentionally set Jackie Jr up, by planting a seed in Jr’s mind by telling him of his father’s claim to fame.
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[@michaelfontanelli2450]

Ralph was crazy AND psychotic. Anyone who’d dump Rosalie Aprile to take up with Janice isn’t playing with a full deck.

[@ZGGuesswho]

just a full ass

[@Tourist-Q.]

It's not like Rosalie was super attractive either, and by the way, I just farted.

[@julesickdrums]

@@Tourist-Q. Like Ralphie was the next Mr. Universe. Rosalie had all the good looks of a classic milf. Ralphie is the kind of guy that gets deal aces and plays them like a donk in real life.

[@dandavis8300]

I know he was a total psycopath, but don't you think the fact that he talked her son into that card game jam in the first place and then killed him for it was kind of a boner killer vis a vis the kid's grieving mother? Getting away from Rosalie was a smart move. Given his total inability to control his big mouth, he no doubt would have tipped her that he gave the order and what do you think would happen then? Actually, she probably knew, since her daughter described Vito to a T as her brother's killer.

[@Tourist-Q.]

@@julesickdrums I never looked at her as a MILF lol... But we can agree to disagree.

[@xCARNAGE_ASADAx]

I think Ralph underestimated how stupid Jackie was. He could have told him "So your father and Tony killed JFK and that's how they were made" and next scene would be Jackie planning how to kill Bush.

[@TheOriginalShoneBoyOnYT]

Lets do it before the crank wears off

[@serendpity3478]

If Tony and Jackie Snr had killed Kennedy they'd have had to crawl out of their playpens to do it, since they were born in 1960 and Kennedy was killed in 1963. Not that Jackie Jnr was bright enough to have worked those dates out either, I guess.

[@splinter360]

@@TheOriginalShoneBoyOnYT 😂😂😂

[@LH74]

That would be amazing.

[@wadewilson8011]

Well there's a flip side to that coin. What if he REALIZED how stupid he was. And basically LEAD him in the direction to get killed?

[@dondajulah4168]

If Ralphie wanted him killed, he could have just taken him to a penguin exhibit.

[@kf5541]

I don’t get it?

[@chromesthesia]

@@kf5541 I don't either

[@olliephelan]

Me neither

[@olliephelan]

If Ralph wanted him dead he couldve told him to shoot himself "out of respect to his fawthaw"

[@bucky7162]

@@kf5541 Jackie Jr almost drowned in 3 inches of water at the penguin exhibit when he was a kid, Junior and Tony are seen talking about this in the serious talking about how dumb jackie Jr is.

[@MackBoxing-MMA]

IMO, Ralph underestimated Jackie Jr’s stupidity. Plain and simple. Good vid.

[@joshuahoover6841]

That's how I always read it. He was trying to impress two punk kids with a story about the old days and stoke Jackie up with a story about his old man.

[@shawnmccullough3708]

Every parent has had to deal with an adult blurting out a stupid idea in front of their kids because they don't realize the kid is probably going to try the same thing. Same thing here.

[@kevinw8276]

Didn't he almost drown in 3 inches of water?

[@broackesnodgrass]

That and Ralph didn’t really give a f*ck about Jackie Jr.

[@mojohal879]

Yeah I dont think Ralph was malicious in this situation he was just telling them a story probably trying to get in good with Jackie jnr since he was shagging his mum but he underestimated how dumb Jackie was.

[@Boudica234]

Jackie Jr.'s Scrabble game was one of the funniest scenes on the show. King of the 3 letter words.

[@furbabydaddy5604]

“The”

[@dukedematteo1995]

Ass, like how bout give me some. Then when Meadow said No she's sick...he left to "get his mother's car inspected" at 930pm...aka pay a prostitute for sex....Brilliant cover story Jackie.

[@TheOriginalShoneBoyOnYT]

Oblique? No spanish!

[@tapedlockz]

@@dukedematteo1995 it's always the last thing you remember before you go to sleep

[@gernblanston3363]

In the days when we were watching the show brand new, week-to-week, I had such high hopes for Jackie Jr. Such a disappointment when that episode happened and you realized he was nothing but a dumb f***. Lol

[@BM-wh5qk]

If Uncle Richie were still alive, he would have made fun of Sunshine for dying, made a joke about Furio being wounded and said his nephew was in the right for robbing that card game because Richie wasn't getting any money from it.

[@irishmacky8773]

This deserves 👏 x100000000

[@parastroika2393]

He wasn't his uncle, he was his father's brother

[@dimitridemay]

@@parastroika2393 that is the definition of an uncle

[@parastroika2393]

@@dimitridemay the joke your head

[@rasheemthebestfirstone3274]

@@parastroika2393 lol

[@ladybuggsingleton5572]

After watching the Sopranos over and over I can say I'll never believe that Ralphie ment to hurt Jackie Jr., he always was one to talk too much or say things that maybe most were thinking, but wouldn't dare say, but in this instance, he ment no harm..he didn't know what he was dealing with..A COMPLETE IDIOT..

[@sunnohh]

Ehh I think Richie figured Jackie was stupid and would do basically that, reason? Richie was pissed at Tony and knew he liked Jackie, classic psychopath revenge.

[@michaelberry1382]

Agreed. He was just showing off telling old stories trying to look cool. Then when people got shot/killed- it went to a whole new level from what Tony and Jackie Sr did. Ralph Still wanted to give them a pass…and Tony would’ve enforced it. But Tony constantly telling Ralphie- “these are the tough decisions that a Captain has to make”. Proving a point to Ralphie. Andy Tony said he had to make a decision and make if quickly and publicly. No doubt in my mind- if no one would’ve been hurt? Jackie gets a pass. .

[@Taekwondorocks]

True, Jackie Jr was too stupid

[@yveje9720]

I agree. I think Ralphie underestimated how dumb Jackie was. A mistake Tony didn’t make. I don’t even think Tony really care that Jackie senior didn’t want to Jackie Jr in the mall I think he rightfully realized that Jackie Junior was just not competent enough. I think Ralphie was a mirror for Tony and Jackie was to Ralphie what Christopher was Tony.

[@jimmetts7457]

Lvg 0:59ugggggggggggggv

[@nickyman5557]

The fact that Jackie Sr never told his son about that story despite it being what lead to him become boss in the long run and that Jackie Jr has to hear it from Ralph just goes to show how much he wanted to keep Jackie from “The Life”.

[@BostonsF1nest]

I honestly believe Ralph was intentionally leading Jackie towards an early grave. Ppl definitely won’t catch it the first time or even after a few times but the more you watch it, the more obvious Ralph’s subtle manipulation tactics shine thru. Even tho at the end Ralph struggled with giving the order to kill him, probably more so because at the time he didn’t want Ro to find out. Or simply because he didn’t want to share in that burden alongside Tony. But he really didn’t give a single fuck about Jackie. Ralph was someone who just wanted to watch the world burn. Deep down Ralph probably got some satisfaction from separating Ro from her son. Since Ralph had a very bad relationship with his own mother.

[@jamesmorant1406]

That's a good point he wanted Jackie Jr. to have nothing to do with the Mob life, same with Tony with AJ he kept him away from the mob life

[@BostonsF1nest]

@@jamesmorant1406 the difference is- Jackie Jr wanted to be in the mob. And his actual father didn’t sway him from being involved. Nor did his uncle. AJ doesn’t know anything about it and doesn’t care about it. If you watch you’ll notice Jackie Jr mimics literally every bad decision Tony makes. Yet Tony gets mad at him for it even tho he’s the one setting the example. He’s only concerned about Jackie Jr because he cares about his daughter. That’s the reality of it. He doesn’t actually care about Jackie Jr the way he makes it seem like. Tonys motives are always self centered. He doesn’t want Meadow to get a broken heart because he doesn’t want to deal with the backlash it’ll cause. Which is exactly what happened in season 4. Jackie’s death totally derailed Meadow for awhile and she used it as an excuse to do whatever she wanted. That’s really the only thing Tony feared.

[@jamesmorant1406]

@BostonsF1nest That's why he told Christopher he couldn't kill Jackie Jr.. Whatever happened to Jackie, it couldn't come back to Tony it would have ruined his relationship with Meadow

[@BostonsF1nest]

@@jamesmorant1406 Yea- Killing Jackie Jr in Tonys eyes would have been a lose lose. No longer could he hide behind the facade that he cared about Jackie. If ppl knew Tony was responsible- even tho he was despite passing it off to Ralph lol- he could never again say he cared about Jackie Sr or Jr. And if Meadow ever found out, it would totally ruin his family. He passed the hit off to Ralph so he could pretend it was Ralph’s fault. Much like every aspect of Tonys life- it’s all predicated on a lie.

[@shadywiskerz]

I think Ralph was only trying to “encourage” Jackie jr to step up if he really wanted to be in the family. I don’t think he knew he’d go as far as to try recreate what Tony and Jackie sr did.

[@JGD714]

I think you're correct.

[@JFKjr-gp7lf]

Should took A.J.

[@dondajulah4168]

and also to explain why he was still in the lowest rung while his contemporaries (Tony and Jackie Sr) rose up match higher and faster than he did.

[@TheBaBaTV]

Jackie killed 2 made men and shot others though completely different from what tony did at that age ! 😂….

[@JGD714]

@@TheBaBaTV the fuck are you on about? Jackie didn't kill no made men. Only Sunshine died from their side, and he wasn't made.

[@olliephelan]

"Out of respect to my FAWWTHAW" is the only thing I hear when I see him.

[@teksnotdead902]

I never got the sense that Ralph was trying to set up Jackie. I think Ralph just enjoyed the attention of telling the story, linking himself to such a bold and glorified move (in Feechs card game). Ralph likes to talk.

[@jennalud4748]

I don't think he wanted Jackie dead, but he sure wanted Chris and em gone!

[@yuumiplayer420]

Yup

[@BostonsF1nest]

My biggest takeaway is how smart and cunning Tony is for putting the decision to kill Jackie back on Ralphies shoulders.

[@timstradley5819]

Such a good scene

[@sourabhkarkala343]

Tony read through him ..both of them are high iq

[@empac8631]

Just rewatched the scene. I always thought Ralph said he wanted to give him a pass because he knew Tony cared for Jackie Sr but planned to do it anyway. But Tony reinforces it multiple times with it being his card game, him being a captain now, the “who cares what people will say” comment and then handing him the gun showing he knew right when to play it considering he had it for almost two episodes at that point. Brilliant writing

[@BostonsF1nest]

@@empac8631 he put it on Ralph so Tony couldn’t blame himself later on for having Jackie killed. So he wouldn’t feel guilty about it and so Ralph would

[@empac8631]

@@BostonsF1nest And thus another person Tony used and discarded when it suited him. For all Ralphie was, and he was a lot, he seemed to genuinely care for Jackie Jr even in just the sense of knowing his father and dating his mother, it’s also surprising for the viewer when we find out about Justin. It’s never even alluded to that Ralphie has a son, you’d never think it with how he is. But then we find out that even as evil as Ralphie can be he, just like Tony, loves his child. Even during his remorse he apologizes to Ro for not understanding her grief and being there for her…where Tony, unfortunately we only ever see him wallow in self pity and ignore other peoples suffering when feeling his own. If Tony hadn’t had him kill Jackie maybe Ralphie wouldn’t have left Ro the way he did and may have had a semblance of a life beyond the mob instead of that which we see near the end of Ralph’s life where his kid is damaged, his ex wife takes the money and seems relieved Ralph’s not there, and no one really questions it once they realize he’s gone. It says so much for David Chase that we love the baddest bad guy and yet tend to root for guys like Ralph, Pussy and Phil to get theirs.

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

Ralph believed he was trying to school and help Jackie. He liked the fact that they looked up to him and kicked up to him. Ralph showed true remorse when he was indirectly told by Tony to have Jackie killed in a timely fashion.

[@blacktoothfox677]

ah - you see, I think Ralph was 'acting' remorse. When Ralph is TRULY sorry about something, it manifests as anger in some way. If he was TRULY full of regret at the sit-down, it would have come with a snarl, a bit of a grizzle. He might have accepted it, but not without at least a defensive posture and words to go with it, before acquiescing to Jackie Jnr being waxed. But, you know, with good art come multiple interpretation, so, my view is no more valid than yours! Bet we can 100% agree, what a great show it was - & that's all that matters.

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

@@blacktoothfox677 incorrect. Ralph showed the most remorse when being humble and concerned for his son in the ICU. He had this same attitude after meeting with Tony at Satriales after the botched robbery. Someone even body checks Ralph as he is leaving the place and instead of going off on them Ralph simply walks away, deep in thought. I been obsessed with this show since 2001. Trust me son.

[@blacktoothfox677]

@@flightofthebumblebee9529 guess you didnt read 'great art has a great many interpretations' bit.... But, you know, if it makes youy feel better typing such absolutist crap as 'incorrect' at somebody else's view of a TV programme, I'll let you have it. Probably dont have much else going on in your life where you are made to feel valid, so, by all means, yeah, I'm totally wrong, you are totally right...

[@dam11232]

@@blacktoothfox677 Damn chill out. The dude was just stating he obsessed over the show. Not shitting on your parade.

[@blacktoothfox677]

@@dam11232 hey - its not WHAT you do, its HOW you do it. Guy has no need to be rude, so... anyway, best regards to ya

[@blimy01maynard30]

I never see anyone mentioning that Jackie was killed by one of his first cousins. Vito, Adrianna, and Jackie are all children of Aprile siblings.

[@orngejoos]

True. Same as tony having to kill his fav cousin! Lol that’s cold as hell

[@Franco_City]

Wth 😳 wasn't Vito talking about how he almost had a chance w adriana when Chris threw a sandwich at his parade float?

[@hollywoodhogan.7009]

Probably because one of the mistakes that the sopranos made on a continuous basis was saying that certain characters were family in one episode and forgetting that they said that in another episode. Same with Vito and Phil being in laws.

[@blimy01maynard30]

@@Franco_City Yes. The showrunners forget who they have as related sometimes.

[@DarkIFaith]

As an Italian I can say it’s not unheard of for first cousins to marry.

[@gorz859]

Ralphs face when Tony said something along the lines of "you looked out for him as best you could, right?" said it all in my opinion. It looked like he realized he misguided the kid.

[@johnsiedlitzki8381]

Of course he meant that, before that statement he shows him a gun Tony took off Jackie, saying” I believe this is yours “ but Tony is telling Ralph to give Jackie a “pass” Ralph seconds that by replying “ but furio! And sunshine was killed! Tony reassures him the family they’ll respect his decision. Ralph left SO confused

[@Mauriciovargasjr]

No. He realized Tony was ahead of his little mind game. Ralph was setting up Jackie to get back at Tony.

[@9odfathr]

Ralph carried himself that way because he earned it and he knew he was a important player in this big project

[@charlesclarke9368]

And then all his memories played in reverse.

[@RichZoe]

The “poo” and “ass” in scrabble basically sums up Jackie in sopranos lol

[@camicawber]

About Christopher recognizing Jackie's voice...I think Christopher only suspected it was Jackie at that point. Dino confirmed it outside the card game when he called Jackie's name as Jackie was driving away in the hijacked car.

[@charlesclarke9368]

I was thinking the same thing. And that's why they iced him immediately, since they already knew who else they had to follow up on.

[@swa7169]

Bear in mind, we're talking about a guy whose actual son winds up in the ICU after getting the Boromir special.

[@RogueBoyScout]

"Boromir Special"... Nice one LOL...

[@walterbonilla8143]

God dammit😂😂.

[@DirtyJokesFan]

Jackie Jr. is such a great example of how no matter how much you give someone blunt advice (think of Tony’s lunch meeting and the line “You should know he never wanted this life for you.”), but has to learn the hard way. Even if Ralph didn’t set him up, you’d have to think that Jackie Jr. would have taken another collision course with the mob.

[@thomasbrennan6303]

The slow pan on the Scrabble words killed me 😂

[@taotaostrong]

He definitely knew that he was planting a seed in Jackie’s weak mind. No rationale needed. Psychopaths love chaos.

[@dandavis8300]

Great point! Sure he might get Jackie killed but who knows, he might get Chris killed or he might get Tony killed. Good times!

[@Dan_Ben_Michael]

Absolutely. Another example is when Ralphie is watching out the window while Silvio is pimp-slapping Tracey and was giggling with glee over a situation he caused like the agent of chaos that he is. Ralph is like Satan in the Sopranos universe who does things just to see the chaos unfold.

[@ejaganjac7085]

Yup. I've lived amongst some villains and jackals in the past. No point looking for motivation or reason for the psychotic behaviour, it's just another day for them

[@moonrakertv5]

Yes THEY DO!!!!!

[@Shlogger]

such a great performance. made scarier cause he's so friendly.

[@davidshamiri1448]

Personally I think he just wanted to get closer to Jackie Jr but it backfired

[@MyEnemy]

The only person I hated more than Ralph was Jackie Jr. It really sent me for a loop when Ralph orchestrated his death. So for one episode, I loved him, ha ha.

[@johnslade9751]

He did set him up, it was just unintentionally done. Ralph tried to play the cool step dad and Jackie is a dumbass so Jackie thought if i do that maybe i can be respected, but as said, he killed a guy and wounded a made man and his father who was well respected is dead so the not respected son doesn't have so many options. Ralph even didn't have a choice, give him a pass and he'll loom weak and not caring to the crew.

[@Yamaha38XCRacer]

Couldn't have said it better man.

[@kylevernon]

Yeah, he definitely manipulated him into robbing the card game, I think he underestimated Jackie’s stupidity.

[@lordbunbury]

💯

[@largol33t1]

Still, I find it a bit hilarious that Furio of all people got shot by a strung out teenager at a card game. The show never held back on morbid humor/jokes and to me, that was one of the funnier moments in the series right next to Junior Soprano getting his hand stuck in the kitchen sink.

[@empac8631]

@@largol33t1 and them making fun of him for wearing man panties while he’s swearing up a storm👌

[@eileenmaher2101]

I think Ralph accidentally set Jackie up. Via bragging and trying to "bond" with him. I don't think Ralph realized just how Stupid and Arrogant Jackie Jr. Was. But I also don't think Ralph agreed with Tony and the rest insisting upon keeping their promise to Jackie Sr and make sure Jr goes to school and stays out of The Life. I think he was of the mindset: "yeah, I understood why you made the promise but times have changed. School wasn't for him and he seems to really want this. Senior would understand."

[@thewowks1148]

I think as Tony said, Jackie knew the difference between holding up the game and having a shoot out that killed the dealer and injured the made-man Furio, when Jackie made a late night call to Tony… this is proven that still Tony wanted to give him a pass, or better yet respected Ralphie decision at the time of discussion when Ralphie expressed as much. If the robbery went cleanly, I think he gets off free and therefore I doubt Ralphie had enough foresight or motive to set him up.

[@BeattapeFactory]

Ralph didnt know what was gonna happen, true. But he set him up anyways. Hes a sadist and chaos amuses him. He anticipated or hoped subconsciously that Jackie Jr would do something stupid because its as you said, a fun tuesday night for Ralph.

[@bareforbiddenlighterz6552]

would probably help him get off while being pimped out with a cheese grator..

[@jackthomas6952]

Tony was ordering Ralphie in Code to have Jackie JR. Whacked.

[@UnremarkableMarx]

Ralph showed Jackie how to toss the noodles in a bit of the gravy and some butter tho. So he did care about Jackie

[@buelabuela6108]

Can we take a moment to appreciate the character of Rosalie Aprile?

[@sonnyooo338]

Cinteranter kicks up to Borko now

[@LightsOutLow]

i hear Don Junior is muscling in on Borko's action

[@tristissimvshominvm8999]

IDK, man Ralph might have set him up. You forget one other factor... this Ralph IS more creative than Spielberg.

[@TheFivegoodemperors]

Ralph the best dad , card game organizer and archery practice supervisor, all in one.

[@kevinbergin9971]

Animal lover!

[@joecostantino3684]

Ralph never told him to kill anyone though thats where he fucked up and why he ultimately had to go. Tony even told him when he called him while "hiding" in the Boonton projects "Think for a minute and you'll see the difference" Tony and Jackie Sr didn't kill anyone at Feech's game and even still Richie and Johnny had to intervene to save them from Feech killing them in retaliation, a fact Ralph left out of his story. I also like how Ralph was conveniently not able to accompany Tony and Jackie Sr to rob that game like he was supposed to but yet still managed to rise up in the ranks, just took a little longer.

[@SoftDrinksOfChoice]

Ralph was my favorite "villain" of the show

[@dandavis8300]

Who was your favorite hero on the show? I liked the ducks.

[@jared7197]

Oh snap now I remember where that Feech card game reference lead to this! This will be a huge plot point later on in the series.

[@eben214]

Really enjoy your videos, you’re a great companion to reflect on all these prolific stories

[@donnymoney4222]

Nah.. the irony is that he was genuinely trying to bond with Jackie Jr here with a story from the good Ole days. The one time he's genuine and he gets the kid killed

[@reginaldlott236]

It could simply be that Ralph had nothing to lose. If Jackie did well he'd have a good soldier, If he didn't well, we see what happened.

[@blacktoothfox677]

No - I think Ralph defo knew what seeds he was sowing - but maybe did not play for the exact end result. But - great art has a great many interpretations, so i think all we prove is just how damn good Sopranos was!!! Great video as ever

[@richieharrow6205]

It’s pretty obvious what happened. Ralph was trying to be the cool step dad type with Jackie and told him that story, took him along to a shake down, and gave him a gun. He was genuinely upset at what happened when he sat down with Tony discussing Jackie. He said specifically that he wanted to give him a pass. Tony said do what you feel is best, but then he began to corner Ralphie and imply that he’s the one responsible by saying “you did the best you could with the kid to steer him in the right direction… right?” And then gave Ralphie back the gun he gave to Jackie that he took off him at the Bing. After that, Ralphie decided to clip him as a result of the way Tony treated him and how Jackie ratted him out to Tony about the gun. Pretty simple. Nothing more nothing less

[@malleuscalgary]

I love how you roast everyone in these videos like they were real people that you know

[@jungshin87]

childhood is hating Ralphie adulthood is LOVING ralphie

[@skipruggerio1674]

We’re so wacky

[@joshuafult84]

mature people loved Ralphie on the first watch.

[@emeukal7683]

I think Ralph just didn't know weather red or blue pill is a better choice.

[@dukedematteo1995]

I like the insight Meadow gave about Jackie Jr afterwards, that he wasn't parented correctly to begin with, he lost his father at a young age and he was just direction-less at the time.

[@dukedematteo1995]

@willmuny9201 if your Dad dies when your 19, that will do a number on anybody.

[@sev2300]

Ralph always wanted to wreak havoc in Tony's business and undermine his leadership. I believe he wanted to make Jackie Jr a problem for Tony, especially because he knew Tony had a soft spot for him. So it isn't unreasonable to think he set up Jackie and pumped him up with a story about the card game while knowing his own card game was going to take place soon and some of Tony's men would be there.

[@krayzeejojo]

Can’t stand my own stepdad, he’s completely useless to me. But on the other hand, he’s still more respectable than Ralph. You asked for my opinion.

[@TXALTHAUS]

Ralph was showing Jackie Jr. what he would have to do to get into the mob i.e. follow in his father's footsteps.

[@Iconoplastt]

I personally think Ralph planted the seed, but I think Ralph was genuinely happy to tell Jackie Jr. about how daring his dad was in his youth. I think the point really is the whole situation shows Jackie Jr was simply out of his element robbing the card game in the first place high (which is never a good idea when doing work) and even if Ralph manipulated him, it shows that Jackie Jr didn't have the sense to see that, either way Jackie Junior should have stayed in school.

[@JesseyStone]

yeah honestly, jackie jr was just a complete moron, he knew he wasnt cut out for it, showed a few times where he hesitated or did something kinda forcing himself, hell before the robbery he wanted to cut it off, i also think that he didnt want to in a sense dissapoint his father, his dad was a big time mob boss and i guess he wanted to make him proud by becoming a bad ass mob guy, at the end i just feel its a mix of stupidity, immaturity, him being so pampered and outright ignorance shame he coulda potentionally had a nice job , college educated, and probably banging tonys daughter and live a comfortable easy life but oh well sometimes stupid people cant see the literally easy life thats in front of their own noses

[@Iconoplastt]

@@JesseyStone That I feel is the whole tragic arc, he failed to see his own limitations. Lived a life of imitation of his father (including the prostitute), lost Meadow and then his life trying to be a copy cat of his father. Also know what kind of ruthless person Tony is, not a great idea to pull a stunt like that unconnected.

[@JesseyStone]

@@Iconoplastt imitation thats perfect bro, yeah he imitated everything and like they say an imitation is never like the real deal, i think at the end with the dude and his daighter he was staying with he was about to start figuring it out, but sadly it was always too late for jackie jr

[@largol33t1]

I feel that Ralph was VERY gently manipulating him. Ralph was trying to help him out a bit by getting Jackie Jr to think about how to "get somewhere" in the future since he had no actual father. He told him about the card game as a way of letting him know there are ways to climb the Mob ladder quickly but they all come with a catch: you could easily get killed. Just sit down, make a plan, get together a few trustworthy buddies who know what to do in times of a crisis (such as if you royally screw up!!) and for fuck's sake, don't get stoned before the actual hit/robbery! It drives home that Jackie Junior was not cut out for life in the Mob. He was too brash and unable to think clearly enough to survive. Even if by some universal miracle he ever got "made," he wouldn't have lasted even a month. Other families would have taken notice of his vulnerable and foolhardy nature and he'd be in a grave before he could get together some actual muscle to rule the streets of Jersey...

[@Iconoplastt]

@largol33t1 Ralphie was a smart guy. I wouldn't put it past him to plant the story very vividly to hope Jackie Jr. would do it and if successful, he would benefit. If he somehow messed up and disrupted the game, Ralphie could have benefited as well. I am sure this is all in the calculus of Ralphie. It's similar to buying a call option on a stock, hoping for a big jump in the stock price.

[@ColinoDeani]

This is a interesting concept... Well done bro... I been watching these videos on Sopranos all day lol.. Great Coverages.. thanks. +1

[@brettmajors69karaoke]

Jackie never had the makings of a varsity mafioso.

[@MrCraiging]

You’re hilarious bro. I love when you laKeep up the great work!

[@gernblanston3363]

I think you're spot-on with Richie simply wanting to be a cool step dad figure for Jackie Jr. Nothing more.

[@macflod]

I been asking this question!! Thanks for the video!

[@frankn.5439]

Ralph didn't care about anyone. He thrived over the misery of others. He just wanted to enjoy making Tony's life miserable by sending Jackie Jr off like an unguided missile and he figured out an angle that put him in a stronger position.

[@otomicans6580]

The best explanation is probably related to one of the major themes of the series: the parents who are involved in organized crime unwittingly set up their kids for anxiety, depression, nihilism, hypocrisy, consumerism, suicide, a life of crime and repetition of past mistakes. You can't teach kids by example when you make your own living through exploitation and violence. "My fatha". So to agree with the point of the video, Ralphie contributed to Jackie Jr's death but didn't orchestrate it directly.

[@dondajulah4168]

Your analysis is missing a scenario where Jackie Jr pulls off the robbery successfully and no one is killed. This causes great embarrassment to Tony and he knows he cannot retaliate against Jackie Jr because it is exactly what Tony did himself. If that scenario plays out, Ralph has one over on Tony being the one that planted the idea in Jackies head. If it goes wrong, the little punk is gone and no one can tie it directly back to Ralph. Best case scenario is a big win while the alternative has some upside and some downside but is essentially neutral. EDIT: In the successful robbery scenario, Jackie is not such a dumbass anymore and has actually earned his bones and is thankful to Ralphie for the tip. He also picks up Dino as someone that will be loyal to him in the future for raising his profile and possibly getting him made.

[@maylabrown4584]

What do you think would happen to Matush? With him becoming a full Associate by association to Jackie Jr. then that means that the Feds never get the drop on Adriana in her club. Meaning that she never dies and likely Christopher doesn't die either.

[@Mav3D67]

Listen Tony wasnt a bitch, jackie jr would’ve still gotten shit for this possibly a mock execution and a sever beating, Jackie’s friends likely would’ve been killed

[@dondajulah4168]

@@Mav3D67 I disagree. Tony even mentioned to Jackie Jr what the difference was between what the two of them did. It wasnt even Tony that was the one that made the call on having Jackie Jr killed, he delegated it to Ralphie. And even then, it was only because his crew (Christopher and Furio) would have mutinied if Tony had protected Jackie Jr. A mock execution with a beating might even be perceived as weaker than simply accepting the humiliation and playing it off like no big deal. In any case, it would put Tony in a very uncomfortable situation with possible long term benefits coming to Ralph.

[@dondajulah4168]

@@Mav3D67 and Ralph really isn’t taking into consideration the consequences to JJ to determine his actions. JJ gets the crap beaten out of him, he can spin that to his advantage. Ralph was really the only character that had everything necessary to rise to the highest level in the life. Ralph knew this and so did Tony and it was the key dynamic in the relationship between the two.

[@dandavis8300]

It was actually a very big deal that Jackie got killed and Tony blamed Ralphie. Tony gave him back the gun he'd given Jackie to say he knew. It was one of those little things taken together got him whacked.

[@JesTheBarber]

Just found this channel and I love it!!! Keep it up!

[@adamdvorak3483]

this video should be called “the roast of jackie jr” lmao

[@tysonboy1980]

You do a great job breaking the show down

[@CineRanter]

Thank you

[@frankl3518]

Ralphie didn't set him up purposely. He wanted to give Jackie a pass and it was Tony who made the call. He was in a daze after leaving Satriales ( partly because Tony called him out too ) after getting the " timely fashion " order.

[@manuelestevez3982]

Ralph was the kind of guy to shoot off at the mouth for no reason, and forget what he said the next day. He didn’t even remember saying the joke about Ginny.

[@johnnyboyspero5470]

Ralph is a straight up psycho. From beating pregnant Tracy to death, abusing people from swinging chain at bartender to killing horse to his sexual fetishes to laughing at Sil slapping his girl to call to Paulies ma

[@summer-west]

Jackie could only come up with “poo” and “ass” and didn’t understand “oblique” is a word in the Scrabble game. He wasn’t much of a thinker, robbing charity events and shitting himself, then graduating straight up to robbing armed, experienced killers sitting at a table where you can’t see their hands or what they’re reaching for. Plus Foolio was there…. it was a suicide mission. I bet Chris recognized the poop smell and solved the mystery. Dude was doomed. Ralph just helped him find his destiny quickly and with less pain than getting his head trapped in a sewer pipe or being pecked to death by toucans.

[@kukoodabagabonez9029]

Ralphie was just trying to impress Jackie Jr.

[@alexmuenster2102]

Jackie Jr. is explicitly shown to be one of the stupidest (low-I.Q.) characters on the show. In addition to that, he is also shown to be one of the most entitled. Ralphie is quite obviously the most-intelligent character on the show (is *never* guilty of a malapropism). Ralphie thus correctly sized up Jackie Jr. and could tell what *exactly* would trigger him to do something foolish.

[@Jondave]

Flawless analysis, CR!

[@zacrusk5274]

I always got the feeling Ralph told Jackie that story to impress Jackie and his friend. Love the theory though, very interesting

[@johnlewisbrooks]

If Ralphie wanted him dead just send him to another penguin exhibit. Make it 3 inches of water next time around.

[@whitexicano2597]

Love your videos, great analysis

[@vernefits1953]

i think Ralph just wanted to inspire Jackie in a good way

[@jimmyrocco52]

i recently heard david chase say that he wantd ray liotta for ralph.i just cant see tony smackin him in the mouth or janice doing him with a "device". i dont thnk ralph set up jackie- i just thnk ralph was being a big mouth and he didnt always thnk before he spoke.great vid as usual brother!

[@bigjohn3928]

He actually wanted Ray Liotta to play Tony...Ray declined

[@jimmyrocco52]

@@bigjohn3928 correct! then later david wantd him for ralph.look it up.

[@donutguy1281]

2:32 LMAO, perfect comedic delivery

[@giveme_10]

Ralph knows he is somewhat responsible but it was not his Intention I agree w u. Nice vid! Btw the characterization of Ralph is 100% on point - well done.

[@ximbabwe0228]

The scrabble background footage 🤣

[@jaquanegreen1138]

Ralph is the Starscream to Tony's Megatron. (Only 80's babies will get this outdated reference)

[@Edfiki86]

Oh shit, Ralph knew about Vito.

[@415fillmore]

Can you imagine, robbing a card game, 1 week later you get whacked?

[@wellsborie6897]

I think it's a pretty reasonable to assume Jackie Jr would rob the game after hearing a cool story about how his dad and Tony rose the ranks quickly. It's also pretty reasonable to assume that he would fuck it up

[@sonnyooo338]

Great video !!!!

[@shyguy9615]

I always thought that Ralph told Jackie jr the story with good intentions. I thought he wanted to see Jackie Jr. do something crazy and get noticed like Tony and Jackie Sr. I feel like if he was setting Jr up, he wouldn’t have debated on whether or not to whack him. If he set Jackie up Ralph would’ve acted outraged and demanded that he be whacked right away

[@a1duzit]

Hell yeah you made the best point. I mean i had already put it together but no platform to put it up

[@ssvensic]

That's surprising, since Ralph knew who his faaaatha was

[@LEARSIKCIGAM]

Ralph never thought past his dinner.

[@warrenkimble4578]

Awesome shows bring more episodes on 👍😃

[@Bulldog_skin]

Ralph reluctantly agreeing to sanctioning a hit? Tony obviously wanted Ralph to give him a pass. Ralph wanted Jackie dead for whatever reason. Ralph was a psycho.

[@sean5558]

I like how Chris momentary looked pleasantly surprised and maybe impressed it was Jackie, if only he didn’t do crank before

[@jomac1254]

Would of been legendary if Ralph had clashed with richie

[@juhi2652]

theres actually a scene in amour fou where ralphie tells rosalie about jackies 'coke addiction' and he actually lets several silent tears out. check it out if u dont believe me, the lighting makes it hard to see but theyre definitely there. i only noticed on my 6th watch of the series lol

[@chriscranston7189]

You missed something you should rewatch. Tony and Ralph talked and Ralph acted like he was gonna give him a pass then he turns around and wacks him because he's a psycho and Tony and him pretending to give a shit was just that pretend. Tony was surprised that Ralphie smoked him. Psychos don't really care and there emotional connections can be tossed because there not real connections. Ralph didn't care about Jackie and didn't even register the pain he created in Jackie mom until his kid caught an arrow with his chest

[@MUFC1933]

That’s your best one yet 👍

[@franktreppiedi2208]

It was the coke. It's everywhere in Miami.

[@Michaelkayslay]

Thanks dude, I didn't actually know who Jackie Jr's father was, it wasn't even mentioned. Thanks for spoiling it

[@nachoxsupreme1444]

Great analysis as always! Would love to know your thoughts about whether or not Tony S orchestrated some of the events leading up to Tony B deciding to rejoin the family. It seemed too coincidental.

[@bareforbiddenlighterz6552]

i think Tony respected his cousins decision, he would have been useful and probably a good earner but he was also very smart which could be dangerous and maybe he just wanted a normal cousin and friend like Artie? i think Tony B's story was more about him making the choice himself - remember when he finds that bag of money someone throws out a car the first thing he does is buy a gold suit and lose it all gambling rather than invest it into his business!

[@SECRETSOFWAR9]

I believe Tony chose Ralph because he felt threatened by how popular he was with his crew. He gave Ralph the choice to spare Jackie jr but that would have created resentment among Furio and Cristopher and lose face with his crew. tony wanted his hands clean , they both could have had black guys clip him but vito did it because he wanted the props for doing it.

[@opaljk4835]

“I don’t even remember saying anything…there was a lot of hot chocolate that night”

[@lakemontysee7296]

your little nods are very funny

[@tam310]

Jackie Jr wanted it one way, but it’s the other way.

[@rossmiller5929]

It was Tony that gave the final order (without actually saying it) when him and Ralph were in Tony's car and Tony tells him to deal with it. When Ralph says "this is Roasalie's kid" and Tony replies "you were going to give him a pass, but more important than than the decision itself is that it's done in a timely manner". Jackie's fate was sealed after that conversation.