Why You're Wrong About Richie Aprile | The Sopranos

The Sopranos follows New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano, and in season 2 Richie Aprile is released from prison and becomes an instant nuisance for Tony.
Many Sopranos fans consider Richie to be the scariest character in the show - violent and uncontrollable, he is considered a liability. But in today's video, as I've done with several characters like Ralph Cifaetto, Phil Leotardo, Bobby Bacala, AJ Sopranos and Carmine Jr, I wanted to argue the case for Richie, and show why he isn't as bad as people make out.
#thesopranos

[@mfdixon1985]

I've always had a great deal of sympathy for Richie. Getting shot to death is bad enough. But getting shot to death when you're in no mood for it, I just can't imagine that horror.

[@paulray494]

😂

[@DaveSCameron]

​@@paulray494 Ikr! Fella was an absolute manic 😂😂

[@paulray494]

@@DaveSCameron for real. the Beansie Abuse was enough for me…DAMN !!!

[@anthonypiranio7409]

​@@paulray494 yea beansie just would not leave Richie alone.

[@johnr797]

​@@anthonypiranio7409 shoulda just given him a soft drink of choice and kept his mouth shut

[@phil-Leotardo.171]

Where's Why You're Wrong About Billy Leotardo video? 47 years old, he was just a kid, yet you disrespect our proud Italian heritage by not doing it.

[@lucianoleopoldo7445]

Whatever happened there...

[@slaintemhath2222]

@@lucianoleopoldo7445 He tried to talk. He couldn’t even say his last words!

[@gregoryporch8395]

Tell us why we're wrong about that animal Blundetto.

[@danielbergonzi7319]

Said the Persian. 🙄☕

[@JakeandElwoodBlues]

You still compromising with the radiator?

[@djpuplex]

"There's guys in the can that look better than Janice" 😂

[@redlion45]

You mean Parvati?

[@Fghgff667]

@@redlion45what is she, a cheese now?

[@robertlee4172]

There's a lot I can say, that I'm NOT gonna say.

[@zxylo786]

​@@robertlee4172Fuck it say it! Who gives a fuck!

[@Professor__S]

Ritchie wasn't the same after doing time at Shawshank😂

[@blackfox4138]

Richie was actually extremely reasonable during the whole David Scatino situation. He told one of his players he's not allowed back in the game until he pays him back in total (even giving him back his 7.7gs back for being 3 cs short), then he sees him playing at a much bigger game without his knowledge. Richie was fully within the right there. The issue Richie ultimately had (and this extends to just about everyone who did time in prison) was that he couldn't adapt to the new way of doing things. Richie remembered la Cosa Nostra as a brotherhood. A place where all these sociopaths and psychopaths looked out for each other and made a little money. But during the time he was away, the feds had cracked down on it so hard that it really did become an "every man for himself" pyramid scheme. People like Richie, frankly, no longer had a place in the mafia because guys like that ended up getting everyone else in trouble.

[@bhillboy37]

You don't flex on him at the game. The game ended because of it. Had he went to Tony and said "I'm gonna wreck him" privately... he would've gotten away with it.

[@seriousreport6743]

Phil was the same

[@ststst981]

It's also a problem with Tony as a boss. He really had no care for his guys and would kill them or screw them over when it was wasnt sanctioned

[@CruzCGK]

U don’t mess up a big game for that tho, he could’ve just went and told tony, also with tony being his boss he should’ve already told tony that a friend of Tony’s owes him money

[@geedee1264]

Yes, the Shylock business of loansharking and making people indebted for their lives is known for its reason and candid honest nature, like everything they do, I swear sometimes...

[@vespasian606]

I remember when he shuts Davey out after he comes up short. He actually gave him some good advice. So when he finds out he's talked his way into Tonys game and is $45k down I can see his point.

[@saulwalle]

It was a good point poorly made. He disrespected the boss's game in front of other made guys, associates, and even civilians and Tony didn't even know about the whole thing. Richie should've kept his cool, pulled Tony to the side for a private conversation, maybe requested a sit down. Probably would've gotten all his money and then some

[@Ar1AnX1x]

@@saulwalle that's a thing I see a lot in Game of Thrones as well(Seasons based on the book, 1-4), everything is grey, nothing is black and white, everybody have some good points, some bad points, redeeming qualities, horrible qualities, and most people in real life just like Tony Soprano eventually end up changing for the worse even while sometimes trying to be better.

[@princegobi5992]

@@saulwalle you are viewing this from the logic of Tony soprano, not the logic of the audience. We know that Tony actually didn’t care about the debt owed to Richie, and was obviously much more interested in the money he could gain through the debt accrued from his own game. Richie does explain the issue, and Tony gaslights him out of his own interest.

[@JohnnyRico118]

Davey was always a dumb fuck though, wasn't he? Didn't he almost drown in 3 inches of liquid metal?

[@jbach7274]

Richie was seeing it at being owed 7k, we see it as Davey owing Tony 45k + Richie another 7k. Tony was seeing it as a way to bust the guy out, and garnish more double both amounts owed all together. Can't blame Richie though, because he was probably under the impression that this was Tony's actual friend that he wanted to keep out the fryin pan. Probably didn't see at first it was gonna be a bust lol (Richie blowing up at the card game was a huuge no-no. Those card games have civilians at them, ones that are doctors, literal rockstars, and just people that are well respected in society. That was a massive mistake on his part)

[@drscarecraft8840]

One of richies worst things he did was bringing Jackie jr into his business, His brother made it clear that he didn’t want that life for his son, yet he didn’t seem to acknowledge that

[@andrewthompson4228]

True. He knew Jackie jr was stupid, blood related and had some respect amongst the others because of Don Giacamo.The perfect disposable idiot to have working for you.

[@vlad_47]

Guy was 10 years in the can. Wtf is he suppossed to know about it? Jackie was his nephew and fresh blood who was eager to participate like so many other such young guys, so Richie didnt stand in the way.

[@drscarecraft8840]

Yeah, but still knowing that Jackie didn’t want his son to be in the mob, he’s effectively disrespecting his brothers memory without knowing, I’m surprised Tony didn’t reprimand Richie for it

[@Kromsmitesyou]

He's the kids uncle, his blood. Nobody forced Jackie's dumbass into the life.

[@morganhealey3449]

What really did him in was punching Janice in the face lol

[@TheCman183]

“Who does the hanky panky with Janice with the lights on anyway.” Had me dyinggggg 💀💀💀

[@cosmicskates7721]

Janice is a brat lol but in my opinion Aida Turturro is absolutely gorgeous!

[@theripper121]

@@cosmicskates7721 You are probably in the minority brother...

[@zareththealchemist8982]

@@cosmicskates7721 Is that you Johnny Sack? I know you're a fan of the big girls ammirite?

[@diligentsun1154]

I'd 'stop by', for some lasagna. After sundown, of course. And I'd probably take a cab or ride my bike directly to the back door. And I'm definitely leaving at sunrise. Ya know, like friends, kinda...

[@GeoffreyFonseca]

Don't worry about him...talks behind a screen. Aida Tuturo is decent pretty

[@loganerb3952]

I think Richies biggest mistake was getting with Janice… you can see how she manipulated him to move against Tony and be more bold… without that nagging voice I think things could have ended a lot differently

[@paulray494]

he beat Beansie near death before he got with Janice again. he was on a collision course with what he ended up getting.

[@OlgaSmirnova1]

Janice

[@paulray494]

@@OlgaSmirnova1 thank you.

[@loganerb3952]

@@OlgaSmirnova1 my b!

[@Bongwater33]

Janice was the one who truly inherited Johnny sopranos vicious nature, if she had been born a male, she would have been a natural in the mob hence the way she was always trying to manipulate her men to be more ambitious and violent.

[@tacitus6384]

It was the jacket that really pushed him over the edge. I gave a gift to someone IRL that was of great sentimental value to me, it meant a lot, and so my passing it to them was a big symbol of affection from me. To then watch that person then not give a toss about it and pass it onto someone else is beyond insulting, it's like they're throwing *you* away, it hurts so deeply.

[@saulwalle]

I felt like the jacket was actually a subtle dig and a gesture of disrespect. Think about how the jacket came into Richie's possession. He mentioned all of that when he gave him the jacket. I thought it was his way of saying "don't forget that I was doing real things when you and my brother were still punk kids and i have never backed down from so called tough guys and I'm not scared to take on the biggest toughest guy". He even comments on the fit which is basically saying "it wouldn't be the first time i knocked out someone your size".

[@tacitus6384]

@@saulwalle I think it's like a psychopath giving a trophy he took from a victim, as a gift to someone else. Those trophy's have big emotional and sentimental value to lunatics like that, so when they gift one, it's a big deal from them, as sick as that sounds.,

[@paulray494]

healthy people give a gift and forget about it, it’s gone and it was a GIFT. anything else is a bribe.

[@dam11232]

And to the husband of your maid, no less. I'd be like "bruh, its disrespectful to see plebs walking around wearing my gifts, I cant be associated with that".

[@paulray494]

@@dam11232 shoulda gone Goodwill

[@BruhmomentMomentovik]

Can you imagine that? Hating Richie then one week later you are wrong about him

[@ukraine_tbic]

Can you imagine that?

[@alyssarichardson2544]

@@ukraine_tbic Hating Richie then one week later you are wrong about him!

[@srb2591]

You're looking at Richie and he's starring at his jacket in the mirror

[@jackwalsh6758]

He's in no position to go into unknown not knowing.

[@FunkBastid]

@@alyssarichardson2544 Hehehehe. You hear what I said, Ton? I said, “Can you imagine that? Hating Ritchie then one week later you are wrong about him.” Hehehehe

[@richardclegg5853]

David Proval, how did he go all those years without becoming a major star. Easily one of the most believable gangsters ever.

[@littlekingtrashmouth9219]

He was great in Mean Streets

[@buffalopatriot]

He was also very good in ‘Shawshank Redemption’.

[@br3akstuff]

@@buffalopatriot Such a small role but so important.

[@SiccDeville]

it was weird seeing him on Everybody Loves Raymond

[@dominicp9296]

Hes great in all his roles every movie I've seen him in for sure

[@fogdiver]

A "thousand yard stare" implies he appears unfocused & lost in thought. Richie has a *one* yard stare - unflinchingly focused.

[@rockybullshite927]

Yeah, that’s a good point. He’s got a lot of moxie like that.😂

[@vlad_47]

Richie was the real deal. Tony could barely keep his panic attacks in check after confronting him.

[@entezami777]

thats for sure

[@JazzFunk22]

Richie was a funny guy 🧑‍💼

[@tymorgan8181]

Funny how how is he funny!? 😂

[@godfather4377]

Richie wasn’t the real deal. No one liked him and was always marked for death.

[@vlad_47]

@@godfather4377 Well its not a fucking popularity contest. As Junior said" "things could have gone different my little nephew"

[@danieljohnson2005]

Of all the characters in The Sopranos, I think Richie is the one I’d be the most anxious about meeting in real life.

[@54321dmsk]

Yeah. He's not physically intimidating in any way or do I think he's necessarily skilled. But psycho goes a long, long way.

[@Delightfully_Bitchy]

Richie would be the guy who'd freak me out on the first meet and have me stepping on eggshells immediately if I couldn't slip away. Ralphie would be the guy who'd either unnerve me or make me laugh, and then terrify me the rest of my life after I'd randomly hear a story about him.

[@johnnymoondog9474]

I like-a da tripe so I'd be safe.

[@yaqubebased1961]

Hello

[@Arminsaf2]

He’s from the old school

[@EricPetersen2922]

David Proval in real life is the nicest guy. He’s a amazing actor, he can do “Scarface” perfectly. Also my favorite on Sopranos. Great video 😃

[@jakehansen3418]

Hahaha was gonna post something similar I've met 4 sopranos actors in real life now and he was the biggest shock as far as how nice he was he even let me video chat my friend so he could say hi really was down to earth. Also in real life he doesn't seem scary or intimidating at all that's how you know he's a great actor.

[@EricPetersen2922]

@@jakehansen3418 funny you mention that. I’ve met lots from the Sopranos. Meadow-I was at her wedding actually. And about 3 or 4 other main characters. A few more bit part actors as well. I live in LA, so meeting notable people happens often. Steve Schirripa is who I’d like to meet the most. I almost met James G through Proval, we had a dinner set up and it didn’t happen. About 6-8 months before he passed. That would have been amazing. All the cast I’ve met from that show(more than any other show-by coincidence) have ALL been great people-not nose in the air types. Every year or so I watch every season and pick up on something new. A few years ago I realized I had met Beenzy(spelled wrong) at dinner one night, after he had passed away is when I realized that. Was at Ago on Melrose at the bar, we spoke for 15-20 minutes. He was in “The color of money” a great Tom Cruise Paul Newman movie. (Sorry for the poor spelling) Fun topic-great times! We need a new show so good!

[@hippipdip]

He played a rabbi on one episode of the west wing and it blew my mind when I realized it was the same guy maybe the 4th or 5th time I saw it.

[@jakehansen3418]

@@EricPetersen2922 that's really cool and yah I've watched the series now probably 100 times and everytime I catch something new or get a new outlook on the characters it's such an awesome show. And no problem I'm sure I've made a lot of grammar mistakes too lol.

[@DaveSCameron]

​@@EricPetersen2922 Good on you meeting some fine folks 🙏

[@MagnumTriumph]

When Richie refused to lend any more money to Davie until he "caught up", I felt that was probably the nicest thing he's ever done lol

[@seanjohnson637]

What the difference the guy already own him alot of money which he can never paid plus the juice the vig adding up so why tie up more of his money hes already got him

[@taco4242]

I have always loved Richie as a vilian. He's terrifying, unpredictable, and not as dumb as people think. I don't think he's sympathetic. But he's a very effective vilian for season 2.

[@br3akstuff]

@keno2285 Ppl do not understand that antagonist is not the same as villain lol

[@elihathaway5709]

Richie is actually one of my favorite characters in the series. You touched on all the reasons why. Especially the catch about he stays respectful with civilians.

[@cosmicskates7721]

Not all civilians lol remember when meeting up w Tony @ The Sharper image in the mall & Richie blew a gasket cuz some kid bumped into him and spilled fried rice all over him! 😆

[@mosthatedny2243]

He’s actually my favorite character

[@mosthatedny2243]

Richie was my favorite

[@aaronweyl2272]

I don’t like him as he’s such scumbag due he desperately want to be made-man. However, only thing like about him was he was smarter and quite scary.

[@bajorekjon]

Unless you owe him money then he will hunt you down like the terminator

[@das81]

Mike Palmice deserves a video. That guy was manipulating Junior all the way.

[@denniscat9395]

i enjoyed it when he was whacked just for killing brandon

[@denniscat9395]

@@rdujzafir he was pissing in juniors ear about tony so there was payback for that as well. livia signed brandons death warrant and of course chris' mock excecution

[@yeahman.9262]

@@denniscat9395Mikey wasn’t that bad. He just got caught on the losing side of the mob war.

[@chromegnats]

“Manson lamps” is still the funniest dig in the entire show for me. Richie is one of the best characters in the entire show for sure. Good video.

[@ogworker72]

Richie is first and foremost an old school guy who believes in omerta, and respecting the elders, and credit where it's due. He also expects respect and credit where it's due for himself as well. He's not big on mind games, he just follows the code to the best of his ability. The difference between Richie and Christopher in regards to physical abuse is also under different circumstances. Ritchie had tremendous difficulty coming to terms with his son's sexuality. Janise was pushing his buttons, and Ritchie lost control. I wanted to see more of Ritchie, however his death on the show was also a great "oh shit" moment, and gave all the fans something to talk about.

[@tanveerhasan2382]

_Very allegorical_

[@Stoigniew666]

Janice is such a goddamn vvoman. She just CANNOT HELP HERSELF to push the "wrong" buttons. She was not that stupid. She KNEW it would trigger him. But she did it anyway, but then IT'S THE MAN'S fault that hes a-usive. Of course the vvoman is an INNOCENT VICTIM.

[@denniscat9395]

he brown nosed junior. i not sure if uncle junior really played ritchie. uncle june placated tony imho

[@TheLoyalOfficer]

I never hated Richie, I was just absolutely terrified of him.

[@joeyg2860]

Having penisary contact with Janice’s volvo is always a mistake.

[@nilstrobaggia735]

lol

[@cade377]

I think the reason Tony smacked Dave Scatino around when he didn't pay up was because Dave would always try to play on their shared childhood to get out of those awkward situations. Tony just wasn't having it.

[@andymoore9892]

Why did Tony treat Richie like that? *Because he's the muthafuckin' fuckin' one who calls the shots!*

[@actuallynotsteve]

Loved this line

[@ChinDulles]

That's one if the best lines ever

[@actuallynotsteve]

​@@ChinDulles Ritchie don't think it be like it is, but it do

[@fritzforsthoefel8031]

And don't ever forget it

[@markmcintosh1528]

He not the shot caller The kid who spilled fried rice over ritchie is the real gangster

[@mookie2637]

One of the greatest Tony moments when, fresh from planning to whack Richie, he walks into the house to see that Janice has just done the job for him. There is just the tiniest of smiles when he realises that sometimes good luck comes in twos.

[@ShaunHopkinsAVFC]

So perfectly acted. No horror movie villain (or real world one) ever seemed so menacing in a real sense as Richie Aprille did. By the way, you did one hell of a job selling Richie in this video. This may be one of your best.

[@pagodebregaeforro2803]

what exaggeration...

[@christopherfritz3840]

ROGER THAT. Definitely this video had me completely reversed at my interpretation of him..

[@das81]

Richie was even worse than Ralphie.

[@ShaunHopkinsAVFC]

@@pagodebregaeforro2803 Opinion noun a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

[@geedee1264]

No seriously mate, it's acting, it's brilliant acting but like, being in a room with an actual cut throat killed like say, Lennie Murphy, who is literally about to delight in your torture and murder, would be a lot different

[@MoshTMA]

Richie was one of the most complex characters from The Sopranos. It was suggested he was disturbed prior to prison, however prison maybe made him more of a sadist. Maybe the loss of his brother weighed heavy on Richie, or he felt he was usurped when Tony (who was once under Richie in the ranks) became boss after Jackie died while Richie was away. Also, the disappointment in his own son for not following in his footsteps played a factor in making Richie even more jaded, though he tried to resolve that through Jackie Jr. (unsuccessfully). I agree he wasn’t an intelligent man, but I don’t think he was without honor. Richie did not celebrate Christopher getting shot, even though he was upset Chris hit his niece, and he helped Tony track down Matthew’s whereabouts even knowing Matt might talk and mention him. He was able to co-work the Scatino bustout peacefully even though he & Tony weren’t in good terms. Richie also showed gratitude towards the Soprano family for hosting the engagement party. What seemed to always be Richie’s downfall was his reaction to disrespect; Beansie saying “I’ll step up”, Beansie not showing up at the homecoming party at the Bing, Tony having him meet at a Mall, Dave Scatino being at the executive game, a ramp request, the jacket being given away, etc. He’d have a murderous reaction to disrespect. Where Richie really crossed the line was plotting to kill Tony when he really didn’t have support from anyone of influence, for Junior had no power anymore, and Richie made the mistake of thinking Junior did, which allowed Junior to betray Richie to score points with Tony; but it didn’t matter so much because Richie made another mistake; the mistake of getting serious with Janice Soprano who was seeking a more lavish, comfortable life like the one her brother had, but she didn’t want to put the work into it so instead she thought she could try and influence Richie and hope that he could rank up and make more money that Janice could spend. Had Richie avoided Junior and Janice maybe he would have been a pretty good captain for Tony and earned his trust. But the whole Aprile Crew Curse was born of Tony’s poor handling of Richie Aprile; I think Tony showed a lack of appreciation for how Rich helped in saving Tony from Feech la Manna back in the day, and then giving away the jacket was rude; and he was also disrespectful in how he told Richie not to sell drugs on the routes; Tony was right but how he said it was wrong, so it’s not surprising Richie continued having coke sold on the association garbage route, and no surprise Tony had a panic attack after blowing up on a Captain. But it is an interesting contrast that Tony who went to therapy is the more respected mafia member in contrast to someone like Richie who is “Old School”. Had Richie sought therapy earlier in his life for his issues he probably would have managed disrespect better and benefited, but at the same time I think he used his fearless fighter persona to his benefit as well, as he did accomplish becoming a captain of a crew prior and post prison, but that approach only goes so far (just look at Paulie for instance who is Richie's contemporary; another fearless character who could never be a good boss)

[@mikedeck8381]

Sigmund Freud over here.

[@CoreyT127]

You write eulogies for a living?

[@zareththealchemist8982]

Don't let these two friggin guys bust your balls on the length of your thesis on Richie. As someone who has written screenplays I like your breakdown. You really understand the characters better than most commenters. I grade you with an A+. Salute 🍷😎👍 But you gotta admit, the "Sigmund Freud over here." was a perfect Sopranos comeback. 👊😂

[@valveezy6672]

Well said

[@sspotter1978]

What a great video. An accurate description of David Proval's character, Ritchie Aprielle. He's terrifying.

[@vlad_47]

He's the closest character in that show to how an real mobster acts like. No charming charisma, just pure sociopathy.

[@cosmicskates7721]

​@@vlad_47 for real.😅

[@ConTrollerNorth2]

Richie was scary but it was Tony's cousin who came outta prison (the crazy looking Board Walk Empire guy) that gave me real chills. That dude was sumn' else.

[@Guru-ue2yp]

I agree but one of the dumbest moves in the whole series is when he attacked the owner of the spa.. literally no reason to do that, went on to ruin the remainder of his life

[@ConTrollerNorth2]

@@Guru-ue2yp 10-4, and thats the thing. Dude was an unpredictable psychopath.Thats the reason why he was so dangerous.

[@HowardHughes33]

I think Richie is very misunderstood. He was a bad guy but everyone in that life is a bad guy and he was not as bad as most of the characters in the show. Phil and especially Ralph were much worse. Beansie owed Richie money and was very disrespectful to a man that helped him become a successful businessman. Richie was disrespected by basically everyone. He would have been a great soldier for Tony in his war against Phil.

[@E.C.2]

Beansie was greedy & naive,thinking he was safe due to kicking up to Tony. Ritchie was old school,and he wasn't in prison for so long that you could forget about him. He could've made himself visit Ritchie twice a year,kick up some cash few times a year,and help him set up something,with Tony involved in the talks,once he was released. These boys were hardcore selfish with zero idea of a brotherhood/family. It's why they lost all momentum authority power and sense of being an immigrant. They had been in America for so long,they were officially the cutthroat backstabbing capitalist businessmen next door.

[@fritzforsthoefel8031]

Tony should have disappeared Ritchie when he disobeyed tony selling drugs on garbage routes

[@denniscat9395]

they both made money from pushing heroin but beansie put his money into his sandwhich bar. beansie didnt owe richie anything. richie was just unlucky being caught

[@fritzforsthoefel8031]

He kept quiet did his time while beansie prospered it would have been prudent mabey give him one of the three restaurant s he owned

[@brucetucker4847]

@@denniscat9395 There's the way things work in the straight world and the way things work in the mob. In the mob, Richie was a made man and he gave Beansie, a mere associate, his start, so Richie owned a piece of anything Beansie did from that point on, criminal or not, even though Beansie made that money all on his own. Everybody is expected to kick up, and nobody ever gets to cut their ties with the mob without buying their way out. Even after death they expect a piece - remember the guy who wanted to sell his late father's sanitation business that Tony had a piece of, off the books of course.

[@automaticmattywhack1470]

Richie was too ashamed of his own son Rickie (Rick) because he's a ballroom dancer so he tried bringing Jackie Jr into the business and couldn't see that Jackie Jr didn't have what it takes to make it. I think you're right that Richie just didn't have the brains for being the boss.

[@hithere4719]

He wanted to be a sweet, smart guy, but he compromised. He got shot for smacking the boss’s sister instead.

[@fritzforsthoefel8031]

Smacking a soprano was a stupid thing to do be it man or woman

[@fritzforsthoefel8031]

He almost drown in three feet of water no amount of guidelines would of helped

[@automaticmattywhack1470]

@@fritzforsthoefel8031 Smacking a Soprano was a stupid thing to do be it man or woman....or especially a Janice.

[@fritzforsthoefel8031]

As threating as Ritchie was he was no match for a soprano woman

[@TheJens1981]

Very good video. I actually like Richie and see him as a bit of a tragic character. Yes he definitely has anger issues but he actually tries to do right. And all he gets for that effort is disrespect. I also believe that him wanting to marry Janice was genuine by he definitely has feelings for her. And The Jacket was a real Heartbreaker. I mean ok it didn’t looked that great and was out of style. At least in my opinion but than again what do I understand about Fashion. But it meant something for Richie as a Trophy and memory. And he was adapting to the new situation and New World. He wasn’t as stuck in the Good Old Days as Feech. But from all the characters is Richie the most honest. He doesn’t tell lies and doesn’t pretend to like someone he doesn’t. And for most the time he was very respectful to Tony. And yeah it would have been interesting to know how Richie was before his Prison Release. Like i said i see him as a bit of a tragic character. But he is also one of my favorite characters from the show. And he is also one of the characters despite his Anger Issues who doesn’t kill anyone. Ok he almost killed Beansie and he probably would have killed Tony. But that is another story. But in the end he was someone who wanted to find his place in the world. And who can’t relate to that or the agony of a disrespected gift, or being made fun of. Which Tony did. Not to mention the question in Richie why Jackie was so liked,respected and he so disrespected. Why he was probably in his mind the lesser brother.

[@denniscat9395]

did you notice he was barefoot in livs and johnnys family home - same with noah in tones home - disrespectful

[@JTBY007-iy1zu]

Richie's frustration over his kid brother being so much smarter and more respected mirrors Junior's story.

[@darth3261]

Gotta love the way you integrate the Sopranos memes seamlessly into your analysis.

[@KutWrite]

No... you did sell it. One of the frustrating pleasures of The Sopranos was the characters' complexity, especially their flaws. These often intermeshed, as you pointed out, causing exquisitely tense and violent situations. Despite his diminutive size, David Proval really sold the scary explosiveness of Richie. As soon as he appeared in a scene the squirrels in my stomach STARTED to twirl and tumble.

[@normie2716]

When he shows up, the squirrels in my stomach go quiet.

[@berserk4souls]

Even more so than Ralph, Richie was just too unpredictable and petty. He gives me the creeps. Fantastic actor!

[@FreeOpenTruth]

More unpredictable than Ralphie? No way! Ralph was a cokehead.

[@berserk4souls]

@@FreeOpenTruth there are times you could feel safe with Ralph. Usually in a room full of people. Ritchie would kick up shit like at the hotel room for the poker game. You never knew when he would go off. He didn’t even need any coke.

[@JTBY007-iy1zu]

Richie was desperate and psychotic, consumed by feelings of inferiority. Ralphie was selfish and brutal, but had 50 IQ points above Richie.

[@frazerguest2864]

“and, he does yoga !” 😆

[@joseortega7815]

Downward facing dog.

[@jordil6152]

Rewatching the Richie-arc, I think the jacket was a mixed message: it was a declaration of war, but also such a powerful personal symbol that he was truly shocked that Tony could just give it away. As far as turning over Matthew B., he kinda had to take the reins because he was the prime suspect. Richie was an unstable violent psychopath, and I like that you found some good points. But he had to go.

[@galleryofrogues]

I might feel a tiny bit sorry for him if he wasn’t a psychopathic goblin person

[@darthdaddy32]

Bruhh, you are hilarious with the one liners from the show!

[@Frank_D]

I always liked the character of Ritchie. He's a murderous scumbag like the rest of them, but you could tell a lot of his motivation came from the fact that he felt deeply hurt by his victims, and The Jacket episode really stung because I think we all know how it feels to be unappreciated by someone in authority. I think David Proval did an excellent job portraying the character.

[@franklinboyd123]

Ritchie was too unpredictable. The fact that he had to be talked into following chain of command all of the time didn't help his case. Furthermore, he wasn't loyal. He was always scheming or thinking about schemes. Lastly, his ego was fragile. The guy was constantly getting offended and feeling disrespected. Combine that with his lack of restraint and he's a constant liability. lIn the end, more trouble than he's worth.

[@hithere4719]

You’d be touchy too if you never got tall enough to ride a Ferris Wheel.

[@actuallynotsteve]

Yeah, this is my issue with him as somebody about 1/2way through S2. He's got a fucking attitude problem, isn't following chain of command, and is causing unnecessary bullshit with Beansie due to his ego. Richie is a problem, and is speedrunning his way in to bringing public headaches to the crew. He's insubordinate, and if - in some bizarre world where this was real and I'm Tony - he's getting clipped after the Beansie stuff. If you can't respect the rules and listen to the boss, you shouldn't have a seat at the table. Fuck who you used to be and are related to - don't overstep.

[@BM-wh5qk]

"constantly getting offended and feeling disrespected". Yeah there wasn't enough room for TWO Paulies.

[@valveezy6672]

To be fair he was disrespected quite a bit. It’s how he took it to heart is his problem

[@jackwoods9604]

What He Did With The Pizza Shop Guy Alone Showed You What Kind of Character Richie Was...Psychotic Even For The Mob

[@goread5544]

Psychopathic not psychotic. Big difference

[@jackwoods9604]

@@goread5544 Yes He Was Psychopathic as Well

[@Grandmaster-Kush]

He was the only one that wasn't a complete hypocrite, he knew what they were and what they did, while tony, ralphie and christopher played house

[@ruffastoast8570]

Tony always lets his emotions take over, he did the same sorta thing with Ralph. Granted Ralph did some off the wall shit but Tony kept pushing him, slapping him, not achknowledging his apology he forced him into, not having a drink with him when he made him captain or even telling him he deserved it despite saying behind his back what a good earner he was. Even when everyone else around him is telling him in a round about way he's out of order. He even refrences the art of war when he says something like when your enemy is tempremental, push his buttons. It's as if he backs people into a corner so something has to happen.

[@jamilbelle]

Man did you work so hard to convince me on Richie 😂. Great Job 👏🏽

[@businesssecretsofthepharao8901]

Great video as ever! Interesting theory I heard recently. Our favourite Hasidic homeboy Noah took a restraining order against Caitlin because they hooked up and the order was to stop her from blabbing.

[@Steve-gc5nt]

One of the greatest characters (and actors) on the show. A shame that he got ended so soon into his time on the show.

[@taimur74]

One of the scariest characters of all time .. wished he had lasted more than one season

[@mikec42]

Its sad that even if Richie didn't put Beansie in a wheelchair or make a move on Tony for giving away the -jacket- jaackeeeeet, he would've still ended up getting shot by Janice.

[@andyptv1996]

The thing about these monsters in the show, they all deserve each other. It is easy to sympathise with people in certain situations but every single character deserves what they have coming to them. But this kind of analysis decades after the show finished just shows how great it is. Loved this video btw

[@MartyMar908]

the actor just has these eyes that remind me of my father when he was whipping out his belt after i done acted up 😂😂 bro looks CRAZY

[@FoxEyes]

I always seen Richie as a poor man's Toney Montana 💯.

[@hithere4719]

“In this English-speaking neighborhood , you gotta steal the pizza money first. Then when you steal the pizza money, you get the Member’s Only jacket. Then when you get the Member’s Only jacket, *then* you get Janice Soprano.” -Richie Aprile

[@FoxEyes]

@@hithere4719 good one bro 💯👍🏽.

[@intelligencelimited2708]

I done a lot of meditation on this in the can. RA is a bit like Furio, someone with a hinterland, with other more feminine aspects to them-does Richie's Yoga teacher view him as a psycho? Both of them could get by outside the life, and appear psychologically normal. Can't say that about Paulie, or Ralph.

[@DaveSCameron]

Good shout here 👍

[@BrahmaDBA]

One of the reasons why I bought the idea of Richie being redeemable is the fact that Tony became more and more despicable as the series progresses. When I saw Richie at first I despised him, but after hearing your points and seeing how Tony declines towards an unredeemable monster all the points becomes checklists as to why Tony was in the wrong. Hindsight is key I guess.

[@r3mdh]

Sometimes people just can’t acclimate to life after prison. Richie is one of these people. Time moved on while he was in the can and he was unable to adjust.

[@cqtaylor]

Good O'l Manson Lamps! Screw that guy.

[@sdad6378]

He was an original choice to play Tony. Probably too short.

[@jimsauer2453]

The way that Ritchie did Beens wrong made me want him gone.

[@thehackmusician]

Richie, always felts off for me after several watchings of the series, I've realized that it's because it looks to me like it's a 50-year-old man being played by a 75-year-old man. I thought the only way he can overpower people the way he does in the show is through black magic.

[@SandauxBeats]

Imagine an episode of The Sopranos where Ritchie, Phil Leotardo, Feech and Ralph Cifaretto are all in one table. All are hot headed but I think Phil will still be the boss of these three.

[@tomjones5650]

Richies OK. He'll double your garbage back if you're dissatisfied. 😊

[@asandwell]

CineRanter, this video is the perfect companion piece to your video on Bobby Baccala. Just as Bobby wasn't quite the sweet, nice guy he has always been made out to be, so Richie wasn't quite the vile monster *he* has always been made out to be. *Every* major character on The Sopranos--and even a few minor ones--are exquisitely brought to life through depths and complexities to them. The acting and writing on this show deserved all the accolades they got, and more.

[@garcel1251]

In “the can” he was the woman! I’m pretty sure he was taken in prison against his will…. Which explains a lot about his behavior, bitterness, and decisions …. His power was taken and he spent the time he had trying to get it back, and he can’t say what happened to him so in the words of Tony …. “In the end your left with it all alone”

[@omarhb]

David Proval was extremely believable, one of the best achieved characters in The Sopranos.

[@robertdore9592]

David Proval was absolutely excellent in the Richie Aprile role

[@buckcampbell4292]

Yes. Excellent actor. Horrible character.

[@el_duderino3432]

I’m in aura of this video.

[@raintree3383]

Bobby saying to Jr I am in aura of you ???? 🤣

[@GeorgeMan1999]

Honestly the only mobster you can’t remotely rationalize is Mustang Sally, he’s a POS through and through. Nothing sympathetic, pragmatic, or likable about him.

[@JamesDeBall]

I would love it if you made a video about THE JACKET 🧥

[@mas.f.g9958]

" it's the jacket"..... 🧥

[@masicb]

You were right about Bakala, for Ralf it makes sense, but there is just nothing you can do for this animal. Great work David Proval

[@_zigger_]

1:16 she was a HOOAH

[@joeandthefoxybunch34]

As many times as I have watched the sopranos, I've never felt bad for Richie. I think you make great points though, and it makes me think about Tony's ability to manipulate the audience into liking him. When he goes to therapy and complains about everything, he plays victim, and I can see how an audience would get wrapped up in that and ignore Richie's right to be upset.

[@ryandonovan5205]

I wonder why Ritchie was never charged for kidnapping Kramer and assaulting Weird Al?

[@mondoseguendo6113]

Omg you’re right! That son of a bitch 😤

[@jackcunningham5689]

Richie shouldn't have paralyzed Beansie. He should have warned beansie, at first, and said he wanted his fair share of payback next time he comes by his restaurant, and he won't be as nice about it, next time he comes back, then Richie should have talked to Tony Soprano about Beansie not paying up money that he owes him, had Tony have a sit down with him and Beansie, make an agreeeing arrangement. Richie should have realized, Tony was doing things the way he was doing them, was because the FBI was constantly watching, and Tony Soprano was trying to keep things quiet and unrecognized, and when Richie severely injured Beansie, that is just more evidence the FBI can use against them, especially if someone in the hospital realizes their is something wrong. Richie was way out of control, and should have been talking to Tony Soprano about all his issues, and the people who owed him money before he went away, and handled Beansie differently than he did. He also should have stayed away from Janice, and recognized what kind of person she was a mile away.

[@timorthelame1]

I thought Richie was one of the more believable characters. Ralphie too.

[@devak45167]

Ralph Cifaretto killed Pie-O-My, that’s unforgivable. Dude was irredeemable. Richie is more complex. And I agree the jacket thing was actually genuine I think. From his perspective that was a very generous gift. I think he saw it as an olive branch

[@Melsharpe95]

Richie's biggest failing was not talking about doing time in the can every 5 seconds. Eating off radiators and jacking into socks.

[@hithere4719]

Dude that line would have been terrifying from Richie 😂

[@aribrahim1898]

You've got to compromise

[@hithere4719]

@@aribrahim1898 “I wanted to make love to a woman…I compromised..” **stands on tippy-toes to talk directly into DrinkWater’s ear** “…I learned to understand the plight of women instead…” 😳

[@Entertainment11777]

You could sell, but I think this just makes me think worse of Tony and Janice than really giving sympathy to Richie

[@ploppill34]

Fictional celebrity Deathmatch……Tuco Vs Richie 😂

[@Hondo0101]

Richie Aprile reminds me of certain people I grew up around. Of all the characters he gives me the chills.

[@Fernandolunatoro1]

Richie Aprile is one of the scariest dudes I have ever seen on film. The hardest, most dangerous dudes I have ever seen approximated Richie's 1000-yard stare.

[@shawnking6753]

I loved Richie. Just because of how terrifying he was. Very fun and interesting to watch.

[@jamesmorant1406]

Me to didn't take S--- from nobody

[@BV-Auto]

I audibly cheered when Janice shot Richie. That's tells you just about how much I cared for his character.

[@daveowens271]

You bring up some very subtle, yet very real points that do indeed shine a slightly different light on Richie Aprile. It's nearly impossible to like him, but understanding him is entirely possible. I agree the jacket part was significant. In the old mob, giving a boss a trophy jacket was a big deal. Like a share of the spoils of your enemy. Ritchie really thought he was making a major peace offering. To Tony, it meant nothing. That was the last straw right there. Slapping aside a meaningful gift that said, "you're the boss, Tony" was just too much.

[@ADavidJohnson]

If Tony had re-integrated Richie Aprile into his crew, it also would have gone a long way toward helping re-integrating and getting along with people like Feech and Phil. Instead, Tony’s *need* to dominate and humiliate his enemies even at the expense of pure business sense meant he self-sabotaged and guaranteed he was getting arrested and/or killed.

[@yeahman.9262]

@@ADavidJohnsonThe war with New York would have looked a lot different if Richie was still in the glorified crew.

[@91MoonKnight]

I always found it disrespectful the way Tony reluctantly accepts Richie's jacket as a gift even told him how significant it was to him only for Tony to give the jacket away and treat it like it was nothing. Seeing that would not only hurt someone despite trying to wrap things up but rather make them angry and frustration. I feel like Richie was trying to make the effort to change and be nice however Tony was trying to treat him poorly and intentionally aggravate or put Richie down.

[@stuglenn1112]

Richie was just old school. The main issue was respect. Notice how on their initial meeting Christopher was respectful to Richie over hitting his niece, they had no problem afterwards. Actually from what I could see if you were respectful to Richie you got respect back from him. It was his perceived lack of respect from someone that caused all the problems and yes Tony did a horrible job managing that. Tony could have got a lot from a guy like Richie if only Tony realized respect is a two-way street.

[@ncapone87]

Those who want respect, give respect

[@Grandmaster-Kush]

Tony ran the crew into the ground in one reign so ye he was utterly incapable of leading a crew long term

[@CallofFreaky]

I don’t sympathise with Phil at all, but I did feel really bad when they ran over Phil’s head and it shows his grand daughters in the back seat during the bump. I sympathise with his family, but not him. Or his cousin

[@AdityaKhedekar]

Although the actor playing Richie, David Proval, can be intense and has those penetrating eyes, I still think they needed to cast somebody with enough of a physical presence to intimidate Tony. Looking back on the entire season, it just seems like Tony's repeatedly scolding Richie like he's Tony's little brother because he's just not threatened by Richie.

[@thelargesmoke4197]

"I like big fat men like you. When they fall they make more noise and sometimes they never get up !"

[@no_real_names7156]

He had tremendous moxie for his size

[@54321dmsk]

He was also a baddie in "UHF", got stapled in the face

[@spankflaps1365]

What a brilliant villain! I literally screamed when Janice shot him.

[@round105]

I got one for you mister cr DID FREDO KNOW HE WAS GOING TO DIE It's a terrific story, and we got some youtubers on they payroll!!!!!! They might like a video like that!!!!!! It's not personal cr. It's strictly entertainment

[@OpenMawProductions]

4:01 He ate grilled cheese off the radiator. And got his ass impacted. Nevertheless, Richie gets no sympathy from me. He's out two seconds and he's already causing massive trouble. If he had listened to Tony and taken a breath, he would have gotten taken care of, but instead he went out of his way to be antagonistic to Tony and everyone else in the crew. Whatever happened to him in prison is beside the point. Dude got himself into the trouble hew as in.

[@rtothec1234]

Ritchie vs Phil would have been something. Hand to hand combat, Ritchie would have the edge. But also, Ritchie would’ve killed Vito himself after his unceremonious outing.

[@blue-aardvark6119]

To me he appeared to be one of the most evil and unhinged people in the whole series, he is standing out even in this groups of sociopaths. The pleasure he finds with the imagination to bind a man to the wheelchair, that he life is in ruins, he can never walk again, never have a sexual life again, all that in the grin "no, say never!".

[@tedwojtasik8781]

Ritchie was a psychopath, but with the right boss he would have been a very easily controlled and valuable psychopath. Tony was a piss-poor boss, simply did not have the makings of a varsity athlete. Tony's problem was pride, dude was narcissistic AF and really only cared for himself. Oh he could play the part when he wanted to but he never wanted to with anyone he felt beneath him. Ritchie could have easily become Tony's Luca Brazi, but instead he went full Sollazzo due to Tony's bullshit. Plus homie was into yoga.

[@chillmurray7529]

Only time I felt sympathy for Richie was when Tony gave away his JACKET. ITS THE JACKET!

[@Dan_Ben_Michael]

What I never understood about the Sopranos is when they made a huge deal when Paulie got out after 4 months in Youngstown. It’s barely enough time to take your shoes off let alone make grilled cheese in a tissue or jack off over the radiator. The way they carried on was like he did 20 years not a peep. I gotta worry about a guy who can’t do a drunk’s lagging without complaining. Another question… why is this his song?

[@shadowdoglaw257]

Ritchie has a right to be alil pissed off. 1st off for a man that was so called respected and admired by Tony you would think tony would either have Beansie continue to kick something up to Ritchie being as though he did have a kid who was alive when Ritchie went in or at least put some money to the side for Beansie kicking up to Tony so Ritchie can come home to a nest egg. Ritchie genuinely had a thing for Janice as they used to date back in the day yet Tony was always cracking on their relationship. Giving David Scantino the benefit of the doubt when he was short on the 1st payment. Tony wouldnt even meet Ritchie halfway by splitting the payments with Ritchie owed to him by Davey. Tony was not a pragmatist, but he also was a greedy muthdafucker

[@CallofFreaky]

3:33 the issue with fucking Janice isn’t her looks, it’s her personality, which is much like her mom

[@ptsigas]

I felt that Richie, although defiant at first, slowly began to respect Tony's position as boss. He also paid respects to the Boss , Junior, whereas Ralph was just chaotic

[@marksea64]

Here's a challenge: Why You're Wrong About Matthew Bevilaqua.

[@franciscojuarez6280]

I would have made one change. Tony should have sent Spider to the ghetto to get Richie's head shrunk by one of the Santeria ladies. Then, they should have presented it to Beansie's family in a glass case.