What if Jackie Aprile Sr was alive when Richie got out?

In this episode we will discuss the scenario of Jackie Aprile Sr being alive when Richie got out of prison by first taking a look at the timeframe right after his release, including things such as his attitude, entitlement, perspective and how Jackie's being alive would affect them...before moving on to what Richie wouldve wanted, how Jackie wouldve likely responded and all of the different tensions that would create.
Then we will take a look at any potential long term problems and whether or not the two wouldve coexisted...as well as entertain the idea that he dies shortly after Richies release, and running into Jackie Jr all along the way.

[@daveyboy_]

I'm pretty sure the wouldn't have killed his own brother

[@bullywhispers9544]

Why is that? Thanks for watching!

[@DaveSCameron]

Haha! The fella was a 1st class lunatic 😂

[@andrewcampbell3314]

You never know he might had he been alive

[@heresYoshii]

i agree, cause even towards his impending demise, jackie still had his wits and level-headedness about him. he seemed to be the most rational, calm & collected sociopath in that crew. tony on the other hand...

[@RogueBoyScout]

To be fair, We don't know Jackie Snr policy on drugs. That seemed to be the only really grief Tony had with Richie. If Richie's drug dealing got them all under a microscope, The Commision may not have given him a choice.

[@Pieslops_The_Cyclops]

Richie seemed doomed since he'd only be satisfied with an unrealistic amount of power that he never earned

[@anthonypiranio7409]

I think he did earn it he did 10 years for the family not to mention everything he before he went away and they shouldve kept richie around in the show all tony really had to do was be a little more respectful .

[@Caun-88]

Got a sense that his impulse (not totally unwarranted) to make up for lost time so to speak drove his rash actions and ambition style

[@anthonypiranio7409]

@@Caun-88 most likely

[@tedwojtasik8781]

@@anthonypiranio7409 Ritchie got caught and went to jail, which means he was an idiot from the get-go. Second, his "ideas" are not how it works. When a capo gets out he does not automatically get his crew back, he may have to wait a bit. He had some weird idea he should be back exactly where he was when he got busted as if he had not been gone for 10 years. The world changed quit e a bit in those 10 years and it takes time to figure out the action and who is where etc.

[@Pieslops_The_Cyclops]

@@anthonypiranio7409 Guys are assumed to do their time under threat of death so I don't think he gets a lot of points for that. Tony was right when he said those who want respect give respect and Richie wasn't that guy and at the end of the day he was a psycho (more than the rest) and that's bad for business

[@licmir3663]

We never saw their relationship on screen, nor even discussed in any meaningful way, but taking in account that Richie saved his brother and Tony from being murdered after robbing Feech’s card game and later taking his nephew Jackie Jr as protege seem to demonstrate that they cared for each other. The question is not whether Richie would have been killed, but whether he’d be as a reckless and insubordinate with his brother as the boss.

[@ThorOdinson]

Agreed. I don’t think he would have been. He would’ve been a lot more accommodating and willing to compromise if it was his brother at the top of the heap.

[@HARVEY_1988]

@@ThorOdinsonagreed!

[@roymunson1]

​@@ThorOdinsoncompromise!?!!

[@Buford_T_Justice1]

Richie was a powerful wizard. After all he did turn Beansie into a shopping cart.

[@paulcarpenter7844]

And he did Park a ramp up Paulie walnuts ass

[@mcsquilliams7044]

From here on out

[@joemckim1183]

He also built a ramp right up to his ass

[@schmeltingaccident]

@@joemckim1183Lionel

[@ronalbanesi1594]

Lmao

[@craigsteward1166]

I wish David Chase would make a prequel series on how Jackie rose to the top and his tenure as the Don of Jersey

[@MomMom4Cubs]

As long as Mr. Chase learnt from his previous mistake and rewatches the series again, or at least a highlight reel.

[@craigsteward1166]

Yeah and actually set up events that we see in the main show later on…

[@cynicaltheastrocreep4504]

Another sopranos prequel is not something we need lmao.

[@elmizzox]

What is this the god damn mcu now??!!

[@hexagonproductions2019]

@@elmizzoxFUCK THAT!

[@maxpokebruh27]

I think Richie would still have resentment because of Tony's friendship with Jackie Sr.

[@davidsmyth4184]

It think it's fair to sat Ritchie had resentment for a LOT of things. 😂😂😂

[@phoenixmodellingphotography]

​@@davidsmyth4184 The man had only one true love throughout his life, the one thing that ever made him happy...the one that got away. It was THE JACKKEEETT

[@dr3dg352]

Oh jeez that makes him the Stannis Baratheon of the Sopranos. 😬

[@davidsmyth4184]

@@phoenixmodellingphotography 🤣🤣🤣🤣 don't gimme doze Manson lamps

[@jamesw7072]

@@dr3dg352 When you think about it from their personalities and bigger/younger brother aspect, Richie was more like Robert Baratheon and Jackie more like Stannis.

[@davidsmyth4184]

Ballroom dancing is a legitimate art form.

[@paulcarpenter7844]

What you going to cry Janice I'm not in the f****** mood

[@ronnycollins9125]

That guy was dancing with a hot bitch. His luck with females is greater than a lot of incels’ today.

[@davidsmyth4184]

@@paulcarpenter7844 🤣🤣🤣🤣 put my dinnagh on da table

[@deenman23]

SO WA IF HE WAS A FANUC

[@nickchavez720]

I think Jackie wouldnt have tolerated his brother for long if he acted the way he did. He knew the importance of balancing the needs of all the players in NJ and NY: and given how he is depicted as being an almost perfect boss, something tells me he wouldnt let nepotism get in the way. He would give his brother one quick warning to cut it out, play nice, and something good would eventually come to him. Then if he stepped out of line Jackie wouldve had him taken care of. But who knows. Maybe with Jackie still around Ritchie wouldnt be such a trouble maker. So many problems happened precisly because if Jackie's death. So if he lives then the problems dont happen.

[@lucian6395]

I think Jackie wouldn't of had a problem with Richie, Richie was unlikely to seriously threaten his brother.

[@anthonypiranio7409]

And also richie was probably much crazier before he went to jail so if Jackie was good with it then why not now.

[@bigdaddytrips6197]

I don't think Richie would of acted the way he did of his brother was still alive . He would of probably been more respectful. Plus his brother would of hooked him up

[@dirklerxstpratt2112]

@@bigdaddytrips6197 *would HAVE". There is no such thing as "would of" even though it sounds similar.

[@ShinM.]

​@dirklerxstpratt2112 language is a living beast. Its purpose is to convey meanings and ideas, as long as you understand the message then it has served its purpose.

[@TheMaxORyan]

Jackie would have just let Richie do shit like sell coke on the garbage routs etc, he would have given him a lot more leeway than Tony did. Because Jackie had the respect of absolutely everyone in the family, he would have been able to keep the peace in a way Tony just couldn't during the show

[@coreyhall1150]

Tonys ego and temper got in the way ALLOT..... Jackie I know he was sick but he seemed like he was level headed and knew EXACTLY how to make everyone happy.

[@oveidasinclair982]

No way the garbage routs was the goose that keep laying golden eggs, no way would he have tolerated coke being sold on those routs.

[@erickennedy3322]

@@oveidasinclair982 word

[@wraynephew6838]

@@oveidasinclair982 no garbage was just their legitimate business. It was not the biggest money maker. Sopranos made far more off of construction and the other rackets

[@oveidasinclair982]

@@wraynephew6838 Constructions was their biggest cash box, but garbage was still worth the effort, if it wasn't a money maker and money laundering tool they wouldn't mess with it.

[@Armageddon2077]

I feel like Jackie Aprille would have cooled everyone's jets a lot more effectively. Part of the reason Tony is so stressed is he's not as good a boss as Jackie, and on some level he knows that. It's the same with Silvio, when he takes over for Tony...

[@erickennedy3322]

Tony was a good boss, he was boss for 7 years. With NY trying take over the whole time.

[@alexmuenster2102]

>>same with Silvio

[@wraynephew6838]

Richie A was the only person that could give Tony S panic attacks consistently.

[@MisterMcKinney]

And black people

[@oopsydaizi3s824]

And Livia Soprano

[@davidsmyth4184]

I think Tony would have been Jackie's underboss. Jackie seems to be the only person that Tony had real respect for. But maybe that was because Jackie was dead. 🤷. I think Jackie would have taken Ritchie out in quick fashion. And probably Jnr too. I might stand corrected, but I don't think any disrespect is shown towards Jackie Snr throughout the whole series. Jackie Snr seemed to have ultimate control of all the crews and the respect of NYC.

[@Dee_hollow]

You think Jackie would’ve killed his own son? That’s dark😭

[@MensaGiraffe]

@@Dee_hollow He said Richie, not Jackie junior.

[@davidsmyth4184]

@@Dee_hollow My apologies, when I said Jnr, I meant Uncle Jnr. He actually might have taken out Jackie Jnr.......out of sympathy. Doubtful, but ya never know.

[@maylabrown4584]

Absolutely, Tony was essentially the Underboss already unofficially under Junior, the only hesitation he had for being Boss in totality was that there was no thunder rod to attract unwanted attention. However, it's odd that there wasn't one already put in place seeing as how it seemed to look that Jackie was Boss for years and years, not even a Consigliere IIRC did he even have a Goomah???

[@davidsmyth4184]

@@maylabrown4584 uncle Jnr was the big Willy

[@saulwalle]

In real life the mob has always been rampant with nepotism. Look at what real life bosses did with their siblings and you have your answer. Richie would've received a stellar welcome and been well taken care of. It's more likely that Tony would've been killed to make way for Richie. Richie didn't want to be boss. He surrendered to Junior. As long as he got to do what he wanted the big seat didn't matter to him. He just wanted to hustle in peace

[@charizardchaser]

Look at what Romulus did to his brother for some hills in Rome.

[@kurtwpg]

Richie would have expected to be Underboss, and figured Junior wouldn't last 10 years.

[@lewisgreenhalgh7546]

He was an interior decorator.

[@davidsmyth4184]

His apartment looked like S*%T

[@LucLB01]

His house looked like shit

[@trevor_mounts_music]

his house looked like shit though!

[@_zigger_]

Next up: Who put the Ojibwe saying on the board at the hospital

[@davidsmyth4184]

You go around in pity for yourself

[@erickennedy3322]

Always wanted too know that

[@thisisnotachannel]

Fuckin' Janice...

[@TheSands83]

Aaron Arkaway did it! Have u heard the good news?

[@sarmatiancougar7556]

You can’t judge Richie for not doing well in a new environment where Tony surrounded himself with sycophants Richie was not used to having a boss overwrite everything he doesn’t personally like It’s entirely Tony’s fault he decided to give Richie a lot of resources but no autonomy at the same time He should have either forced Richie to stay low profile or get used to him Tony essentially reaffirmed Richies high position while openly defying it at the same time This goes for every character he had a beef with

[@davidsmyth4184]

Thanks for a Top class analysis.

[@peteyprimo7173]

Haven’t watched it yet, and I will, but no. Ritchie wouldn’t have been such an asshole if Jackie was still around. The old school guys rarely respect Tony because he’s a legacy boss and never did any real time and is often out of control with his emotions .

[@laurenpeterson9510]

Richie is a goner

[@JackieAprilesr]

Great video! I've always wondered about Jackie Aprile sr. and his history.

[@kylekillgannon]

Jackie has the insight to know how to placate his brother Richie. Not just as a boss but because he's related and has known this man his whole life, he'd be able to lead him on a string just as Tony was doing with Junior. Richie probably wouldn't be acting out nearly as much, but I still feel like he'd catch heat with Soprano inevitably. How long could Jackie go on ironing those two out? Who knows.

[@alexmuenster2102]

>>he's related and has known this man his whole life

[@carlosalegria4776]

It's also interesting to note that the tension between Junior and Tony would be significantly reduced, and Tony and Junior could've gotten even closer. This means that Richie would've been kept in check not just by Jackie, but for the sake of Richie's relationship with Junior, would've been more likely to stay in line because he didn't want to jeopardize that relationship. I don't think Richie got close to Junior JUST because he wanted an ally against Tony in the main series, but because he was old school and saw Junior was going through the same being 'shelved' process. With Junior still with his crew, captain position, and Tony on his side, he would've commanded respect enough to maintain the Soprano name respected, instead of just Tony carrying the name.

[@DaveSCameron]

Another insightful upload young man and well done once again. ☘️ 👍

[@leeroyjenkins6061]

I think Richie would have been totally different after getting released from prison if Jackie was still boss. Richie would have received a much bigger homecoming and been rewarded with alot more on his plate. The other capos would likely have been more generous with Richie in order to gain favor with Jackie for influence within the family. Richie would have been placated by this show of respect and been content with the appearance of power as defacto second in command to his brother the boss. These factors would have appeased both his greed and his ego in the short term allowing him more time to adjust to the balance of power within the family. As a result, Jackie would have far more influence over Richie and would be able to more effectively persuade him to keep the peace. Given the aforementioned scenario, it's also likely that Richie would have been a front runner for boss in the event of Jackie's death. He would have been far more established as a power player and better able to weild his fierce reputation due to a more accurate understanding of the current state of politics within the family. With his seniority, reputation, the support of his dying brother and from other capos pandering for power it's possible that neither Tony or Junior would have disputed his claim to be boss.

[@CIavis]

Bro i’m not gonna lie I saw your video on how much Tony made as soon as i finished the Sopranos. I’ve literally binged every single video on your channel now (besides The Wire because i haven’t fully finished it) and you’ve inspired me to watch The Godfather 1 and 2 just so i can watch your Machiavellian mondays.

[@brianhiggins7204]

One. I love Bully Whispers and think you do a great job with the Channel. Two. Good analysis, and an interesting thought experiment. Three I think if Jackie's still alive and still boss when Richie got out, it would be a great pain for everyone, but I don't think either of them would make a move on each other, and maybe Tony/Junior would have to whack Richie on the down low or pull a Feech La Manna. Four. I think none of it matters. I think in this timeline Richie still hooks up with Janice Soprano and at some point slaps her around and she just kills him. I think in every permutation of these time lines, its still the Sopranos and Janice always ends up killing him.

[@bobby.m136]

I think most of it, as far as what Ritchie would want, would depend on how intertwined there business relationships were from the get-go... they never got into that in the show... but I've been waiting for someone to do a video covering something like this, and most of the things you said towards the end I think where very spot on... thank you

[@paulholman2841]

@Bully Whispers, I believe you largely overlooked the horrible influence Janice had on Richie, when it came to his beef with Tony as the boss. In a way, I kinda felt bad for Richie, because he eventually tried to warm up to Tony, and his family, and was rejected outright (except by Janice). When it came to Beansie, I almost completely blame Tony's ineptitude for Richie running him over, for not having a sit down with them both, after Richie got out of prison, and immediately showed up at Beansie's pizza shop. I believe that if Richie got out of prison, and Jackie was still around, that things would've been a lot smoother for the entire crime family, because he would've heard of, and seen with his own eyes, the powerhouse that was behind his little brother as boss. I don't believe Richie would've even considered making a move against Jackie, and that any problem that arose between Tony, and Richie would've been mitigated by Jackie, very quickly, because they both would've been extremely valuable to him.

[@maylabrown4584]

What happened to Beansie is 100% Richie's fault, I don't see how you can blame Tony for that, facts are that things had changed by the time Richie came out whether Jackie or Tony was Boss. Richie would want things that Jackie honestly couldn't give him no more than Tony could, he'd cause problems left and right and eventually be taken out if not by Jackie's own command (Tony and Ralphie Style) than in an underhanded way (Tony and Johnny Style).

[@TheNavyGonzo]

Just rewatched The Shawshank Redemption last night... I just now realized the actor portraying Ritchie had a small role as one of Adny's prison buddies, with a few lines... Took me a few rewinds to finally put 2 and 2 together

[@yahboymilk4032]

he's also in the Brady Bunch movie from the 90s

[@millardthomas9059]

Damn good topic! It makes we wonder if Jackie Sr was a better boss and his reign was more prosperous/ peaceful. Good topic 👍

[@racea.t6531]

Great content, just subscribed 👍🏼.

[@xplicithiphop5132]

Richie's death was the most satisfying in the entire series. I cut Janice a little slack for whacking him.

[@maylabrown4584]

Better question is was Tony as underhanded as he was under Jackie like he was under Junior? Like did the Captains listen to him even then? How would Jackie have handled Vito being outed? Such an interesting character

[@anthonypiranio7409]

Tony soprano was a really bad boss in my opinion wasn't well liked I don't think accept maybe by sil and Benny but I think everyone secretly hated him.even chris grew to hate him by the end of the show half his guys are flipping to new Yorks side and wanting new leadership. Probably what got him popped in the end along with most of his crew.

[@maylabrown4584]

@@anthonypiranio7409 Yeah he was too emotional was what the problem was, just like AJ after him and like Livia before him, he was basically the New Jersey Equivalent of Phil Leotardo lol

[@natemccollum3731]

A lot of those guys who spent time in the can came out feeling like they were owed something. They came out thinking that the guys on the outside would be appreciative every day for these guys doing time- when in truth, life moved on and they were out of sight and mind

[@MarceloRomero360]

Another classic analysis!! You didn't throw Janice into the mix.

[@jacob31993]

I wish we could’ve seen Tony as a soldier rising up the ranks. Earning his stripes

[@frankmurphy7234]

Hell yes you made a video on my suggestion thank you so motherfuking much I can't wait to roll up a blunt and watch this SHIT

[@andrej4930]

More "what if" videos please. I love those. Some youtubers do that with Breaking bad.

[@williamshakespeare9815]

The other Capos seemed to have alot of respect for Tony even when he was one of them. There wqs a comment when they were at a capos meetjnt eqting lobster that they all listen to him. I could see Tony being underboss and he could have made Richie Consigliere to aopease him.

[@arsenicnuke]

6:30 just made me imagine a GTA IV style intro for the Sopranos

[@renj6531]

I imagine ritchie being contempt and things going down like it went between scar and mufasa

[@devrenhunt969]

Good video

[@jackmoscow9290]

Yes..

[@illmatic1026]

another classic...

[@GuidoLuzzi]

Jackie was only "acting boss" for some reason. which means that there still could have been a power struggle and anyone could have taken him out. Look at the real life Colombo family's last war as a perfect example. Vic Orena was acting boss and he was taken out because he didn't want to be a place holder. It's a TV show but it's still based loosely on actual events

[@deenman23]

isnt vic still alive?

[@vampiresquid]

Orena is still alive. Jackie was acting boss because the old boss, Ercole DiMeo, was in prison. This was mentioned a few times in season 1, but not again and he just sort of got written out without an explanation. There is no particular reason to believe Jackie would have wanted the formal title, as DiMeo didn't seem to be trying to run things from prison, unlike Carmine Persico. Sure, they could have written it that way, but so what? They could write a million things.

[@tedwojtasik8781]

Just an FYI, the show emulates the real life NJ DeCavalcante crime family. As a result, we never see the actual boss of the DiMeo crime family as just like the real life DeCavalcante Family, the Don was in jail. Jackie sr. was the acting street boss as was Tony after him but neither were the boss of the Family. John Riggi was the actual boss of the DeCavalcante Family but was locked up so his acting street boss was actually three capo's who ascended to co-street bosses. In the Soprano's the actual boss is Ercole DiMeo who is in jail, he is mentioned in the first season only then never mentioned again. Many real aspects of the DeCavalcante Family made its way into the Soprano's such as Riggi's original street boss, John D'Amato, was a homosexual. Once discovered they had him whacked. Then Jake Amari became acting street boss until, wait for it...he died of stomach cancer in 1997.

[@MomMom4Cubs]

It would've been a cocknocking mess!

[@paulcarpenter7844]

You should make a video what if Richie met Philly

[@rhys2040]

Richie was getting whacked no matter what. that's the genius of the show. Jackie might of calmed Richie though... but he's the quintessential character with a chip on his shoulder.

[@Zeruel3]

Jackie would have been willing to grant Richie some leeway in carving out a place for himself, maybe try to stick him somewhere he can't cause as many problems after realizing how much of a liability he is. But Richie being Richie he'd push for too much too fast and not care about who he takes it from. That would force Jackie, facing complaints from his capos to put his foot down and make it clear Richie can't get away with whatever he wants. Then Richie would try and play the family card only to realize that no, Jackie is the boss, he isn't going to cave and Richie won't get what he feels he's owed. So he'd try and do something about it, best case scenario he becomes Jackie's Junior and gets sidelined, worst case he ends up buried on that grassy hill

[@benwatts4060]

Yes

[@davidsmyth4184]

Or maybe , Jackie Jnr , because he would have had the guidance of his dad, would've bided his time & drowned everybody in 2 inches of water, taken over the family & with the perfect front, ran a chess school in Boonton.

[@TooLooze]

Chess, Stupida facking game...

[@davidsmyth4184]

More of Michael Rispoli would have been class.

[@bradlott9876]

Michael Rispoli is great in whatever he plays

[@AnabolicAsylum]

I think Jackie would’ve set up Richie as a silent partner with soft power and kept him out of sight. Which would’ve thrown cold water on Richie’s power tripping ego and checked his tough guy reputation.

[@jimmyhook4824]

Junior summed up Richie - "He couldn't sell it. He couldn't f***ing sell it."

[@sir_fapalot]

Richie never liked Tony and was especially mad that he was boss. That's why he kept fucking with him, he never would've done the same if Jackie was boss.

[@maylabrown4584]

Richie did like Tony, before he was Boss, it was only after he had to live under Tony did Richie's hate start festering. Richie was so sensitive that he thought that being unable to talk to Tony on *his time* was disrespectful.

[@browski2123]

this would of been an amazing alternate season 1 and 2

[@marving27]

Janice would still have taken out Ritchie

[@aloneinthedark99]

You're right. He would have hit her eventually and the result would have been the same.

[@MattMorris481]

Don’t forget Richie says I’m old school when Janice kind of floated the idea of him taking over Janice pushed him a good bit.

[@jasongist3791]

Jackie living would’ve benefited Tony the most. He could’ve been his highest earning capo without the attention of being a boss.

[@kemperboyd1209]

Or all the headaches.

[@JohnMoog-ug6bk]

Wasn’t Jackie a street boss while a DeMeo was in prison? Didn’t that guy have the say in this?

[@anthonycastillo7134]

Was Jackie like a trigger for Tony’s anger issues? Iike we know he’s always been angry but after Jackie passes is when things got worse? Just a thought, good video btw.

[@kylekillgannon]

Taking on the responsibilities Jackie had made Tony break. Tony wasn't ready to be a leader, and was happier with his role under Jackie. Tony was always Tony, but the panic attacks and the explosive anger all started coming when Jackie was dying and Tony was dealing with drastic changes all around him.

[@jotaro_kujo488]

I will share my 5 cents I think it's fair to say that Richie would surely not be a consigliere and frankly his position as captain would be shaky. His character and demeanour are very similar to Paulie's, who we can see to not do well as a captain throughout the season since he is just not good at managing people. On top of that, as Junior said, Richie is not respected and soldiers are not likely to follow him even if he is formally made capo. We can see that Richie is cheap, selfish, disrespectful and short-sighted. I believe Jackie Senior also realised it and would not allow Richie to move higher than a low-tier capo.

[@codyjackson5016]

Cool vid What if Jackie was alive and Janice still offed Richey Tony vs Jackie war ? Meadow and Jackie jr become a new Romeo Juliet ??? I think that would be a cool what if story line

[@vortega472]

I think you're confusing family with family, and you're also forgetting what kind of Boss Jackie Sr. (hereafter Jackie) was in his physical prime. Also remember who put Jackie in power in the first place, Ercole DiMeo - who put Jackie in charge of the DiMeo crime family. That has to track even for Richie. First - we know what of Jackie was fair, but the type of mobster and the type of mentality he had dealing with subordinates - the mob who were from NY - and the people who were his *ahem* clients. He looked beefy and tough and he stood up to Feech - so he had presence. I think right there shows that he wouldn't be pushed around by Big Brother and Richie would respect that. Also I think when Jackie died people kind of forgot about Richie so when he got out of prison it was less than stellar for him - but when Richie got out and Jackie was around he would have been in a better position, in such a way he might have been satisfied. Next - we don't know the relationship between Richie and Jackie before Richie was sent up, for all we know they loved each other - but didn't get along. I'm not subordinate to my big brother, I love him but I don't agree with him and I let him know. Hell they might have had sibling rivalry going. Finally, there is no way Junior would have strayed, his father would have saw to that, and there is no way Richie would interfere with another man's son. But these are my thoughts. Oops sorry - good video, made me really think this one did.

[@Cazz8203]

Honestly I believe it's a senseless conversation, considering Richie didn't exist when the character, Jackie, was created. Having said that, I see no reason to think Richie wouldn't be delt with in a much faster decision if Jackie was still alive and in charge. We have no way of knowing because Jackie and Richies relationship, and how close they were, was never mentioned. But I think Jackie and Tony were closer. Which could partially be why Richie didn't think much of Tony....but also Richie would probably resent his younger brother being boss more so than Tony, just like with Fredo and Michael, or Junior and Johnny Boy. These guys can't take orders from their younger siblings without feeling like they're being emasculated. So Richie would probably lash out more towards his younger brother and Jackie would more than likely side with Tony over his brother. And Richies attitude probably wouldn't fly with Jackie. Tony on the other hand possibly tolerated it as long as he did, out of respect for his best friend Jackie. It's difficult to know how these scenarios would play out realistically....because you're dealing with a lot of unpredictable, sociopathic, criminals, who only value family, heritage, and loyalty, when they're trying to conserve their public image.

[@frankdudek6242]

As much as I love the sopranos for everything it is. I do think if the show were called the Apriles and had the same passionate writing and acting it would’ve been just as good. Just different. Don’t take this comment as me being unhappy with anything in the greatest tv series of all time.

[@paulcarpenter7844]

I'm from the old school

[@RaySchwarz.]

Here's a question: how would Tony's father Johnny Boy Soprano have felt about Janice dating Richie Aprile had he lived? What would have happened?

[@mikeyirish214]

It wouldn't have been up for discussion because Richie would have respected Jackie as boss. I doubt Tony and Richie would have even interacted that much as they'd both be capos of separate crews

[@NewYork975]

I thought you’d cover how’d Jackie Sr. would have reacted to Richie’s “mysterious” disappearance via death by Janice.

[@GMLwholesale]

No don’t even have to watch this but still will 😂

[@plaidchuck]

Realistically Ritchie would have run Jackies crew as underboss to allow jackie to be more hands off day to day. With Junior and Tony still as capos i think power would have been diluted enough to avoid any major conflict. All bets are off though if Jackie then died. Still hard to say since they retconned a lot throughout season 1 and 2. I’m surprised we never heard about Jackies father who was still in jail presumably when Jackie died. I’m guessing he was too old to be running things like real life bosses Gotti and Gigante did.

[@billymarino4452]

I don't recall hearing anything about Jackie Sr/Richie's Father being involved in the crime family (though it's certainly possible). I remember Jackie making a passing comment about being "the acting boss when the old man's a guest of the government" but I don't think he meant old man in a "my Father" way. He was talking about Ercole Dimeo, the original boss of New Jersey who was pretty elderly even by season 1. There's no mention of Dimeo being related to the Apriles in any way.

[@jonathanfigliuolo8754]

Junior would have never have sided with Richie - we know that from how that played in the actual timeline of the show... Richie would have been ended the same way that he did in any alternative reality in the show based on that reality, because he "couldn't sell it"...

[@carlosalegria4776]

I think Jackie and Richie would've gotten along. Jackie would've paid Richie proper respect and if Richie tried to strong arm him or tried to act over him Jackie would've put him in his place- Jackie was no pushover and was a street smart guy. I think Richie needed someone to keep him in line, and no one aside from Junior (who he finds neutered from power) with seniority before he went away. Richie would've respected his brother in power- but his little brother's friend (Tony) who and his gang, no. It would've been interesting- I think Richie and Tony could've become allies. Richie was old school. Now, if Jackie died later and the capos wanted Tony, yeah, they would've duked it out immediately. An Aprile dynasty with Jackie and Richie would've been interesting, but then the show would cease to be about Tony, at least on the mafia aspect.

[@Void7.4.14]

I think there's an argument to be made that Tony didn't do enough for Richie when he got out. So it's very likely that Jackie and Richie come to an agreement early on that keep both parties happy. He struggles to respect Tony but he does generally respect the code and wants the Aprile name to shine so I could see em just respecting Jackie's place as boss. If he's happy with his role and respects leadership I don't see a lotta conflict. So it's entirely possible that he ends up being just another guy in the story at that point. But who knows, he may be that cutthroat. I do see him going for the big seat after his brother dies and that I can see being a big source of conflict that he'll probably lose anyway. But I can see a scenario where he's pretty happy and normal.

[@deenman23]

HES ENTITLED TO UGATZ! YOU GET POINTS IN MY BOOK FOR STAYING OUT OF DA CAN

[@lukim2744]

Ooooouuuuu if tony had to cover up richie's murder if jackie was still alive would've been interesting

[@stevescontriano860]

My goodness. Where were you and David Chase needed you.

[@ryanschatzberg4651]

Imo everything we know about Richie wouldn’t matter if Jackie was alive. The same way Tony tried to protect Tony B’s best interests when he got out Jackie would’ve done the same and probably more for Richie, therefore Richie wouldn’t have ruffled feathers by not doing all the things he did in the order he did them. TL;DR- Probably not, but I guess we’ll never know.

[@erics362]

Would he have turned off those Manson lamps? 👀

[@ThorOdinson]

He wouldn’t have needed to. Richie would’ve fallen in line with Jackie. Blood is blood. Not to mention that Richie could effectively leverage that family connection to get the things he wanted when he needed to. Tony was a different matter.

[@Don_of_Dons]

Wasn’t Tony dad the boss of the family. So he died an Jackie became boss and not Junior or Tony. Is that right

[@sketchstevens5859]

Did they ever actually go into who Jackie's underboss and consigliere where?

[@THEAdmiralXizor]

I can't imagine Richie allowing Jackie Jr. into the life at all - it would have been nipped. Immediately.

[@jjroman7658]

Tony oks Jackie Jrs death. Shows how much respect he had for his old friend and boss.

[@wurly164]

Janice stepped in and handled it.

[@llg3pe]

If Richie and Bobby lived, they could have opened a Lionel train store.

[@wraynephew6838]

It is very important to note that Richie Aprile was not respected. Even if hypothetically he wanted to take his brother out (kill him) The other capos would have less respect for a man who is trying to kill his own brother. It is more likely that Jackie would just give Richie the perks that he wants to just to keep the peace and to keep Richie happy.

[@earljohnson50]

Richie would’ve probably respected Jackie way more than Tony but I don’t think Jackie would’ve tolerated Richie’s antics

[@edwinrodriguez1812]

Jackie would of sent him to Miami. He can hang out with Ralph

[@ricktorres2380]

If Jackie were alive, he would have gotten The Jacket, and he would have appreciated it way more than Tony. After all, Jackie knew the value of looking like Robert Evans over here. 🧥

[@anthonydanna6069]

We don’t know how Jackie and Richie got along. Maybe Jackie was able to control his brother, maybe Richie resented his brother for being the boss.

[@justinpigg1694]

I wish Jackie would have made it to the end of season1

[@wanmanrmy]

Jackie would have had Richie as his right hand man because real blood family is much more loyal and important for a boss - look at how many families had a leader with relatives in high upper positions in the family. If Jackie is still boss when Richie is released then Richie likely ends up being consiglieri or underboss - maybe even running things day to day on the street for Jackie to insulate Jackie (while placating Richie’s ego). That likely also puts a lid on Richie’s resentment towards Beansie, Tony and others. Richie might get jealous of Jackie if Jackie is the boss but he wouldn’t make a move on him like he tried with Tony.

[@kirandarai8534]

Great hypothetical

[@identityMF]

I love the channel, but hate the name bully whispers. Why the change? And why bully whispers?

[@danielkelegian5306]

He would have been Boss, not Tony when Richie got out. He would have given Richie what ever was needed for him to earn.

[@tylerdurdenthethird1796]

Brother or not in the end i dont think Jackie would accept Ritchie to undermine him , he would either have ti accept anf understand that his brother is now the boss and cause no trouble bcs he really shouldnt claim much after release ( just like Paulie said ,, in my book you win points if you stay out ,, ) , so either he stays under his brother regime or do something about it but Jackie wont accept and prob wont tolerate any move from Ritchie

[@renefranzen1509]

Yeah he does look like a Tony Montana sounds like the subtle until he gets mad

[@Komarekdav]

Jackie would tame Richie, Uncle jr would tame tony. Richie would eventually become a problem and there would be the drama for a few series. In effort to teach the audience how the Mafia really works? Jackie takes sides with the Sopranos after learning Richie was talking with NY for support in taking out his brother, Uncle Jr, and Tony. After Richies whacked Tony learns Jackie was very close to siding with his brother and possibly NY in taking out himself and Uncle Jr. Tony has a panic attack but thank goodness for Tony, Uncle Jr tames him again “ Jackies the Boss! A Boss has higher up conversations all the time they do what’s best for the family that’s it! Leave it alone!” Hit me up if you want more!!!

[@daltonstephenson7669]

Tony never got a head of it. Jackie could’ve play Rick G as pointman over the Aprille crew, and thrown Richie a bone somewhere whether it was putting Benzie in his Kik, going forward, kicking him in the Nutley route, adding another soldier to his crew, giving him a piece of the construction, working with him more on the gambling, and just directing him better. Richie was a thug, but he hit the streets running to being an earner.