Let’s say GF3 never happened do you think Roth did tremendous damage to Mike despite the fact that Mike technically won their war? Interested to hear your thoughts!!
Thoughtful post, Crusher
And, an original question, at that!
Yes, absolutely agree. Michael "won" in the end by killing Roth. But the cost to Michael was tremendous. Michael had to realize that Roth was winning until nearly the end. Roth exploited his greed for Havana and blinded him to Roth's plot against him. Roth corrupted his brother and forced Michael to kill Fredo. The Tahoe attack, which Roth engineered, failed to kill Michael, but it was the last straw in Kay's crumbling relationship with Michael. He not only lost her, he lost his unborn son. The attack also put in place Pentangeli's betrayal of Michael, and Michael being subpoenaed to appear before the Senate subcommittee. Even though Pentangeli recanted his affidavit, damaging testimony against Michael went on the record--before a TV audience of millions.
That's the story of Michael's life--constantly winning battles, constantly losing wars
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