Americans have been fascinated by outlaws forever (think: Wild West). Today, there's another wrinkle on it: The average person understands that governments and politicians are generally corrupt. Most people know they can’t do anything about that. So, when they see the Mafia ‘getting over’ on the government and the police, it sort of fills a need in people’s mind, who want to see someone… get away with flaunting the authorities who misrepresent the people they serve. A lot of people wish they could do the same, and enjoy the idea of a group of rebels who come and go as they please without fear of repercussion. And when they die, their sins die with them.