All of Michael's life after the Sollozzo/McCluskey murders was a conflict between his lust for power and control, and his obsession with being "legitimate." But, instead of simply putting the criminal life behind him and truly going legit, Michael constantly holds onto power and tries to rationalize his behavior by claiming that he's no different than any other pezzanovanti in politics, business, etc. Small wonder that, by GFIII, he's still misleading himself (and trying to mislead others) by claiming that he was "out" when in fact he was still in--by choice. Right at the beginning, Vincent tells him "Zasa knows you're keeping him from rising in the Commission" (and he wasn't talking about the Federal Trade Commission ). Any wonder that Vincent soon embroils him in his vendetta with Zasa? Then he presides over a Commission meeting in Atlantic City--and nearly gets shot to pieces. Surprised? He bribes a crooked Archbishop to get a Papal Knighthood and control of an international real estate cartel dominated by a big-time crook--and is betrayed. Shocked? And he goes to Sicily, conspires with his old friend and protector who's still a big power in the Mafia--and a top assassin guns for him, killing his daughter. Unlikely? Nope. Crime Doesn't Pay.