Originally posted by Sicilian Babe: As Apple correctly said, both Michael and Fredo were raised in that world and had a grasp of the consequences. Why shouldn't Fredo have understood the possible consequences of his actions?? ... That's what happens to traitors in that world.
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Originally posted by plawrence:
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Originally posted by Sicilian Babe: [b] When Tom Hagen goes up to New England to visit Kay after she leaves Michael Hagen (says) "In this world, he could be forgiven." (speaking about carlo).
Good point.
I don't agree, though.[/b]
Yes, Sicilian Babe's arguments are very good, as they support her position that Fredo conspired deliberately with Roth to kill Michael and that he would do it again.
I tried to bring her around to our side, but she just won't come.
But seriously, this is just me, but I'm kind of puzzled as to why someone would, or could, think that Fredo deliberately tried to have Michael killed after viewing --
the scene of bonding in Havana, where Fredo basks in being treated as Michael's confidant and partner.
the scene at Mama's funeral, where Fredo requests to see Michael. It seemed obvious to me that the rift between them was traumatic for him. When Michael enters the room to embrace him, Fredo tightens the hug like he's holding on to his life line. I could practically taste his relief that (in his mind) their brotherly relationship had been restored.
the late night phone call from Johnny Ola, during which Fredo says, "You guys lied to me." Isn't this the single most obvious clue that Fredo didn't know that the plan was to kill Michael? Doesn't it prove that Fredo was deceived?
Fredo's death, which I found unspeakably sad, because it felt like an innocent man had been murdered. Could anyone actually watch that and think, "Yeah, Fredo had it coming. He got his just desserts." I got the opposite feeling: that Fredo never meant to harm Michael at all, nor would he ever have.
