I don't necessarily think that's true. Had Rocco survived the Roth hit, then that would've been great for him. I don't know that it would've been viewed by Michael as any more than a job well done, and now on to the next.

As for this 'sub-theme' busines...yes, Turnbull I've seen you mention that before and trust me it's NEVER boring. However I always wonder from where do we get the whole sub-theme idea of a Rocco/Neri conflict such as the one you describe?

Is it in a draft script?
Is it outlined in the Harlan Lebo or some other book?
Is there reference to it in a deleted scene?

Or do we surmize all of it in this one 4 minute scene, from Neri's smirk and Michael's query to Rocco on the chances of a successful hit on Roth?

Apple