In Season 3, there is a scene in which Jackie Jr. comes into Vessuvio to meet with Tony. Coming to the meeting, it's obvious Jackie Jr. believes that Tony had Richie killed. Tony even remarks that Jackie would be stupid to believe that Tony wasn't involved, but it was the truth according to Tony.

I get that. What I don't get is why Tony made up the ridiculous story of Richie going into Witness Protection. It's such a half-baked story and nobody, not even AJ as dumb as he was, should have believed it. I realize Jackie Jr. was not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but how could he have believed that story? I think it was one of the few moments of weak writing on the show. Had Tony said "My sister actually clipped your Uncle," I think that would have been more believable to Jackie Jr.

Thoughts?

I don't think that Jackie necessarily believed Tony, but what was gonna do? Tell Tony to fuck off and threaten to kill him?

It's the same as with the Ralphie story... People know, but they "don't know". No one's going to go against the boss.

I think Jackie Jnr bought it personally, the way he says "shit" after Tony tells him how much it "hurt everybody".

But yeah it wasn't a believable cover story at all, same for Big Pussy who entered the "program".

But especially not believable in Richies case considering he's just done what 10 years in the can having not flipped or given anybody up.

No indictments, no trials from these guys flipping, nobody getting any sort of visible heat. Even Adriana fell for it, thinking her Uncle Richie was in the program.

Imagine if Jackie Jr. & Adriana pro-created. That kid's IQ might not crack 50...

More than enough to qualify for working at the BadaBing next to Chrissy's daughter!!!

....and Georgie. ...

Don't forget cause Jackie and Adrianna are cousins the kids IQ probably wouldn't hit 25

I think Jackie Jr. was perceived by Tony as a threat. He was a good looking kid who had a little on the ball. Also he hailed from mob royalty. Not to mention he was dating Tony’s daughter.