Paulie Walnuts' Legacy: In Sopranos Final, Did He Know He Would Survive?

In the poignant series finale of The Sopranos, Paulie Walnuts' behavior does suggest he might have had an inkling about the impending hit on Tony Soprano. Throughout the final season, there are several moments that imply a shift in the dynamics between Tony and the New York mob, particularly after the death of Johnny Sac and the growing tensions with Phil Leotardo. Let’s dive into the possible reasons for Paulie's conspicuous survival in the finale.

Awareness of the Threat

Paulie's character often exhibited a strong sense of self-preservation. His actions leading up to the finalelike his reluctance to take risks and his cautious demeanorcould imply that he sensed something was amiss. He may have understood that Tony was in danger but did not openly acknowledge it. This interpretation aligns with Paulie's established character trait of avoiding conflict whenever possible to ensure his survival.

Loyalty and Position

Paulie's loyalty to Tony fluctuated, but he also had a strong survival instinct. His decision to stay close to Tony in the final episodes could be seen as an attempt to protect himself, knowing that a hit on Tony could follow. This strategic positioning is a hallmark of his character, always looking to secure his own future while showing a degree of commitment to his boss.

Symbolic Representation

Paulie’s survival can also be interpreted symbolically. He represents the old guard of mobsters who are still around, but are increasingly out of touch with the new realities of the mob world. His survival, while Tony, Bobby, and Sylvio were either dead or incapacitated, signifies that while the old ways are fading, some remnants remain. This interpretation adds depth to Paulie's character, highlighting the changes happening in the mob during this tumultuous period.

Phil Leotardo's Order

When NY mob boss Phil Leotardo in a private meeting puts the hit out on Tony, Sylvio, and Bobby, he says, ‘decapitate and take over whatever is left of his underlings.' He specifically does not mention Paulie. The Sopranos crew knew they were in danger. Had Phil reached out to Paulie, it would have been just speculative speculation.

However, in the last episode, Tony was going to promote Paulie. He reluctantly accepted when Tony said, ‘OK, I'll give it to Patsy.' This moment, while brief, adds to the intrigue. It suggests that Paulie was in the line of succession, and had Tony survived, he would likely have assumed control as Tony, Bobby, and Sylvio were either dead or incapacitated.

Conclusion

Ultimately, while Paulie may not have had explicit knowledge of a hit on Tony, his actions and the way he navigated the final episodes strongly suggest that he was aware of the shifting tides and the dangers that Tony faced. The ambiguity of the finale leaves much open to interpretation, adding to the complexity of the characters and their relationships. Paulie Walnuts' legacy in the Sopranos finale is a testament to the intricate and multi-layered world of the show.