The Godfather Part II: A Cop Returns and the Impact on Vito and Clemenza

In the world of The Godfather Part II, one can only imagine the complex web of power and loyalty that governs the Corleone family's operations. For Vito Corleone and his trusted associate, Salvatore 'Sonny' Clemenza, a seemingly minor detail like carrying a stolen rug could have dire consequences if the authorities were to intervene. This article explores a hypothetical scenario where a cop discovers the corrupted nature of Vito and Sonny. Would their lies and evasion prove sufficient, or would they face the humiliation of jail time?

Initial Theft and Cop Involvement

Imagine a scene similar to the one depicted in the fan art of Clemenza stealing the carpet for Vito. In our hypothetical scenario, Sonny and Vito, having discovered a valuable rug, decide to steal it. As they carry the rug away, a cop appears and tries to intervene. In the heat of the moment, they are convinced to flee, with Sonny shooting the cop in self-defense.

Lying and Evasion

Upon their escape, Sonny and Vito would be faced with the question of keeping up the lie to deflect suspicion. They might devise a cover story, such as claiming that the rug was a gift from a well-known associate. However, in a world as complex and surveilled as the one presented in The Godfather Part II, such a simple lie might not suffice.

The Complexity of Law in 1920s New York

It’s worth noting that in the 1920s, law enforcement did not have the same importance as it would in the decades to come. A cop might not have the necessary evidence to prove the theft unless they witnessed the act firsthand, or if there were other corroborating details that could link them to the crime.

Moreover, in the close-knit society of the Corleone family, a stolen rug might be considered a minor offense compared to the broader operations of the crime family. If the cop was to report the incident, the chain of command within the police force might be influenced by corruption or a code of silence similar to what exists in the film.

Consequences and Humiliation

Even if Sonny and Vito manage to evade immediate arrest, the situation could still have significant ramifications for their positions within the family. The attempted shooting of a police officer would be a serious matter, and the family would likely need to deal with the consequences of such an act. For Vito, who has already faced imprisonment and humiliation in his youth, an arrest could represent a return to his troubling past.

Clemenza, in particular, might suffer the social and professional humiliation that comes with being arrested and jailed. His reputation within the family and the community would be challenged, and his ability to carry out important tasks would be compromised. The arrest could also strain his relationship with Vito and the other members of the family.

Escape and Aftermath

Assuming Sonny and Vito manage to escape from immediate capture, they might leave town temporarily to avoid detection. This period away could be marked by tension and uncertainty, as they would need to rethink their methods and maintain a lower profile. The arrest could also prompt Vito to reassess his leadership and his choices, further complicating the story and the dynamics within the Corleone family.

Conclusion

While the hypothetical scenario of a cop returning to arrest Vito and Clemenza in the midst of their rug theft may seem far-fetched, it provides a rich opportunity to explore the complex interplay of power, loyalty, and deceit within the Corleone family. The consequences of such an arrest would reverberate throughout the story, highlighting the challenges and moral dilemmas that Vito and Clemenza face in their roles within the crime family.

Whether through deception, evasion, or genuine fear, the response to a potential arrest would be a critical moment in the narrative of The Godfather Part II, further enriching the story and deepening our understanding of the characters and the world they inhabit.