What If Tony Soprano Had Ordered Paulie Walnuts to Whack Vito and Tony Blundetto in The Sopranos?

The famous HBO series The Sopranos has captured the hearts of viewers around the world with its complex characters and intricate plotlines. However, just imagine: what if Tony Soprano, the iconic Don, had ordered Paulie Walnuts to eliminate not only Vito Cosigney, but also Tony Blundetto? This hypothetical scenario would have brought several interesting twists to the show, as it hinges on two very different versions of Paulie Walnuts.

The Paulies of The Sopranos

There are two main incarnations of Paulie Walnuts in The Sopranos. The first is from the first two seasons, where Paulie is portrayed as a smooth and competent enforcer, capable of handling high-stakes missions. In contrast, the later seasons depict a different Paulie, often seen as bumbling and inept, which has sparked a bit of debate among fans.

Season 1-2 Paulie Walnuts: The Enforcer

During the early seasons, Paulie Walnuts was an indispensable member of Tony Soprano's crime family. He was known for his effective enforcement skills and his ability to handle difficult tasks. If Tony Soprano had ordered Paulie to whack both Vito Cosigney and Tony Blundetto, it is highly likely that Paulie would have succeeded without any serious complications. His inherent skills and experience would have made him a formidable and reliable assassin for the job.

Season 3 Paulie Walnuts: The Bumbler

As the series progressed, Paulie's character took on a different form. His skills became more questionable and his decision-making became increasingly poor. In this version, it is unlikely that Paulie would have been successful in carrying out his orders, especially against such powerful targets. If he had attempted the hit, he would have faced significant risks and complications.

Impact on the Plot

Introducing such a hit would have dramatically altered the storyline of The Sopranos. It would have place Tony Soprano in a difficult and dangerous position, potentially leading to conflicts within the family and with his enemies. The loss or incrimination of key family members would have significantly affected the narrative and the balance of power within the crime world.

Viewer Reactions and Fan Theories

There are numerous fan theories and discussions about what might have happened in such a scenario. Many fans prefer the earlier season Paulie, as his competence and reliability add depth to the complex network of characters in the show. The switch to a bumbling Paulie has been a subject of debate, with some fans questioning why the show had to change such an essential character so drastically.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to have Paulie Walnuts carry out a significant hit on such high-profile targets would have been a game-changer for the show. It would have tested the character of Tony Soprano and potentially altered the trajectory of the series. Whether in his competent or clumsy form, Paulie Walnuts remains an intriguing and complex character, continuing to captivate fans and leaving them to wonder about the what-ifs of The Sopranos.