The Godfather and the Complexities of Family Business: Would Fredo Have Been Okay with Gaining Control?

In the iconic world of The Godfather, family dynamics often play out in ways that highlight the complexities of power and responsibility. If we were to flip the script and imagine a scenario where Fredo gains full control over Moe Greene's casino, how would this turn of events play out?

At first glance, it might seem like a perfect solution for Michael to buy out Moe Greene and place the casino under Fredo's control. After all, Fredo would be the sole owner, and this might satisfy his desire for control and independence. However, as we delve deeper into the character of Fredo and the context of the Corleone family, it soon becomes clear that adapting to this new role would be far more complicated than a mere transaction in Las Vegas.

Changing from Ownership to Control

Instead of framing the situation in terms of ownership, let us consider it in the context of control. The transfer of control over the casino to Fredo would be a significant shift, but one that is fraught with challenges. Fredo, for his entire life, has been predominantly sidelined within the family. This consistent treatment has fueled his resentment and led to his reactive behavior.

Throughout the series, we witness the déjà vu of similar situations in the lives of children from influential families. The antics of figures like Hunter Biden and the sons of Trump have proved that those who are not actively integrated into family businesses often struggle to adapt. At the critical moment in the peace meeting of the five families, when Don Molinari highlights Fredo's potential in the gambling business, it is clear that time had already passed for Fredo to that stage. A complete transformation was no longer feasible.

Fredo's Lack of Understanding and Trust

Fredo's major flaw is his lack of understanding about the casino operations. Even when Moe Greene is clearly siphoning money from the casino, Fredo is unaware of the situation. In his eyes, Moe Greene running the casino while Fredo enjoys his luxuries is an ideal arrangement. Fredo prefers the privileges of the high life without the responsibilities of running a business.

It is crucial to recognize that Fredo is not equipped to handle the pressures and responsibilities required to manage a successful casino. Hoping that he would have taken on the role willingly and responsibly might be a misread of his character. His

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"Good Time Charley" image would only exacerbate issues regarding the Corleone family image. Moreover, the cost of this unprepared leadership might have been too high for Michael and the rest of the family to bear.

Michael's Awareness and Decision

Michael was fully aware of Fredo's limitations and liabilities when dealing with the casino. It was not a matter of altruism but practicality that led Michael to strategic decisions. Placing Fredo in a position of control would have been akin to placing a vulnerable pawn in a high-stakes game. Michael's understanding of his brother's limitations is what drove him to find other options and ultimately why he did not make a hasty decision to hand over the casino to Fredo.

As we explore the dynamics of The Godfather, it is essential to remember the complexities that often lie beneath the surface. While the theoretical transfer of control might sound appealing, the practical and emotional realities would make it a much more complicated endeavor. In the end, Michael's decisions were rooted in practicality and the well-being of the family, which included making the difficult call to choose the best path for the future of the Corleone empire.