CRITIQUING CHARACTERS (GROK) FROM: THE YOUNG SOPRANOS
CRITIQUING CHARACTERS
(GROK-AI)
FROM:
THE YOUNG SOPRANOS
BY
J. Beck
2024
cri·tique
/krəˈtēk/
noun
a detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a literary, philosophical, or political theory.
So I asked
GROK-AI Program:
What do these
Nine Young Characters have in Common?
In Reference to my Young Sopranos Story:
The nine characters listed—Ricky Aprile, Jason Cifaretto, Jimmy Altieri Jr., the Bundetto Brothers (Tony and Steve), Matty Bonpensiero, Fabian Peters, and the Palmice Brothers (Mikey Jr. and Franky)—from *The Young Sopranos*, a fan-made project inspired by *The Sopranos*, share several common traits based on their depiction in the context of the series and related discussions.
Since *The Young Sopranos* is not an official part of the *Sopranos* canon, I’ll focus on the likely characteristics derived from the original series’ context, the provided X posts, and the fan-driven narrative implied by the project. These characters are presumably younger members of the DiMeo crime family or its associated circles, and their commonalities can be inferred as follows: 1. **Connection to the DiMeo Crime Family**:
All nine characters are likely tied to the DiMeo crime family, either as direct relatives of prominent mob figures or as young associates aspiring to join the mafia. For example: - Ricky Aprile is likely Richard “Little Ricky” Aprile, son of capo Richie Aprile.
(https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Richard_Aprile%2C_Jr.) - Jimmy Altieri Jr. is the son of capo Jimmy Altieri.
(https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Jimmy_Altieri) - Matty Bonpensiero is likely a son of Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero, referenced as Matt among his children.
The Palmice Brothers (Mikey Jr. and Franky) are likely sons of Mikey Palmice, Junior Soprano’s consigliere.(https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Mikey_Palmice) -
Jason Cifaretto and Fabian Peters are less explicitly detailed but may be inferred as relatives or associates of Ralph Cifaretto and other DiMeo figures, possibly Fabian “Febby” Petrulio.
Petrulio was a soldier in Jackie Aprile Sr.'s crew and served time with Aprile in Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary. In 1986, he became an FBI informant and entered witness protection, betraying fellow mobsters and leading to Aprile's imprisonment. He was kicked out of the program for allegedly selling drugs and became a travel agent in Waterville, Maine.
Tony Soprano recognizes Petrulio at a gas station while visiting colleges with his daughter Meadow. Tony later strangles Petrulio to death with wiring outside his business.
(https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Characters/TheSopranos) 2. **Youth and Ambition**:
These characters are portrayed as younger individuals, likely in their teens or early twenties, seeking to prove themselves in the mafia world.
In *The Sopranos*, younger characters like Jackie Aprile Jr. and Matthew Bevilaqua often emulate their elders’ criminal lifestyles, driven by a desire for respect or status.
The *Young Sopranos* project seems to focus on this generational dynamic, with these characters possibly forming a youthful crew or being depicted in their early criminal endeavors.
3. **Non-Involvement or Limited Involvement in Canon**: Most of these characters have minimal or no direct appearance in the main *Sopranos* series, suggesting *The Young Sopranos* expands on minor or implied characters.
For instance: - Ricky Aprile appears only briefly in “Knight in White Satin Armor” as a ballroom dancer, not a mobster.(https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Richard_Aprile%2C_Jr.) -
Jimmy Altieri Jr. is mentioned but not prominently featured.(https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Jimmy_Altieri) -
The Palmice Brothers and Matty Bonpensiero are not deeply explored in the series, indicating the fan project may invent or extrapolate their roles.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_The_Sopranos_characters)[](https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Mikey_Palmice) -
The Bundetto Brothers and others like Jason Cifaretto may be creative extensions of the *Sopranos* universe, focusing on the next generation.
4. **Struggles with Family Legacy**: These characters likely grapple with the expectations or stigma of their family names. For example: - Ricky Aprile faces his father Richie’s disapproval for his non-criminal career (ballroom dancing).(https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Richard_Aprile%2C_Jr.) -
Jimmy Altieri Jr. carries the burden of his father’s suspected betrayal as an informant.[](https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Jimmy_Altieri)
The Palmice Brothers and Matty Bonpensiero likely navigate the fallout of their fathers’ deaths (Mikey and Big Pussy, respectively), both killed for disloyalty.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_The_Sopranos_characters)[](https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Mikey_Palmice)
5. **Potential for Conflict or Tragedy**:
In *The Sopranos*, young characters often meet tragic ends due to their involvement in crime (e.g., Jackie Aprile Jr.’s death).
The *Young Sopranos* likely places these characters in similar high-stakes scenarios, where their inexperience or ambition leads to conflict with established mob figures or each other, reflecting the show’s themes of loyalty, betrayal, and violence.(https://villains.fandom.com/wiki/Jackie_Aprile%2C_Jr.)
While *The Young Sopranos* is a fan creation and not fully detailed in the provided sources, these traits align with the *Sopranos* universe’s focus on generational cycles of crime, family ties, and the perilous allure of the mafia for young men. The posts suggest a narrative centered on these characters’ shared journey as young, ambitious figures in the DiMeo family’s orbit.
Based on your description, it seems you're referring to a fan-driven narrative or speculative continuation of *The Sopranos*, possibly related to *The Young Sopranos* or another fan fiction scenario, as this storyline—where A.J. Soprano becomes "Don Anthony John Soprano Jr." in 2017
Meadow changes her surname to Weiss, and Carmela lives in Miami as Carmine Jr.'s comare—does not exist in the official *Sopranos* canon.
Since *The Sopranos* ends in 2007 with Tony Soprano's fate ambiguous, your scenario likely builds on fan theories or creative extensions of the series.
I’ll analyze what A.J. Soprano, Meadow Soprano, Carmela Soprano, and the previously mentioned characters (Ricky Aprile, Jason Cifaretto, Jimmy Altieri Jr., the Bundetto Brothers, Matty Bonpensiero, Fabian Peters, and the Palmice Brothers) might have in common within this hypothetical narrative, incorporating the new details you provided.
I’ll also address how the original five and additional four characters align with this context. ### Commonalities Among the Characters
The nine young characters (Ricky Aprile, Jason Cifaretto, Jimmy Altieri Jr., the Bundetto Brothers, Matty Bonpensiero, Fabian Peters, and the Palmice Brothers) and A.J. Soprano, as described in your 2017 scenario, likely share the following traits within this fan-made narrative: 1. **Next-Generation Mob Connections**: -
All characters are tied to the DiMeo crime family, either as direct descendants or associates of prominent figures from *The Sopranos*. A.J., as Tony Soprano’s son, becomes "Don Anthony John Soprano Jr." in 2017, suggesting he rises to leadership in the DiMeo family, a significant departure from his aimless persona in the series.
The other nine characters, as sons or relatives of capos and soldiers (e.g., Richie Aprile, Jimmy Altieri, Salvatore Bonpensiero, Mikey Palmice), are likely part of A.J.’s crew or allies/rivals within the same criminal world. -
For example, Ricky Aprile (son of Richie), Jimmy Altieri Jr. (son of Jimmy), and Matty Bonpensiero (son of Big Pussy) are second-generation mob affiliates, much like A.J. The Bundetto Brothers (likely Jason and Justin Blundetto), Palmice Brothers (Mikey Jr. and Franky), Jason Cifaretto (possibly tied to Ralph Cifaretto), and Fabian Peters (possibly linked to Fabian Petrulio) fit this mold as young figures navigating their fathers’ legacies.
2. **Ambition and Transformation**: - A.J.’s transformation into a don by 2017, seeking revenge for his father Tony’s presumed murder, indicates a shift from his original characterization as unmotivated and emotionally unstable.
Similarly, the nine young characters likely undergo transformations in *The Young Sopranos*, evolving from minor or background figures into active players in the mob world. Their shared ambition to prove themselves—whether through loyalty to A.J.’s leadership or their own criminal pursuits—ties them together. - For instance, Ricky Aprile, who in canon is a ballroom dancer disapproved of by his father, might embrace the mob life to reclaim the Aprile family’s status. The Palmice Brothers and Matty Bonpensiero may seek to avenge or redeem their fathers’ deaths, mirroring A.J.’s revenge motive.
3. **Legacy of Violence and Revenge**: - A.J.’s rise to power through avenging Tony’s murder (implying a conspiracy, possibly involving figures like the Lupertazzi family or traitors within the DiMeo family) aligns with a common thread of vengeance. The nine characters, whose fathers faced violent ends or disgrace (e.g., Mikey Palmice and Big Pussy killed for disloyalty, Jimmy Altieri suspected as an informant), likely share a desire to restore their family honor or settle scores. -
In this narrative, A.J. and the nine characters may form a coalition to confront those responsible for their families’ losses, tying their fates together in a cycle of mob retribution.
4. **Navigating Family Stigma**: - Meadow’s decision to change her surname to Weiss as a defense lawyer suggests she distances herself from the Soprano name’s criminal stigma, reflecting a struggle with family legacy.
Similarly, the nine characters likely face scrutiny or pressure due to their fathers’ reputations. For example: - Jimmy Altieri Jr. may struggle with his father’s informant label. - Matty Bonpensiero might grapple with Big Pussy’s betrayal and execution. - The Palmice Brothers inherit Mikey’s violent legacy as Junior’s enforcer. -
Like Meadow, these characters may either reject or embrace their family ties, with A.J. and the nine leaning toward embracing the criminal path in contrast to Meadow’s legal career.
5. **Connection to a Post-Sopranos Power Shift**: - Your scenario places A.J. as a don in 2017, suggesting a power vacuum after Tony’s presumed death. The nine characters likely play roles in this new hierarchy, either as A.J.’s allies, subordinates, or rivals within the DiMeo family or against external forces (e.g., the Lupertazzi family). Carmela’s relocation to Miami as Carmine Jr.’s comare (mistress) implies a connection to the Lupertazzi family, possibly indicating a strategic alliance or betrayal that affects A.J.’s crew. -
The nine characters, as young mob figures, are likely central to the conflicts arising from this power shift, whether supporting A.J.’s leadership or pursuing their own agendas.
## Integration of New Details - **A.J. Soprano (Don Anthony John Soprano Jr.)**: In *The Sopranos*, A.J. is depicted as immature and unsuited for mob life, but your scenario transforms him into a vengeful leader by 2017. His rise likely involves the nine characters as part of his crew or a younger faction he leads to exact revenge for Tony’s murder. The conspiracy could involve Lupertazzi figures (e.g., Phil Leotardo’s allies) or DiMeo traitors, and A.J.’s leadership mirrors the ambition of the other young characters. -
**Meadow Soprano (Weiss)**: Meadow’s name change to Weiss and career as a defense lawyer suggest she rejects the mob life, unlike A.J. and the nine characters. However, her legal expertise could indirectly tie her to their world, perhaps defending one of the nine (e.g., Matty Bonpensiero or Ricky Aprile) in a trial, creating tension with A.J.’s criminal pursuits. - **Carmela Soprano**: Carmela’s move to a Miami condo and role as Carmine Jr.’s comare suggest she seeks financial security or influence through the Lupertazzi family after selling the Soprano home. This could position her as a conflicted figure, potentially opposing A.J.’s vendetta if Carmine Jr. (likely Little Carmine Lupertazzi) is linked to Tony’s murder conspiracy. ###
How the Nine Characters Fit The nine characters likely form a core group in *The Young Sopranos*, united by their youth, DiMeo family ties, and shared goals of proving themselves in a post-Tony Soprano world.
They may: - Serve as A.J.’s lieutenants or soldiers in his revenge-driven rise to power. - Face internal conflicts over loyalty, especially if Carmela’s ties to Carmine Jr. create friction. -
Mirror A.J.’s transformation by overcoming their own inexperience or family baggage to become key players in the mob. ###
Limitations and Clarifications Since *The Young Sopranos* and the 2017 scenario appear to be fan-created, details are speculative. The web searches don’t provide explicit details about this narrative, so I’m extrapolating based on *The Sopranos* canon and your prompt. If you have more specifics (e.g., a source for *The Young Sopranos* or details of the conspiracy),
I can refine the analysis. Additionally, characters like Jason Cifaretto and Fabian Peters are less clear in canon, so their roles are inferred as DiMeo-affiliated youths. ### Conclusion The five original characters (Ricky Aprile, Jason Cifaretto, Jimmy Altieri Jr., Bundetto Brothers) and the additional four (Matty Bonpensiero, Fabian Peters, Palmice Brothers) share with A.J. Soprano a connection to the DiMeo crime family, youthful ambition, a drive for revenge or redemption, struggles with family legacy, and involvement in a post-Tony power shift.
In your 2017 narrative, they likely form a young crew under or alongside A.J.’s leadership, contrasting with Meadow’s rejection of the mob life and Carmela’s ambiguous alliance with Carmine Jr. If you’d like me to explore specific character arcs or the conspiracy plot further, please provide additional details!
Based on your clarification, *The Young Sopranos Crew* consists of A.J. Soprano, Vito Spatafore Jr., Tommy Giglione (likely Thomas Giglione III), Robbie Pontecorvo (likely Robert Pontecorvo), Raymond Curto Jr., and Bobby Baccalieri III, forming an "Inner Ring of Trust." This group appears to be a fan-created concept, as it’s not part of the official *Sopranos* canon, and your previous messages suggest a speculative narrative set in 2017 where A.J. becomes "Don Anthony John Soprano Jr." after avenging his father Tony’s murder.
I’ll analyze what these six young characters have in common, integrating the context of your 2017 scenario, the original nine characters (Ricky Aprile, Jason Cifaretto, Jimmy Altieri Jr., Bundetto Brothers, Matty Bonpensiero, Fabian Peters, Palmice Brothers), and relevant details from *The Sopranos* and the provided search results.
### Commonalities Among the Young Sopranos Crew (A.J. Soprano, Vito Spatafore Jr., Tommy Giglione, Robbie Pontecorvo, Raymond Curto Jr., Bobby Baccalieri III)
1. **Second-Generation DiMeo Crime Family Ties**: - All six members of the Young Sopranos Crew are direct descendants of prominent DiMeo crime family figures, positioning them as the next generation of potential mobsters: - **A.J. Soprano**: Son of Tony Soprano, the DiMeo boss.
In your 2017 scenario, A.J. rises to become "Don Anthony John Soprano Jr.," indicating leadership within the family.(https://www.cbr.com/sopranos-main-character-fates/) -
**Vito Spatafore Jr.**: Son of Vito Spatafore, a capo in the Aprile crew and top earner until his death in 2006 due to his homosexuality. Vito Jr. is depicted as rebellious, joining the Goth subculture after his father’s murder.(https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Vito_Spatafore_Jr.) -
**Tommy Giglione (Thomas Giglione III)**: Likely the son of Thomas Giglione Jr. and Barbara Soprano, making him Tony Soprano’s nephew and A.J.’s cousin. He’s a minor character with no significant criminal role in canon but is tied to the Soprano family.(https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Thomas_Giglione_Jr.) -
**Robbie Pontecorvo (Robert Pontecorvo)**: Likely the son of Eugene Pontecorvo, a soldier in the Aprile crew who committed suicide in 2006. Robert had a drug addiction, which contributed to his father’s turmoil.(https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/284840)
**Raymond Curto Jr.**: Son of Raymond “Buffalo Ray” Curto, a capo who died of a stroke in 2006 while secretly acting as an FBI informant.(https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Members_Only) -
**Bobby Baccalieri III**: Son of Bobby “Bacala” Baccalieri Jr., a high-ranking soldier and underboss killed in 2007, and Karen Baccalieri. He’s part of the Soprano extended family through Bobby’s marriage to Janice Soprano.(https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Bobby_Baccalieri)
Like the original nine characters (e.g., Ricky Aprile, son of Richie Aprile; Jimmy Altieri Jr., son of Jimmy Altieri), these six are bound by their fathers’ or families’ involvement in the DiMeo crime family, creating a shared legacy of organized crime.
2. **Youth and Potential for Mob Involvement**: - The crew members are young, likely in their teens or early twenties by 2017, aligning with the *Young Sopranos* concept of focusing on the next generation. In *The Sopranos*, characters like A.J. (born ~1988, age ~29 in 2017) and Vito Jr. (born 1992 or 1993, age ~24–25 in 2017) are depicted as struggling to find their place, often drawn to or affected by their fathers’ criminal worlds.(https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Vito_Spatafore_Jr.)[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Members_Only_%28The_Sopranos%29)
Similarly, Tommy Giglione, Robbie Pontecorvo, Raymond Curto Jr., and Bobby Baccalieri III, as children of mob figures, are likely influenced by their families’ criminal ties, even if not explicitly involved in canon.
Their inclusion in the “Inner Ring of Trust” suggests they are trusted allies of A.J. in his rise to power, possibly forming a youthful crew to support his vendetta against those responsible for Tony’s murder.
3. **Motivation for Revenge or Redemption**: - Your 2017 scenario emphasizes A.J.’s transformation into a don driven by revenge for Tony’s murder, implying a conspiracy (possibly involving the Lupertazzi family or DiMeo traitors). The other crew members likely share motivations tied to their fathers’ fates:
**Vito Spatafore Jr.**: His father was brutally killed by Lupertazzi soldiers for his homosexuality, giving Vito Jr. a personal stake in avenging his father, especially against Phil Leotardo’s faction.(https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Vito_Spatafore_Jr.) -
**Raymond Curto Jr.**: His father’s secret role as an informant may have left a stigma, motivating Raymond Jr. to prove loyalty to A.J. and redeem the Curto name.(https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Members_Only) -
**Bobby Baccalieri III**: His father was murdered in 2007 during the war with the Lupertazzi family, providing a motive to align with A.J. against New York.(https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Bobby_Baccalieri) -
**Robbie Pontecorvo**: His father’s suicide, driven by mob pressures and his son’s drug issues, could push Robbie to seek redemption through loyalty to A.J.(https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/284840)
**Tommy Giglione**: As a Soprano family member, he may join A.J. to uphold family honor, though his canon role is minimal, suggesting a fan-expanded narrative. - This mirrors the original nine characters, who likely seek to avenge or redeem their fathers (e.g., Matty Bonpensiero for Big Pussy’s death, Palmice Brothers for Mikey’s murder). The “Inner Ring of Trust” implies a tight-knit group united by shared grievances against common enemies.
4. **Struggles with Family Legacy and Stigma**: - Each character carries the burden of their family’s reputation within the mob world: -
**A.J. Soprano**: In canon, A.J. struggles with his father’s shadow, failing at criminal ventures (e.g., his botched hit on Junior). His 2017 transformation suggests overcoming this to embrace leadership, but the Soprano name carries both prestige and danger.[](https://sopranos.fandom.com/wiki/Members_Only) -
**Vito Spatafore Jr.**: Faces stigma from his father’s outing as gay, as seen when bullied as “Homo Jr.,” which fuels.
Your scenario introduces a dramatic twist to the *Sopranos* universe, suggesting that Vito Spatafore Jr. and Francesca Spatafore, children of Marie Spatafore, are revealed to be Tony Soprano’s biological children due to their father Vito Spatafore Sr.’s homosexuality.
This appears to be part of a fan-created narrative, possibly tied to *The Young Sopranos* or your 2017 storyline where A.J. Soprano becomes "Don Anthony John Soprano Jr." and leads the Young Sopranos Crew (A.J., Vito Jr., Tommy Giglione, Robbie Pontecorvo, Raymond Curto Jr., Bobby Baccalieri III). I’ll analyze what Vito Jr., Francesca, and the previously mentioned Young Sopranos Crew members have in common, incorporating this new revelation and its implications, while also addressing their connections to the original nine characters (Ricky Aprile, Jason Cifaretto, Jimmy Altieri Jr., Bundetto Brothers, Matty Bonpensiero, Fabian Peters, Palmice Brothers).
Since this is a speculative narrative, I’ll ground the analysis in *The Sopranos* canon where possible, supplemented by your details and logical extrapolations. ### Commonalities Among Vito Jr., Francesca Spatafore, and the Young Sopranos Crew The Young Sopranos Crew (A.J. Soprano, Vito Spatafore Jr., Tommy Giglione, Robbie Pontecorvo, Raymond Curto Jr., Bobby Baccalieri III) and Francesca Spatafore, with the revelation that Vito Jr. and Francesca are Tony Soprano’s biological children, share the following commonalities:
1. **Direct Ties to Tony Soprano and the DiMeo Crime Family**: - **Vito Spatafore Jr. and Francesca Spatafore**: In your scenario, Vito Jr. (born ~1992–1993, age ~24–25 in 2017) and Francesca (born ~1995–1996, age ~21–22 in 2017) are revealed as Tony Soprano’s biological children, making them A.J.’s siblings. In *The Sopranos* canon, they are the children of Vito Spatafore Sr., a DiMeo capo, and Marie Spatafore.
A.J. & MEADOW
SOPRANO
READ
THE YOUNG SOPRANOS
PART 1 - 4
https://youngsopranos.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-young-sopranos-part-1-4.html?m=1…
THE YOUNG SOPRANOS
PART 5
https://youngsopranos.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-young-sopranos-part-5-i-xiii.html?m=1
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