AlternateEnding: The Survival of Sonny Corleone and its Impact on The Godfather

Imagine a world where Sonny Corleone, the volatile and high-spirited son of Vito Corleone, survives the failed assassination attempt. What would the aftermath be like, and how would it change the balance of power in the Corleone family and the Five Families of New York?

Strategic Implications of Sonny’s Survival

The failure to kill Sonny would no longer be a shadow over the Corleone family. However, the plot was meticulously planned, and it would have been impossible for Sonny to survive without a series of fortunate circumstances that didn't happen in the original film. For instance, if Sonny had ducked down inside his car and hit reverse, he might have survived with minor injuries or bullet wounds.

Avoiding such an assassination attempt would have profound implications. Vito would no longer need to operate under the threat of continuous violence. Yet, maintaining the family’s dominance would be challenging. Sonny, the hotheaded but skilled captain, would be a significant threat to both his father and Michael, the cautious and calculated successor.

A Heir is Unstable

Sonny’s impulsive and aggressive nature makes him unsuitable to be the next Don. His impulsiveness and lack of restraint would not serve Michael’s ambitions, leading to a potential rivalry.

Continuous conflict and instability within the Corleone family would be inevitable. Michael would be wary of giving Sonny any authority. This rivalry would extend to the other families, as Vito would need to strategically place his family members within key positions. Sonny’s crew, which he had built over years, would face the scrutiny and doubts of a skeptical Michael, further complicating their relationship.

The Impact on Other Families

Barzini and Tattaglia, the antagonists of the film, would face severe repercussions. The other Don’s, such as Stracci and Cuneo, would question Barzini’s leadership and trustworthiness. Without the looming threat of the Corleone family, Stracci and Cuneo would be more inclined to seek reconciliation.

Stracci had become involved with the narcotics trade, which was crucial for the importation of drugs from and to safe places in New York. His commitment to this trade was not solely about his business interests. It was also about maintaining a position of power and influence within the family. The survival of Sonny would thus undermine his legitimacy and ability to fulfill these obligations.

Cuneo, with his clean image and the potential for betrayal by Tattaglia, would also find himself in a compromised position. Tattaglia’s loyalty to Barzini would be questioned, and Cuneo would need to prove his worth and trustworthiness anew. This could lead to a shift in allegiances, as both men would seek to reassess their relationships with Barzini and Vito.

Strategic Adjustments and Collaborations

Vito, under the new circumstances, would have to make strategic adjustments to maintain the family’s dominance. He would need to ensure that his family remained the dominant force in the city, and this would involve fostering alliances with the other families.

Without Micheal’s presence, Fredo, who had been overlooked in the previous narrative, might receive more attention. However, it’s unlikely that Fredo would be considered the heir. His role would be more limited, but potentially more significant than before. He might be given more responsibilities within the family but not in the same capacity as a potential successor.

Conclusion

The survival of Sonny Corleone would significantly alter the dynamics of The Godfather. For Vito, maintaining the family’s power would require constant vigilance and strategic maneuvering. For Michael, the absence of his immediate threat could lead to new challenges in solidifying his position as the new Don. The survival of Sonny would be a catalyst for new alliances, rivalries, and shifts in power within the Five Families.

This alternate ending highlights the complex and unpredictable nature of organized crime, where every detail can have massive repercussions on the broader plot and characters' fates.