Comparing Christopher Moltisanti and AJ Soprano: Who’s Worse and Why?

“Who is worse, Christopher Moltisanti or AJ Soprano? Why?” These are questions that have puzzled fans of The Sopranos for years. Both characters are notorious for their bratty sense of entitlement, their unruly behavior, and their destructive paths within the New York mob world. However, upon closer examination, it appears that one of them is worse off than the other, and it's Christopher Moltisanti.

Chris: The Entitled Brat

Christopher Moltisanti is a quintessential example of a bratty entitled individual. From the moment we meet him, it's clear that his father, Tony Soprano, has a significant impact on his character. Moltisanti's father is Tony’s mentor and a ‘legend’ in the mob world, which likely contributes to his sense of entitlement.

Moltisanti’s behavior is a mix of foolish decisions and addictions. He cheats on his girlfriend, beats her, and lets his addictions take over, nearly derailing his ‘career.’ When he does manage to secure a place close to Tony, he fails to capitalize on the opportunity, making poor decisions and relapsing back into his old habits. Ultimately, his dependency on drugs and his lack of reliability lead to his demise, making him a burden rather than an asset to Tony.

A.J.: The Jerk Too

AJ Soprano, on the other hand, also exhibits a bratty and disrespectful behavior. Throughout the series, A.J. makes a series of poor choices, from taking drugs to bullying others and committing crimes. Even though he's a pain, there are some potential explanations for his actions, such as a learning disability or ADHD that could contribute to his difficulties in school and his tendency to procrastinate and put things off.

Additionally, A.J. is just a child, and the show starts when he is around 11 years old and ends when he is closer to 19. It's common for young teens to rebel, be difficult, and challenge authority. So, A.J.’s behavior, while still problematic, is understandable given his age and the context of the show. However, his brattiness and laziness make him quite unbearable at times.

Despite Their Flaws, Both Characters Have Good Qualities

Despite the many flaws and disagreements, both Christopher Moltisanti and AJ Soprano have their moments of growth and good qualities.

AJ, albeit a pain, shows significant improvement by the end of the series. He demonstrates maturity and concern for his father’s well-being during Tony’s health struggles and the increasing dangers he faces. His decision to pursue an event planning career and his eventual love and responsibility towards his single mother indicate that he is taking steps towards a more stable future.

Similarly, Christopher Moltisanti has his redeeming qualities. He is loyal and loves both Tony and Adrianna, despite his poor treatment of her. His ambition is also evident, as Moltisanti has some promising entrepreneurial ideas and dreams of writing movies. However, his failures are magnified by his inability to mature, the grip of his addictions, and poor decision-making. His arc throughout the seven seasons is tragic, leading him to a downward spiral, with his eventual death from being a liability to those once closest to him.

Conclusion: Christopher Moltisanti as the 'Worse'

While both characters fit the 'bratty jerk' stereotype, Christopher Moltisanti's downfall is more egregious due to his consistent immaturity and self-destructive behavior. His lack of reliability and poor decision-making ultimately make him more of a burden to Tony and the other characters. In essence, while AJ’s actions are selfish and disruptive, Moltisanti’s character arc is a clear illustration of the consequences of one’s immaturity and addiction.

Key Takeaways

New York mob world, where Chris and A.J. operate. Bratty sense of entitlement and poor decision-making behavior. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Keywords: Christopher Moltisanti, AJ Soprano, New York Mob, Bratty Entitlement, Showtime's The Sopranos