Tony’s Deadly Hands: Every Character Tony Kills in The Sopranos & Why

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In every traditional mafia tale, some form of violent act like a killing, hit, or “taking someone out” occurs. Typically, these acts are carried out by subordinates or soldiers under the authority of the boss. Yet, it’s not unusual for the bosses to take part in such violence when required. Regardless of whether it’s necessary, the violent nature of a gangster lifestyle is inevitable. The HBO gangster series includes multiple instances of murder that unfold throughout the storyline.

As an ardent viewer of The Sopranos, I often find that when a murder occurs, it’s usually because Tony Soprano has given the order for the hit. Characters like Christopher Molisanti, Paulie Walnuts, or Silvio Dante are typically the ones seen carrying out the deed, with Tony remaining in the background. However, there were instances where he couldn’t avoid it and had to take matters into his own hands, even though such exposure as the boss made him more vulnerable. It may not have happened as frequently as fans might recall, but Tony Soprano certainly took the lives of several characters throughout the series.

Season 6, Episode 15 (Flashback)

Although viewers may not realize it until later in the series, Tony Soprano’s first recorded kill happens early on – specifically, the shooting of Willie Overall, a bookie, with Paulie Walnuts back in 1982. The episode opens by revealing this crime, and now, the possibility arises that their buried remains could be unearthed. This incident forces Tony and Paulie to flee for a brief period until the situation is resolved.

Readers discover that Tony, for the very first time, took a life under his father’s orders, Johnny Boy. This act solidified Tony as an official member in the DiMeo Crime Family, marking his initiation into gangster life. It seems the bookie was in arrears to Johnny Boy or owed a significant debt to the family, which prompted this violent act. However, it’s important to note that this was something Tony did as a soldier rather than as the future head of the family.

Season 1, Episode 5

In the intricate tapestry of my life, the unwritten rules that govern my mobster existence often take precedence over everything else, even family matters. This delicate balance was skillfully demonstrated in the early episodes of The Sopranos, as my character, Tony Soprano, juggles his roles as a father and a gangster. During a weekend college-scouting trip with my daughter Meadow, I encountered an old acquaintance, Fabian “Febby” Petrulio, reminding me of the fine line between family duty and organized crime business.

Initially, Tony believes he knows who Febby is, and later verifies this assumption. As the story unfolds, it’s revealed that Febby is a rat hiding in the witness protection program. Despite not being involved in the betrayal himself, the Mafia code takes precedence over all else for Tony. During his trip with Meadow, he secretly ambushes Febby and ends his life using some barbed wire. The reason behind this act of violence is that Febby was a rat and a traitor.

Season 1, Episode 12

Viewers recall the “Isabella” episode vividly as it didn’t appear to hold much significance initially. However, in the first season, the family dynamics were particularly tense among Tony, his mother, and his uncle, and any second could have led to severe repercussions from their disputes. During this time, Tony was experiencing one of his most profound bouts of depression. Amidst this, he accidentally walked out of a supermarket and found himself in an unfortunate predicament.

As Tony climbs into his vehicle, he spots two individuals stealthily approaching him brandishing pistols. In a split second, he takes immediate action. Tony managed to seriously wound William Johnson Clayborn, one of the assailants intent on ending his life. Seizing the weapon from one attacker, he points it at the other and discharges it. During this tense situation, Tony was compelled to employ every resource available to him in order to protect himself. He acted out of necessity for self-preservation.

Season 1, Episode 13

he sought revenge by attempting to eliminate them both. However, it’s important to note that while Tony didn’t manage to kill either of them, he made considerable efforts to do so. In the case of his mother, he was unable to carry out the act, and fortuitously, his uncle was apprehended at a critical moment, sparing him from certain death. Before this dramatic turn of events, Tony and his associates had targeted Junior’s top lieutenants as retaliation for the attempt on Tony’s life.

Christopher and Paulie are responsible for looking after Mikey Palmice, but unexpectedly, Tony chooses to assist Chucky Signore with some support from Silvio. Following the emotional blow of discovering that his own kin attempted to harm him, Tony felt compelled to engage in some violent actions. This was primarily a response and an attempt to eliminate Junior’s influence. He fires multiple shots at Chucky on his boat near a Jersey dock.

Season 2, Episode 9

In Tony Soprano’s life, it often happened that when he was emotionally involved in a situation, he preferred to deal with retribution directly himself. This pattern played out when two ambitious upstarts attempted to eliminate Christopher Moltisanti as a means of advancing their careers within the mob. Matthew Bevilaqua and Sean Gismonte were the ones who decided to act on their own accord in this matter, aiming to join the DiMeo family.

Matt and Sean’s approach to career advancement is remarkably shortsighted. Instead of playing fair, they attempt to eliminate Christopher to win favor from Richie Aprile. However, their scheme goes terribly awry when Christopher defends himself, leading to Sean’s death. Later on, Tony and “Big Pussy” locate Matthew. In the hospital, a distraught Tony, with assistance from “Pussy,” ends Matt’s life by shooting him in the head.

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Season 2, Episode 13

As a dedicated fan of “The Sopranos”, I can’t help but reminisce about one gripping narrative thread that unfolded over two seasons: the enigma surrounding Tony’s trusted confidante, Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero. The tension between them was palpable, and it wasn’t until the climax that I discovered the shocking truth – Sal was an undercover FBI informant.

I couldn’t believe it when I first heard the news, and Tony’s denial mirrored my own disbelief. However, numerous instances hinted at this betrayal, and eventually, Tony was forced to confront the reality. The revelation shook me to my core, just as it did for Tony. It was a moment that would forever change the dynamics of the series.

In the midst of food poisoning, Tony invites Paulie and Silvio over, and together they persuade Sal to come with them on a boat trip that very afternoon. Once aboard the vessel, Tony, Paulie, and Silvio confront him and force him to confess his wrongdoings in front of them. Not long after, they assassinate Sal by shooting him repeatedly, then discard his body into the sea. The code of honor and protection ultimately prevailed over friendship, as Tony was compelled to take Sal’s life himself, and it was a matter of personal significance for him to be among those who pulled the trigger.

Season 4, Episode 9

It’s surprising that Tony didn’t kill anyone after he murdered “Big Pussy” at the end of Season 2, but it took him this long to get involved in another murder. During this period, he seemed to be ordering murders as easily as he ordered coffee, but he only carried out a killing when one of the main show antagonists finally drove Tony to do so.

Following a succession of events leading to a crescendo, Ralph Cifaretto encounters his tragic demise. Ultimately, it was Tony who ended Ralphie’s life, as he avenged the death of a cherished horse (presumably) that Ralph had killed. Looking back, there were numerous despicable acts committed by Ralphie that might have led to his untimely end. Exhausted by Ralph’s actions, Tony took matters into his own hands and choked Ralph to death in the middle of his kitchen. Christopher then aided Tony in dismembering the body and disposing of it.

Season 5, Episode 13

In the following season, Tony Soprano finds himself in more trouble, and it’s a deeply personal struggle once again. Many of these problems often stem from the most significant acts of betrayal. It’s always challenging to support Tony Soprano and hope for his transformation into a better individual when he is compelled to make a wretched choice for the sake of his enterprise.

The next season, Tony Soprano encounters more personal issues, mainly due to major betrayals. It’s tough to cheer for Tony Soprano and expect him to improve when he must make difficult decisions for his business.

In season five, when Tony’s relative Tony B returns from prison, tensions arise as he refuses to participate in the family business and harbors underlying anger towards Tony due to the incident that landed him in prison initially. Matters escalate further when they approach a potentially devastating conflict between New Jersey and New York. To resolve the situation and spare Tony B the brutal death at the hands of Phil Leotardo, Tony makes the difficult choice to kill his own cousin. He does so by shooting him with a shotgun outside a hideout where Tony B was residing.

Season 7, Episode 6

In most instances, Tony Soprano avoids pulling the trigger personally, but as the show concludes, he eliminates characters that leave viewers shocked. It’s strikingly tragic that the last life Tony Soprano takes is arguably the most heinous one. Until the final season, fans might have been able to rationalize Tony’s need to eliminate someone, but when he chose not to save his nephew Christopher and instead hasten his demise by suffocating him, that was a turning point for many viewers.

In the last season of the show, we see Tony Soprano at his most troubling as he descends deeper into shadows, giving full rein to the beast within. When faced with Chris’ critical situation, instead of summoning help, Tony blocks his nose, letting him choke on his own blood. This is because, as Chris expresses it, “he can’t pass a drug test.” Throughout the series, Chris has been a persistent issue for Tony, and he felt that it was past time to be rid of Chris and all the complications he brings.

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2025-05-12 04:42