Delta - Respectfully, I don’t agree with the explanation of the Frankie Pentangeli issue, at least as far as the Feds keeping him sequestered. First, Frankie would have been sworn under oath before Congress, so even though “jeopardy” wasn’t an issue, even the worst defense attorney could entirely discredit his testimon in a subsequent trial. Further, even if he wasn’t sworn, Frankie would’ve been a totally useless witness later on. (I know this because I used to be a prosecutor). Once Frankie screwed up the Congressional testimony, he was utterly useless as any kind of witness later on, in any proceeding. In reality, had he done that he would’ve spent the rest of days in solitary.
I can understand why Michael wanted him dead, and basically struck the same bargain with him - die and we will take care of your family - as he did in the novel with the death row inmate who confessed to shooting McCluskey the police captain, thus getting Michael off the hook.
But this leads to another thing that didn’t make sense - after the Congressional hearing debacle the Feds would’ve never let Frankie Pentangeli have a private meeting with Tom Hagen (where Tom proposed the “deal” that led to Frankie committing suicide). Think about it, Tom was not Frankie’s attorney, but rather the attorney for the target of the investigation. No way in hell that happens.
That was exactly the first thing I thought when I first saw the movie. Why are they letting Tom Hagen see him at all, much less in private.
Don’t disagree with your analysis, having never been a prosecutor in real life. :)
I can only surmise that having Frankie under lock and key would have provided some leverage to the Feds.
The Tom Hagen meeting would have been surveiled by the Feds on the hopes that something meaningful would have come of it.
I just think that Pentangeli still had value to the Feds. I am sure witness tampering would have been at the top of the list of the things that the prosecutors would have been looking into.
Sending Hagen to meet with Frankie would have been seen by the Feds as Michael still being concerned over the damage that Frankie could do to Michael.
I really think that the house should open investigations come January once the pubbies take control! :)