The Untold Scheme: Tony's Master Plan Behind Feech La Manna's Downfall

Summary

Feech La Manna's complicated history with Tony Soprano made him a compelling minor antagonist in season 5 of The Sopranos.

Concerned about Feech La Manna potentially betraying him, framing him for a robbery, and ultimately leading to his imprisonment, Tony took proactive measures by creating a situation that would keep Feech at a distance from him. The tension between Tony and Feech initially arose during a game of cards, wherein Tony strategized a bold heist with the goal of elevating his position within their family.

Feech La Manna was a captivating minor antagonist in season 5 of The Sopranos, adding another layer of complexity to Tony Soprano's already intricate history. The show, which premiered in 1999, revolves around Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a high-ranking mobster, as he navigates the challenges of his crumbling family life, growing anxiety, and the constant struggles of running a criminal empire. The Sopranos was a groundbreaking series that pushed the boundaries of television, with each episode feeling like a cinematic experience. It set a new standard for future shows, all thanks to the visionary creator David Chase.

Similar to other mob-related films and TV series, The Sopranos boasted a diverse ensemble cast, with minor characters entering and exiting Tony's life on a regular basis. By the time season 5 rolled around, the show had woven a complex narrative that was enriched by the introduction of Feech La Manna (played by Robert Loggia) as a minor antagonist. While the show concluded after season 6, it continued to delve into the backgrounds of its main characters, and Feech La Manna provided valuable insight into Tony's transformation from a street thug to a formidable crime boss.

Tony Set Feech La Manna Up Because He Was Worried Feech Would Betray Him

After serving a twenty-year sentence for racketeering charges in the 1980s, former mob captain Feech La Manna found himself reintegrated into a crime scene that felt foreign to him. However, Feech quickly became a thorn in Tony Soprano's side when he attempted to encroach upon Paulie's territory and refused to compromise when Tony extended an offer to help. The tipping point occurred when Feech's men stole cars from Tony's friend, Dr. Ira Fried. Tony, suspecting that Feech posed a threat to his life, recalled a recent card game in which Feech's joke received little response while Tony's joke caused uproarious laughter, leading Tony to believe Feech's intentions were malicious. Instead of resorting to the usual elimination stance taken towards enemies, Tony opted to treat the esteemed elder mobster with respect, framing him for a robbery that resulted in a life sentence behind bars.

Tony & Feech's Rivalry Started At A Card Game

Tony and Feech harbored animosity since their young days when Tony, aspiring to be a mobster, orchestrated a plan to steal from Feech's weekly card game. Tony's intention was to elevate his status within the family, but Feech disapproved of the scheme. Despite this, Feech was compelled to stand down by Tony's influential father, resulting in Tony's eventual promotion due to his audacious actions. While fans eagerly anticipated seeing this crucial moment in the prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark, the pivotal backstory to The Sopranos has never been depicted on screen.