#carlo has the sun tarot card vibes to me??? but ofc like the darker version of the sun

[tankgotstuckinthecircusgate]

Sometimes i wonder why Eddie and Lauretta could find Carlo attractive. Like he's not the most handsome man, he's arrogant and self-centered, with some oddities, occasional paranoia (but given the last scene with him in canon - he can be relatively charismatic?). but i've long been of the opinion that it's all about his energy??? assertiveness? ambitions?? i mean judging by the records about him Carlo really tried to make the most of this life??? Connections with journalists and politicians, the planetarium, charity, he had a company in Ohio, he found new ways to earn money ( was the first to go international in fact 😭)

He also seems to have generally used material patronage as a way to gain loyalty?? I'm saying this because of the Mickey the Crab story, it's written that he used to be in the Vinci family, but moved to Falcone's because Carlo paid more and got him out of the army (+he gave Eddie a brothel in gratitude for his loyalty; +in ch10 Carlo emphasizes that he will pay Vito and Joe well if they successfully take out Clemente)

anyway. just an old thought

Upd. And funny how it's the absolute contrast with Clemente, who uses intimidation and cruelty to his men. Now I'm wondering how Carlo came to this way of connecting with people (=materialistic)