Was he ever in charge? I'm rewatching season 1 and noticing that Junior isn't ever really in control, everyone around him manipulates him or let's him think he's in control

he was, while the boss was a guest of the government

>>211456447 (OP)
He was only ever a face, but for tony and the NY crew to keep this appearance up they had to let him feel like he ran things so he made big decisions on some matters

why did junior never interact with any of the rest of the cast? like he and christopher interacted once and that was in the pilot where he just says 'hey chrisse' in the restaurant

>>211457198
But why

>>211458114
As a lightning rod, Tony even outright says it at one point. If the feds think they have the boss of the family on the hot seat, then that's where their focus would be... in theory.

>>211457280
Cause he's on house arrest for the majority of the show
>>211458114
Cause Tony wanted the feds to focus on Junior instead of him and he knew Juniors insecurity and ego would be stronger than his sense of self-preservation. This is explicitly stated in the show.

>>211458188
>>211458210
Thank you Sopranobros

>>211456447 (OP)
Only ran his crew of old farts, Bobby and Fuckfaceitis.

>>211456447 (OP)
He arguably had more power after being put under house arrest. He became Tony’s unofficial consigliere and was able to effectively steer family business through his counsel. If he didn’t develop dementia come seasons 4-5, it’s possible Junior would’ve been de facto head of the family in the same way Tony was in season 1.

>>211456447 (OP)
He beats down Tony’s guys and kill Tony’s earners with impunity and killed Brendan who was in Tony’s crew. He absolutely was the boss after Jackie died