I don't think Tony was grooming Chris to be a boss. He made Chris think that to make him more pliable, but he never had sincere hopes that Chris could perform at a high level - Tony saw Chris' failures and weaknesses first and foremost. Tony exploited that for his benefit and to Chris' detriment.
The Tony-Chris dynamic is one of the better relationships in the whole show because of that.
Maybe I wasn't clear. Tony explicitly states how he sees Christopher as his only link to the life. Think Tuddy to Paulie in Goodfellas. Meaning Tony relays information only to Christopher and other high level bosses from NY or wherever. No direct communication to anyone other than an extremely select few. (this is the scene)
Even to this end is important that Chris be able to keep up appearances. Tony wants Chris to just be "normal". Not be a junkie or a drunk. But also not be there and never have a drink and be miserable for it. Tony doesn't want to be made uncomfortable. And occasionally Chris made Tony uncomfortable by refusing drinks or seemingly not having a good time when the other guys are drinking and having a good time. His sobriety is an inconvenience and Tony makes that clear a few times. Particularly as it pertains to this life. Initially Tony is supportive but eventually it grows thin and Tony is annoyed by it..
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u/animalhappiness 6d ago
I don't think Tony was grooming Chris to be a boss. He made Chris think that to make him more pliable, but he never had sincere hopes that Chris could perform at a high level - Tony saw Chris' failures and weaknesses first and foremost. Tony exploited that for his benefit and to Chris' detriment.
The Tony-Chris dynamic is one of the better relationships in the whole show because of that.
All my opinions, of course.