Hi Stargazer...
An interesting post and I respect your viewpoint and opinions about 'Book 2'. Therefore, with this reply, I am in no way trying to convert you - Lol.
I too had some issues with this sequel to a classic piece of television - until I undertook a considerable amount of reevaluation. However, that is not to say I think it is worthy of a redress by everyone - not at all. You either like it for what it is, and for what it set out to do, or you simply don't like it...
Author's note -
Before commencing, I would just like to make everybody aware that the following contains a number of *SPOILERS*:
The sequel ('Book 2'), primarily being an extended weekly series continuation (not a mini-series) defined a different format compared to its original concept. Therefore the writing, pacing and development had to be addressed from a somewhat alternate perspective, moreso after losing the so-called "Poor Man" of the story. The great majority of the series is set five years on and transfixed to a certain period of time (this being the year 1968). The original mini-series ('Book 1') storyline was relayed over a 20-year period (or thereabouts) in a more limited, albeit more expensive, format. Immediate differences. And, let's not forget that 'Book 2' is the usual 'Hollywood cash-in' of a very successful production. But, there was no way that this sequel was ever going to be as good/successful as 'Book 1'; for starters, they would have had to come up with something really special character-wise to replace the screen presence of Nick Nolte ('Tom Jordache') in order for it to be considered any kind of equal. The producers even offered Nolte a money-spinning opportunity to come back and play the role of 'Wesley' in 'Book 2'!! But, I'm so glad he didn't conform to this inane 'Hollywood incentive'!
Yes, there are a considerable amount of deaths during 'Book 2':
Julie (helicopter crash in Vietnam - accident), Calderwood (illness/old age), John Scott ('Scotty') and Sarah Hunt (both murdered by Estep's mob) and Dwyer (murdered by Falconetti). I don't see any major problems with having these 'deaths' occur in the series. They are feasible to the plot, especially when you consider the reasons for them; naturally, it's the latter 3 deaths that eventually connects Estep and Falconetti to one man i.e. Rudy. Of these five 'dead' characters - three are from the original 'Book 1' mini-series. Sidenote: it was later confirmed that 'Scotty' (Ramona's father) had been buried by the mob in upstate New York somewhere. Also, it would appear that Ramona wasn't aware that her father had died/been killed so she wasn't actually going through a time of mourning (but in a sense it was denial) and just wanted some time to herself at home just incase he showed up. Consequently, it was Rudy who paid her a visit to persuade her to work for him in Washington for the time being.
Incidentally, other characters from 'Book 1' who appeared in 'Book 2' (not including Rudy) are: Kate Jordache, Wesley Jordache, Billy Abbott, Marsh Goodwin, Eddie Heath, Virginia Calderwood, and Brad Knight. All these 7 characters are still alive by the end of 'Book 2'. Also, I never class Rudy as being killed off at the end of 'Book 2' - it is simply an ambiguous ending which is left somewhat open-ended. His possible death is based on assumptions from each individual viewer's perspectives. However, I wholeheartedly acknowledge Falconetti's demise during that final scene. :-)
Rudy was always "Tom's 'buttoned-up' older brother" (Quote ref: Kate Jordache, 'Book 2'), so therefore throughout the majority of both 'Book 1' and 'Book 2' he was more or less always 'prancing around in a suit' due to his upstanding positions on the business, political and social ladders of success. Furthermore, this is what defined his image as the 'rich man' of the title. I think we are presented with an older lead character who has gone through considerable changes and development in 'Book 2', therefore we experience his angst and frustrations concerning many situations - the final straw for him was discovering what had happened to 'Wes' in Las Vegas. Rudy was no longer prepared to consider a rational outlook towards what could have been another murder of someone he loved - especially by the same vicious psychopath who was still evading the police at all costs!
It was 'Falconetti' who planted a bomb on board the "Clothilde II" hence 'Roy Dwyer' copped for the explosion. I think it would have been a considerable risk for Falconetti to hide somewhere in the boat and wait for Dwyer knowing that there was always a possibility that Dwyer was armed and could have defended himself well-enough. Plus, the fact that Wesley was also accompanying Dwyer at this point meant there was actually both of them to contend with, therefore the more dramatic effect of the planted bomb was decided upon thus making this the easier option in order to dispose of both Dwyer and Wes, or at least one of them. Yes, Dwyer survived this first attempt on his life and subsequently managed to get hold of a gun and hunt down Falconetti. There was every possibility that this was achieved through his own contacts - remember he was also obsessed with getting even with Falconetti, so he probably went to great lengths especially after this attempt on his own life. Alternatively, it may well still be the very same gun he was carrying prior to the explosion? Remember, the one he pointed a Wesley's head when he turned up on the boat? He thought Wes was an intruder, grabbed him from behind and pointed the gun at him.
The irony of the Dwyer/Wes/Falconetti scenario is that the final showdown (well, for Dwyer anyway) was aboard a rusty, dilapidated and abandoned old ship. Therefore, quite possibly, with a certain amount of force, the ship could actually be accessed in the way it was depicted in the series. I suppose it may depend upon how well the lock/chains are holding out after a certain period of time? There's every possibility that the Writer/Director had considered other options for having them break in/enter the ship, but perhaps this was the only feasible way for them to gain entrance to such an ageing, run-down contraption...? I personally don't see any problem with the way this was illustrated, knowing only too well that such a neglected ruin could present itself with this kind of opportunity for entry. Furthermore, regarding the "Do Not Enter" sign - I don't think a psycho like Falconetti is going to take any notice of something as 'trivial' as that, especially when someone is on his tail with a gun! Sidenote: this vessel gave a significant nod to the "Westgate" - the ship on which Dwyer and Falconetti had first met in 'Book 1'.
Dwyer was unlucky not to have at least wounded Falconetti with his 'superior' weapon. But, Falconetti was a very sneaky and manipulative character, and the series' entertainment value played on this aspect by having him become the victor of the situation once again.
Nevertheless, all the above, is just my take, or reevaluation, of some of the aspects that grate with you about the 'Book 2' series. That's the way I read/envisage these scenarios upon viewing. It can be quite convoluted and naturally isn't as well-loved as the classic 'Book 1'. However, the two series are completely different 'beasts', so to speak, therefore I do appreciate that 'Book 2' has still maintained a popular following throughout the UK and Europe after all these years. In retrospect, 'Book 2' provides good entertainment value and I personally like the development of 'Rudy Jordache' throughout. Furthermore, it was the forerunner to the 'soap operas' which became the ratings winners during the 1980's. Still a good deal better than a lot of the 'productions' presented on our small screens today. :-)
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