re: Should Tom have figured out "It was Barzini all along" himself, and a lot sooner?

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I always assumed this was the reason that Michael removed him as consigliere as soon as he became boss and had the Don take over that position.

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I think Michael was a little resentful of Tom's status, which got fleshed out more in part II. Tom was Sonny's friend, not Michael's. Michael had his father's advice regardless, so there was no reason to tell Tom he was "out." It was some kind of loyalty test. And then later we find out Michael thinks he can make Tom some kind of corporate attorney for the Corleone Family going legit. So it's a little convoluted for Michael to act like Tom needed to be removed because of the Barzini thing.