The Dodgers and Their Godfather III Moment

The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in an 0-3 deficit that mirrors the cinematic struggles of The Godfather Part III. FS1 host Colin Cowherd likens the Dodgers’ attempt at winning another World Series to the third installment of the renowned trilogy. He notes that while some names remain familiar, including star players, the energy feels worn out.

The Godfather Part III, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, attempts to build on the legacy of its predecessors but struggles to meet their high standard. Notably, Al Pacino delivered strong performances, akin to Shohei Ohtani’s efforts for the Dodgers. However, Ohtani’s recent postseason batting slump—below .200 over four games—has drawn concerns. Reports suggest the Dodgers even contemplated benching him in Game 3.

If the Dodgers fail to rally, they risk becoming only the second team unable to overcome such a playoff deficit, mirroring the comparison to The Godfather Part III. The first two films are often considered some of the best ever. Yet, the third installment, despite its merits, fell short of expectations.

The absence of key characters, like Tom Hagen, and the casting of Sofia Coppola as Mary Corleone, impacted the film. Similarly, some expected talents didn’t join the Dodgers of 2026. Despite a substantial payroll and adding players like Tarik Skubal and Kyle Tucker, the team struggles.

Reflecting on this analogy, the aging Dodgers could not reclaim former glory, much like Coppola’s film struggled with its aging cast and high expectations. Dodgers superfan and OutKick reporter Ian Miller acknowledged Cowherd’s comparison. He equated The Godfather films and the Dodgers’ past successful seasons, suggesting that despite setbacks, the achievements remain worthwhile.

The Dodgers’ challenges highlight that immense potential can sometimes lead to great pressure and disappointment. This struggle mirrors the ongoing narrative of ambitious sequels and their unpredictable outcomes.