Michael is a good man
The films really lay the guilt-tripping on thick but Michael is a decent guy in a world of sharks who wants to protect his family.
In III he’s getting older and still getting crapped on by everybody, and he makes a sincere attempt at redemption. The priest even tells him that he could be forgiven but he’ll never forgive himself - even Michael is beating himself up.
The films are full of remorseless psychos but for some reason Michael is constantly tortured for trying to survive and protect those he loves. Why?
To those who condemn Michael, what would you do differently in his exact same situation?