Dodgers' Postseason Struggles Compared to 'The Godfather Part III'

FS1 host Colin Cowherd has likened the Los Angeles Dodgers' current 0-3 postseason deficit to "The Godfather Part III," suggesting that despite familiar stars, the team's performance feels diminished.

Cowherd's analogy, shared on Wednesday, highlights the sense of a once-great entity struggling to recapture its former glory. "The Dodgers trying to win a third World Series is starting to have Godfather III vibes to it," Cowherd stated, noting that while "some of the names are familiar," the team feels "played out."

The comparison is drawn to the 1990 film, which, while not universally panned, is often considered a disappointment compared to the critically acclaimed "The Godfather" and "The Godfather Part II." The film featured returning stars like Al Pacino and Diane Keaton, with Francis Ford Coppola directing, but struggled to match the impact of its predecessors.

Cowherd's analogy specifically contrasts the legendary status of the first two "Godfather" films with the perceived decline in quality of the third. While acknowledging that "The Godfather Part III isn't nearly as bad as some movie buffs sometimes portray it," he noted that it was "undoubtedly a profound disappointment compared to the first two films."

Key criticisms of "The Godfather Part III" often include the casting of Sofia Coppola as Mary Corleone and the prominence of a romantic subplot that some felt detracted from the main narrative. The absence of characters like Tom Hagen and the lack of a central figure like Sonny Corleone, whose death occurred in the original film, are also cited as factors contributing to its lesser standing.

Applying this to the 2026 Dodgers, the analogy suggests a team with a star-studded roster that is underperforming. Shohei Ohtani, widely regarded as one of baseball's greatest talents, has reportedly struggled in the postseason, batting under .200 in recent games and even facing consideration for being benched due to injuries.

Unlike "The Godfather Part III," which had factors such as a 16-year gap since its predecessor, an aging cast, and the departure of key actors like Robert Duvall, the 2026 Dodgers are presented with fewer excuses. Their payroll is reportedly larger than the combined payrolls of the other three remaining teams, and they have added significant talent to an already strong roster.

Despite these criticisms, the analogy has resonated, with some observers appreciating its aptness in describing the Dodgers' current predicament. The comparison underscores the high expectations placed on the Dodgers, a team that has consistently been among the league's best, and the disappointment felt when they fail to meet those standards in the postseason.