The Count of Monte Cristo: Classic or Dud

I thought it was going to be the final nail in the coffin of Danglars' financial humiliation when, after the wedding, Cavalcanti's fortune turns out to be a fantasy but that didn't happen.

Benedetto does kill Caderousse.

which is somewhat fortuitous for the count (though he does claim to be merely an agent of providence iirc), and certainly outwith the count's plan of revenge on those responsible for his original imprisonment.

Caderousse is such a tragic but somehow still likeable putz

The "blood from the ceiling" bit of his backstory is such a great moment

The trick the Comte played on Morrel, and his justification for it, was abominable.

Yeah it's true that a lot of the Count's behaviour is unforgiveable or baffling (especially to Mercedes!) and Dumas, by never commenting on it, seems to condone it. But D'Artagnan has similar issues -- as characters, they're both very "you can't make an omelette without breaking a few orphans and their extended families".

I guess it's either satisfying depth of character or storytelling inconsistency, depending on your patience.

I do love the supporting cast and the messy middle of the book, though. Dantes' absences from the narrative make his actual appearances much more exciting.

Caderousse is such a tragic but somehow still likeable putz

yes, from the moment he drunkenly refused to go along with the plot against edmond i was on his side, and disappointed when i learned of his recidivism!

and he's the only villain who begs for absolution

He's definitely the character I had the most (perhaps only!) emotional investment in -- I guess because he's the only character who seems reflective about what he's done? Dantes is like "Have I gone too far in my quest for vengeance? Nah, probably not."

is on TPTV as i type, the old man is just about to die in prison.