Tulsa King, a 2022 Paramount+ crime drama, marks Sylvester Stallone’s foray into television. Created by Taylor Sheridan, the show follows Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a New York mafia capo unceremoniously exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, after serving 25 years in prison. Lost in a world far removed from his familiar streets, Dwight must adapt and build a new empire, one unlikely recruit at a time.
Synopsis: Dwight’s loyalty to the Manfredi family is unwavering. He took the fall for his boss, expecting to be welcomed back with open arms upon release. Instead, he’s dumped in Tulsa, a city he barely knows, with a vague promise of a “casino.” This supposed golden opportunity is nothing more than a dilapidated marijuana dispensary. Dwight, unwilling to accept defeat, assembles a ragtag crew of misfits, including a bartender, a techie, and a horse breeder. Together, they navigate the unfamiliar landscape of Oklahoma crime, clashing with local biker gangs and Dwight’s own New York associates who doubt his capabilities.
Cast and Crew:
- Sylvester Stallone as Dwight “The General” Manfredi
- Max Casella as Armand “Armand Trucco” Trucicchio
- Domenick Lombardozzi as Dominic “Don Chicklet” Lombardo
- Vincent Piazza as Vince Antonacci
- Jay Will as Tyson
- Martin Starr as Bodhi
- Andrea Savage as Stacy Beale
- Created by: Taylor Sheridan
- Directed by: Allen Coulter, Terence Edwards
- Written by: Taylor Sheridan, Terence Winter
Release: November 13, 2022. Season 2 of Tulsa King is confirmed, with a release date TBA. But don’t expect season 2 of Tulsa King to come out in 2024, sadly.
Story: Tulsa King is more than just a mobster fish-out-of-water tale. It’s a story of loyalty, betrayal, and reinvention. Dwight’s unwavering dedication to his old-school values clashes with the new world he finds himself in. The show explores themes of family, both biological and chosen and the lengths one will go to for survival and respect. The unlikely bonds Dwight forms with his ragtag crew add a layer of humor and heart to the narrative, making it hard not to root for their success.
Review:
PROS:
Stallone’s magnetic performance: Stallone delivers a nuanced portrayal of Dwight, capturing both his hardened exterior and vulnerability.
Dark humor: The show’s comedic elements balance the gritty crime drama, making it entertaining.
Complex characters:Â The supporting cast shines with their quirky personalities and unexpected depths.
Intriguing plot: The story keeps you guessing, with twists and turns that leave you wanting more.
CONS:
Slow pacing: The show can feel slow at times, especially in the early episodes.
Familiar tropes: The mafia genre has been explored extensively, and Tulsa King doesn’t always break new ground.
Violence: While not gratuitous, the violence can be graphic for some viewers.
Critical Response: Tulsa King received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised Stallone’s performance and the show’s dark humor, while others found it predictable and slow-paced. Despite the mixed reviews, the show has been a success for Paramount+, drawing in viewers with its star power and intriguing premise.
Life Lessons:
Loyalty: Dwight’s unwavering loyalty, even in the face of betrayal, is a testament to the importance of holding true to your values.
Adaptation:Â The show emphasizes adapting to changing circumstances and finding new ways to thrive.
Second chances:Â Dwight’s journey proves that it’s never too late to start over and build a new life.
Conclusion: Tulsa King is a well-made crime drama with a charismatic lead performance and a unique setting. While it may not reinvent the genre, it offers an entertaining and thought-provoking story about loyalty, adaptation, and second chances. Tulsa King is worth checking out if you’re looking for a show with dark humor, complex characters, and a touch of heart.
