‘Tulsa King’ The Boss Is Back And As Good As Ever [Review]

The wait is over! Tulsa King is back, and it’s as entertaining as ever. Season 1 wrapped up back in January 2023, leaving us eager to see what’s next for Sylvester Stallone’s Dwight Manfredi. Thankfully, the new season kicks off with a helpful recap, ensuring everyone’s up to speed on the major events. We dive right back into the action, with Dwight navigating the aftermath of his ATF arrest while simultaneously expanding his criminal empire. Thanks to our friends at Paramount+, I had the opportunity to preview the first three episodes ahead of the September 15th premiere, and I’m happy to report that they lay a strong foundation for what looks to be a fantastic second season. Keep reading for my full review of the season’s opening episodes.

ABOUT TULSA KING S2

Dwight and his crew continue to build up and defend their growing empire in Tulsa, but just as they get their bearings, they realize that they’re not the only ones who want to stake their claim. With looming threats from the Kansas City mob and a very powerful local businessman, Dwight struggles to keep his family and crew safe while keeping track of all his affairs. Plus, he still has unfinished business back in New York.

The Tulsa King Builds His Kingdom

Season 2 wastes no time picking up where we left off, with Dwight finding himself incarcerated but far from defeated. Even from jail, he’s scheming and strategizing, ready to expand his empire beyond the marijuana trade.

As always, Tulsa King is Sylvester Stallone’s show, and he commands the screen with effortless charisma. He embodies Dwight’s complex nature, seamlessly transitioning between a menacing mobster, a wise entrepreneur, and a devoted father. While the supporting cast remains strong, the early episodes understandably focus on Dwight’s story. This focus on the “Tulsa King” himself can occasionally leave other characters feeling slightly underdeveloped. However, there’s ample opportunity for them to shine as the season unfolds, and hopefully, we’ll see them step into the spotlight more prominently in the coming weeks.

Dwight’s crew mainstays from last season, Bodhi (Martin Starr), Tyson (Jay Will), and Mitch (Garrett Hedlund) are all back and appear to be taking on larger roles in the growing criminal empire. His daughter Tina (Tatiana Zappardino), is also set to become a more prominent figure in his life, adding another layer of complexity to Dwight’s balancing act between his blood family and his chosen one. This is a dynamic I expect to continue to build over the season and should provide for some interesting drama.

Dwight’s Double Threat

Along with all of the returning faces, this season introduces a new dynamic: not one, but two formidable foes for Dwight to contend with. This pair of new antagonists is an exciting addition to the show this season. Neil McDonough is perfectly cast as Carl Thresher, the local businessman who sees Dwight’s operations as a personal affront. McDonough, a veteran of playing the villainous businessman (Yellowstone, Walking Tall), brings a chilling intensity to Thresher. It’s a performance that leaves you on edge, eager to see how his character will evolve throughout the season.

Then there’s Frank Grillo as Kansas City mobster Bill Bevilaqua. While his presence is initially understated, by the end of episode 3, it’s clear that Bevilaqua is a force to be reckoned with. Grillo embodies the role of the aggressive mobster with ease, promising some explosive confrontations with Dwight and his crew.

Having two villains in a single season is a gamble, but Tulsa King seems poised to pull it off. Thresher and Bevilaqua are contrasting figures, each representing a different type of threat. Thresher is the cold, calculating businessman who will challenge Dwight on the corporate front, while Bevilaqua is the volatile gangster who will test Dwight’s street smarts.

This two-pronged approach promises a season filled with tension, drama, and high-stakes action. With Dwight caught between two powerful enemies, Tulsa King Season 2 is shaping up to be an exhilarating ride.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While not a comedy, Tula King has always brilliantly sprinkled in moments of humor, a trend that continues in the new season. There are a few genuinely funny moments, including a cameo appearance by a popular country music singer. Tulsa King does an excellent job is maintaining what made Season 1 so good, while also introducing new characters and dynamics to keep the series fresh. Stallone continues to shine as Dwight, making the series enjoyable to watch. Although it does take a few episodes for the season to find its groove, the groundwork it has laid looks to be full of promise and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.

TULSA KING S2 TRAILER

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Sound off and tell us what you think. Will you be checking out the new season of Tulsa King? Also, what are your thoughts on the other Taylor Sheridan series’ on Paramount?

You can share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment below or finding me online @TheIndianaSlone. And be sure to stay up to date on your Entertainment and Pop Culture News by following us at ThatHashtagShow.com.

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