by Tim Gordon
After last week’s fiery near-fatal explosion, Tulsa King opens in Newark, New Jersey, where a cold and calculated hit is carried out by a mysterious assassin later identified as Lee (Samuel L. Jackson).
Upon returning to his shop, Lee receives a visit from Vince Antonacci (Vincent Piazza), who informs him that he has been summoned by the infamous mobster Quiet Ray Renzetti (James Russo). Ray pays Lee double for the completed job, but when Lee attempts to retire, Ray demands one final assignment: kill Dwight Manfredi (Sylvester Stallone). Lee refuses, but Ray gives him no choice.
Lee arrives unexpectedly at Dwight’s bar, posing as an old friend from prison. The two reminisce as Dwight probes for information, asking whether Ray ordered a hit on him and whether Lee was sent to carry it out. Lee admits that he was hired, but has no intention of killing Dwight. Despite the unexpected cease-fire, Goodie Carangi (Chris Caldovino) remains alarmed and increases security. When Ray calls again, Lee repeats that he is walking away, enraging the volatile mob boss.
Back at the ranch, Mitch Keller (Garrett Hedlund) informs Dwight that another New York hitter is reportedly in town, intensifying concerns that Ray’s threat has only begun. Later, Dwight receives a tearful and emotional visit from Cleo Montague (Bella Heathcote), who shares that when she heard news of the explosion, she rushed across the globe to return to him but feared she was already too late.
Elsewhere, Dwight negotiates with Musso (Kevin Pollak) and informs him that Dexter Deacon (Dallas Roberts) is no longer a problem. In return, he demands a full national liquor license. Musso is frustrated and unimpressed. Meanwhile, business at The Montague Distillery continues to thrive while product is being returned at Dunmire Distillery, leaving Cole Dunmire (Beau Knapp) unsettled. Cole informs his father, Jeremiah Dunmire (Robert Patrick), that their liquor empire has begun to crumble and that Dwight is rising. Jeremiah destroys his homemade still, nearly attacks his son, but walks away in silent rage.
On the streets, Tyson Mitchell (Jay Will) expands his hustle and begins kicking up profits to both Dwight and Lawrence “Bodhi” Geigerman (Martin Starr). He seeks additional suppliers but is warned that no business can be conducted at Dwight’s bar or Bodhi’s shop. Later, Tyson and Spencer (Scarlet Rose Stallone) sell ecstasy at a club, unaware that mysterious watchers are observing. Security intervenes and throws them out, forcing their operation to pause.
Caught between Ray’s wrath and his loyalty to Dwight, Lee goes to Dwight’s home, gun in hand, but instead of pulling the trigger, he asks if they can share dinner. During their conversation, Dwight learns that Ray has sent an additional hitter to finish the job. The men form an uneasy alliance and decide to eliminate the threat together. They track the assassins to a motel and discover that two killers have been dispatched instead of one. Lee and Dwight split up, execute both attackers, and leave the scene before authorities arrive. Later, Vince appears in Tulsa and watches as police investigate the grisly aftermath.
At The Montague Distillery, Joanne Manfredi (Annabella Sciorra) falls asleep at her desk and awakens to the sound of a break-in. Before she can react, she is abducted by Jeremiah’s men and taken to him, setting up a deadly final confrontation.
Final Thoughts
The long-teased collaboration between Stallone and Jackson finally ignites on screen, and the payoff is worth it. Their chemistry grounds the episode with tension, mutual respect, and shared history. Lee will not betray Dwight, even if it costs him everything. Ray, however, will not back down, and this now becomes a two-contract problem rather than one.
Jeremiah continues to spiral and is dangerously close to becoming Tulsa’s greatest liability. With his liquor enterprise deteriorating and rage consuming him, his decision to abduct Joanne may push Dwight into a violent and decisive endgame. The finale is shaping into a high-stakes convergence of business, blood, and betrayal.
Finally, Tyson’s side hustle trouble hints that another major conflict is brewing for Dwight’s young protégé. The mystery observer at the club is likely not done.
Next week’s Season Finale is set to be explosive.
