by Tim Gordon
The war for Tulsa is heating up, and this week’s Tulsa King proves that even “The General” can be outflanked. “On the Rocks” opens with Dwight Manfredi (Sylvester Stallone) juggling new enemies, old loyalties, and an ever-tightening federal leash as his world begins to implode from all sides.
At the Dunmire compound, Jeremiah (Robert Patrick) meets privately with the attorney general, intent on sabotaging Dwight and Bevilaqua’s growing operations. Their secret meeting sets a dangerous plan in motion: a calculated attempt to crush Dwight’s business empire and humiliate him in public. Dunmire is as ruthless as ever, and this time, he has the political muscle to back it up.
Meanwhile, Dwight receives a call from Dexter Deacon (Dallas Roberts), the merciless bombmaker known as “The Watchmaker.” Deacon insists on an immediate meeting at Bred2Buck. Dwight initially refuses, but Musso (Kevin Pollak) quickly intervenes, reminding him that this contact could prove valuable. When the two finally sit down, Dwight does not mince words. He wants Dunmire’s house demolished and offers Deacon $250,000 for the job, half in cash upfront. The exchange is tense and methodical, with both men aware that one wrong move could ignite a war neither can contain. Unbeknownst to Dwight, federal agents are already documenting every second of their meeting.
Back in Tulsa, Bodhi (Martin Starr) and Grace (McKenna Quigley Harrington) prepare for the long-anticipated grand opening of the distillery and launch of the Montague 50 bourbon. The event draws an impressive crowd of critics, industry insiders, and political figures, including Margaret (Dana Delany) and her gubernatorial hopeful, Cal Thresher (Neal McDonough). Cal sees the event as an opportunity to polish his campaign image, while Dwight views it as a symbol of legitimacy for his empire.
The evening takes a sharp turn when Leery, a suspicious safety inspector, arrives unannounced. His aggressive line of questioning makes it clear that Dunmire’s influence has reached the regulatory offices. As the inspection intensifies, chaos strikes. Bigfoot (Mike “Ca$h Flo” Walden) accidentally dislodges a massive bourbon barrel, killing Leery instantly. Horrified, Mitch (Garrett Hedlund), Bigfoot, and Goodie (Chris Caldovino) scramble to contain the disaster. They agree to conceal the evidence, but their cover-up adds another layer of risk to Dwight’s already crumbling operation.
When Dunmire does not hear back from his inspector, he takes matters into his own hands. Backed by police, he storms the distillery mid-event, publicly accusing Dwight of theft and corruption. The confrontation sends guests fleeing, barrels crashing, and cameras flashing. The launch dissolves into chaos, turning what was supposed to be Dwight’s crowning moment into a PR nightmare. Calm but simmering beneath the surface, Dwight gathers his crew afterward and vows they will rebuild stronger than ever. Then he receives another devastating blow: the inspector’s body has been discovered in the bourbon cellar.
Bevilaqua (Frank Grillo) visits Dwight at home later that night. Having heard whispers of the meeting with Dexter Deacon, he questions Dwight’s loyalty and motives. The exchange is tense, with Bevilaqua pressing him hard about his divided loyalties and Musso’s sudden interest. Dwight tries to deflect, but Bevilaqua’s instincts are sharp, and his patience is thin. As their conversation ends, Dwight senses that his cover with Bevilaqua may be slipping.
Moments later, Dwight looks out his window to find two black SUVs pulling up outside his home. Armed men emerge, surrounding his property. Whether they are federal agents, Dunmire’s enforcers, or Bevilaqua’s hit squad is unclear. The episode fades out with Dwight standing alone, unarmed but unflinching, realizing that every alliance he’s built is starting to crumble at once.
Final Thoughts
“On the Rocks” is a tense, volatile episode that tightens the noose around Dwight’s empire. The launch of the Montague 50 was meant to be a celebration of power and progress, but instead became the catalyst for chaos. The moral lines blur as Dwight juggles Dunmire’s sabotage, Bevilaqua’s suspicion, and Musso’s control.
How long can Dwight maintain his balance before it all collapses?
Will Cole Dunmire continue to tolerate his father’s condescension, or is rebellion inevitable?
And with Vince running errands for Quiet Ray, how soon before New York decides it’s time to reclaim its share of Tulsa’s growing fortune?
Dwight Manfredi may be a man built for survival, but this week proves that even generals can bleed.
