As the gripping narrative of “Mayor of Kingstown” unfolds in its fourth season, the series intensifies its exploration of themes such as menace, corruption, and the intricacies of organized crime. Set in the fictional, desolate town of Kingstown—actually filmed in and around Pittsburgh—the atmosphere is pervaded by an unrelenting chill and a sense of despair as its residents strive to survive amid a backdrop of bleakness, highlighted by the relentless freight trains that traverse the landscape.
Jeremy Renner returns as Mike McLusky, who has miraculously recovered from a life-threatening accident involving a snowplough three years ago. Mike, the self-proclaimed “Mayor,” took on this title after the violent death of his brother Mitch in the first season. Though his role lacks a formal definition and electoral legitimacy, he acts as a fixer adept at navigating the treacherous waters between law enforcement, criminal organizations, and the prison system, often with dubious compensation—including a retainer from the FBI for his role as an informant.
The criminal underworld of Kingstown continues to flourish, revealing its darker side as it becomes a hotspot for organized crime, featuring brutal Russian and Colombian drug factions. Earlier seasons introduced the notorious Milo Sunter, portrayed by Aidan Gillen, whose chilling actions included a violent prison break and a bomb attack that shook the community. This season, the new antagonist, Frank Moses, played by Lennie James, emerges from Detroit, capitalizing on the power vacuum left in Kingstown. His seemingly benign demeanor masks the brutal savagery underneath, raising the stakes for Mike, especially as Moses manipulates Mike’s associate Bunny into a dangerous alliance.
Beneath the crime-laden chaos, “Mayor of Kingstown” poignantly depicts complex family dynamics, particularly focusing on the McLusky family. Mike feels an unwavering obligation to uphold his brother’s legacy while navigating significant challenges related to his younger brother, Kyle, who faces dire circumstances as a police officer. The consequences of a fateful incident involving their mother and a rogue officer unravel Kyle’s career, branding him as a target within the very prison system Mike aims to challenge and control.
As the storyline delves deeper into the brutal realities of prison life, the series emerges as a cautionary tale about corruption and survival, layered beneath its violent surface. While the show may not be a source of entertainment in the conventional sense, its gripping portrayal of desperation and moral ambiguity solidifies “Mayor of Kingstown” as a compelling watch, inviting viewers to question the limits of loyalty and the cost of power in a world rife with injustice.