In a captivating turn of events in the latest episode of Tulsa King, titled “Dead Weight,” Samuel L. Jackson made his highly anticipated series debut as Russell Lee Washington Jr., whose character is set to lead the upcoming spinoff NOLA King. The episode opened with a dramatic scene as Russell executed a hit in a Newark hotel, marking his entrance into the gritty world of Tulsa’s criminal underbelly.
Summoned by “Quiet Ray” Renzatti, portrayed by James Russo, Russell’s mission was clear: eliminate Dwight Manfredi, played by Sylvester Stallone. However, rather than following through with the deadly order, Russell chose to warn Dwight about impending dangers while revealing his motivations rooted in a life debt from two decades ago.
The tension escalated as Ray expressed his displeasure at Russell’s decision to spare Dwight, hinting at darker consequences for the unwilling hitman. Meanwhile, Mitch (Garrett Hedlund) gained intel about a group of New Yorkers arriving in town, indicating that Ray’s operations did not solely hinge on Russell’s loyalty.
In a noteworthy twist, Russell joined Dwight at a local motel for a meeting with Ray’s associates, showcasing the fraught ties and fragile alliances that define the series. The episode also saw police converge on the crime scene, hinting at the increasing stakes for all involved.
Elsewhere in this episode, Jeremiah Dunmire (Robert Patrick) confronted serious issues with his distribution contracts, leading to violent outbursts that threatened the stability of his operations. While trying to exert control over the situation, he nearly harmed an associate before redirecting his anger towards Joanne (Annabella Sciorra), leaving her fate uncertain.
The younger characters faced their own challenges, with Tyson (Jay Will) and Spencer (Scarlet Stallone) navigating the treacherous world of drug dealing. Amidst the chaos, Mitch received an unexpected yet joyful visit from Cleo (Bella Heathcote), who decided to return to Tulsa after learning about a destructive incident.
With dynamic performances and intricate storytelling, Tulsa King continues to engage viewers, leaving them eager for more. Each episode unravels the complex interactions of loyalty and betrayal in the criminal world, paving the way not only for character development but also for the impending spinoff. Audiences can look forward to the unfolding narrative as the season edges closer to its finale.