Tulsa King Parts 1 & 2 are the opening chapters of an American crime drama television series created by Taylor Sheridan with Terence Winter showrunning for Paramount+. The series stars Sylvester Stallone, marking his first leading role in a scripted television series. Stallone plays a Mafia capo who just got out of prison and is sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he tries to set up a criminal organization. (Wikipedia)
S P O I L E R S
So much about Tulsa King Parts 1 & 2 works immediately, apart from the fact that even in his seventies, Stallone is still able to draw on his charm and swagger to dominate the screen, even a smaller one. This is so, despite the fact that the premise is a little far-fetched but still within the boundaries of possibility, however remote.
One of the key tropes employed here is the ‘man out of time’, where after spending 25 years in prison, Dwight Manfredi (Stallone) is decidedly out of touch with the modern world. Which is a powerful comment on how much the world has changed in the last 25 years. That said, the plot can get a little fanciful especially when you consider the manner in which Manfredi strides through Tulsa basically getting away with everything!
READ OUR ANALYSIS OF THE SOPRANOS.
Perhaps that is a testimony to Manfredi’s skill at the whole mafia “protection” racket. In two episodes, he manages to build the foundation of his criminal enterprise, with only a driver to assist him. Of course, that adds to our engagement, our desire to see him succeed, even at criminal activity. Which is only possible due to Stallone’s charisma, even in the twilight of his career.
Tulsa King Parts 1 & 2 certainly sets up several threats and obstacles that might well jeopardise Manfredi’s well-being with unlikely allies as well. Definitely one to keep a close watch on!
Watch Tulsa King on Amazon.
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