Fresh off of “Yellowstone,” Taylor Sheridan and fellow writer, Terrence Winter collaborate on a project as a non-Yellowstone spin-off titled, “Kansas City.” Set in the titular city located in Missouri, an Italian gangster is ordered by his crime family to relocate and expand an empire. Slyvester “Sly” Stallone signed on to headline the series. Taylor rewrote the pilot episode taking place in Tulsa, Oklahoma retitled as “Tulsa King.”
Tulsa King’s first season officially streamed in 2022 (same year Andor streamed) on Paramount Plus. It became a sleeper hit earning praise from critics and streamers alike. A second season streamed in 2024. Recently, Tulsa King’s getting a spin-off known as, “NOLA King” with Samuel L. Jackson carrying it. Mr. Sheridan’s also working on Landman’s second season and Tulsa King’s third season. Busy guy. Before they stream, I wanna share my thoughts on Sly’s first TV series.
This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you a chance to see Tulsa King’s first season.
Rich & Poor Qualities
Rich: Sylvester “Sly” Stallone did a terrific job for his performance. He also served as an executive producer courtesy of his production company, Balboa Productions.
Other Cast Members such as Andrea Savage, Martin Starr & Max Casella (Daxter from the Jak and Daxter games) all did a solid job for their respective performances.
Taylor Sheridan, Terrence Winter & Dave Erickson mapped out all nine episodes.
Fight Scenes are brutal yet unapologetic.
We learn about Dwight’s backstory regarding his personal life prior to be locked up in bars.
Cinematography was short normally lacking technical issues.
Pacing for each episode didn’t feel like a snoozefest.
Dwight’s chemistry with his new crew serves as the main highlight.
The aspect ratio’s different whenever a scene’s located in Oklahoma or New York. The former’s shot in widescreen, while the latter’s shot in full screen. Reminds me of one of my all-time favorite movies, “Interstellar.” Whenever Cooper and his team enter a planet, it’s shot on IMAX.
Poor: I didn’t find biker gang leader, Waltrip as an interesting villain. He’s somewhat forgettable. Not on the same level as memorable TV antagonist, Venca from Stranger Things’ fourth season.
Episode 1 – Go West, Old Man
After serving a 25-year sentence, Dwight relocates to Tulsa, Oklahoma under his boss’s orders to open a criminal empire.
Dwight recruits cab driver, Tyson. Offers a protection racket to the owner of a weed store and meets a woman named, Stacey. Unbeknownst to him, she’s an ATF agent.
Episode 2 – Centers of the Universe
Dwight opens a bank account and obtains a driver’s license.
Dwight, Tyson & Bodhi go on a “business trip.”
Stacey visits Dwight regarding his estranged family.
Episode 3 – Caprice
Dwight passes his driving lesson.
Stacey brings up a legit reason she’s in Tulsa.
Ray Liotta (may he Rest in Peace) is mentioned. Sly worked with him in James Mangold’s “Copland.”
Episode 4 – Visitation Place
Dwight interrogates a capo for info on a failed assassination attempt.
Dwight strikes back at a biker gang for swiping Tyson & Bodhi’s money.
A drama bomb ensues with Tyson and his family. Dwight also has family drama.
Edwin Star’s “War” is used during a gang war. The song was also used in “Rush Hour” & “Small Soldiers.” Thank goodness they didn’t include anything by Ice Spice like her fart song. Every time I hear War, I can already picture Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker dancing.
Episode 5 – Token Place
Dwight returns to New York to attend a funeral of his loved one. He tries to reconcile with his estranged daughter, Tina.
Meanwhile in Tulsa, Tyson gets into a sticky situation.
Dwight performs a fatality. It’s funny because Sly reprised his role as Rambo in “Mortal Kombat 11” as a guest fighter.
Episode 6 – Stable
Before heading back to Tulsa, Dwight sees Tina.
Dwight hires a new partner.
Something happened in New York.
Episode 7 – Ward Acres
A business is left in shambles.
Dwight obtains intel regarding somebody he knows. Plus, he suggests an idea for more money.
A prominent character meets his end.
Episode 8 – Adobe Walls
Before engaging in combat with the bikers, Dwight teaches new recruits to fight. He and his partners discuss a business opportunity.
A funny moment with one character shooting a gun like McLovin off of “Superbad.”
Tyson has a chat with his old man.
Towards the end of this episode, things get serious.
Episode 9 – Happy Trails
Rewind to 1997 when the Spice Girls were popular, a crucial moment is tied to Dwight.
Flashforward to 2022 when Sabrina Carpenter’s fifth album, “Emails I Can’t Send” came out, a gang fight ensues between Dwight’s crew and the bikers. I can’t believe I’m saying this, Tulsa King’s gang fight has much better choreography and camera work than Darth Vader & Obi-Wan’s lightsaber duel in Disney Plus’ lame mini-series.
Tyson fully accepts his responsibility as Dwight’s ally.
Before heading to battle, Dwight delivers a motivational speech. Inspirational like his “It Ain’t About How Hard You Hit” speech from “Rocky Balboa.”
Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” is used in one crucial scene. The song was also used in one of my favorite all-time comedies, “The Hangover.”
Last scene sets up Season 2.
The Final Verdict: A-
I didn’t expect Sylvester “Sly” Stallone to carry a TV series which turned out to be a hit. I’m shocked he didn’t get an Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.” If you’re new to Tulsa King, watch all nine episodes of Season 1.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 