I recently had the chance to watch the new show “Tulsa King” on Paramount, which stars Sylvester Stallone as a mafia boss fresh out of prison seeking revenge. The show was created by Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind the hit series “Yellowstone”, and directed by Terence Winter of “Boardwalk Empire” fame.
Right off the bat, I have to say that the show feels like a departure from the “Yellowstone” franchise, which I am a huge fan of. Taylor Sheridan has established himself as one of the few creators who has cracked the code of creating hit TV shows in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
Inside the Article:
The Setting of Tulsa and Its Role in the Show’s Story
“Tulsa King” takes advantage of the built-in audience from “Yellowstone” by airing on the same night as the fifth season premiere of the Kevin Costner-led series. But Stallone’s show strikes a different tone, with a more dramatic and intense story about a mob boss seeking payback after years in prison. The setting of Tulsa, which was changed from the original script set in Kansas City, works well for the story, adding an unexpected element and playing off of the city’s recent cultural resurgence.
The Intense and Emotionally Complex Character of Dwight Manfredi
As a fan of Stallone’s work, I have to say that this is one of his strongest performances in recent memory. He put a lot of work into the role of Dwight “The General” Manfredi, and it shows. The character is multi-faceted and emotionally complex, and Stallone conveys that depth through his dialogue and physicality. It’s also refreshing to see him branch out into different genres, and it’s a reminder that he’s capable of more than just playing Rocky Balboa and John Rambo.
Overall, “Tulsa King” is a well-crafted and engaging show that stands out in a crowded TV landscape. The cast, which also features several talented actors from Oklahoma, is excellent, and the story is both unexpected and funny. I highly recommend giving it a watch.
The Cast of Characters
Sylvester Stallone as Dwight “The General” Manfredi
After serving 25 years in prison for his boss, Dwight Manfredi, a New York mafia capo, is released and banished to Tulsa by the same boss he took the fall for. Expecting an easy target, Dwight soon realizes that Tulsa is not as simple as he was led to believe. However, his years of experience as a capo make him a formidable force in the city. The character of Dwight Manfredi is portrayed by none other than Sylvester Stallone, a legendary 80s action movie star and accomplished actor, writer, producer, and director, who is best known for his iconic roles as John Rambo, Rocky Balboa, and Barney Ross in the Expendables franchise.
Domenick Lombardozzi as Don Charles “Chickie” Invernizzi
As a child, Chickie knew Dwight when he was sentenced to prison. Now an adult, he acts as the second-in-command and leader of the Invernizzi crime family. Fans of crime and action shows may recognize Domenick Lombardozzi from his appearances in “Magnum P.I.”, “Boardwalk Empire”, and “The Wire”.
A.C. Peterson as Pete “The Rock” Invernizzi
Pete “The Rock” Invernizzi avoided prison only because Dwight took the blame for a murder they both committed. He, along with his son and underboss Chickie, decided to send Dwight to Tulsa and away from New York. The cast also features veteran actor A.C. Peterson, known for his appearances in shows such as “Superman & Lois,” “Rising Suns,” and “Olympus.”
Andrea Savage as Stacy Beale
When Dwight first arrives in Tulsa, he connects with Stacy, a federal law enforcement officer for the ATF. However, she is shocked when she discovers his true identity. In addition to her role in “Tulsa King,” Andrea Savage, who plays Stacy, is also known for her comedic acting in films such as “Step Brothers” directed by Adam McKay, the HBO series “Veep,” and the comedy series “I’m Sorry.”
Jay Will as Tyson
Fresh from New York, Dwight is greeted by Tyson, a cabbie at Tulsa airport who acts as his guide. Impressed by Tyson’s knowledge of the city, Dwight quickly hires him as his personal driver, paying him a generous salary. Though Dwight is aware of Tyson’s tendency to expose him as a gangster, he keeps him as his driver. Jay Will, known for his roles in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Evil, plays Tyson in Tulsa King among experienced cast from the movie and television industry.
Martin Starr as Bodhi
Martin Starr plays Bodhi, owner of a local marijuana dispensary, which becomes Dwight’s first target in his quest to establish himself as the Tulsa King. The series explores the complex relationship that develops between Bodhi and Dwight as the story unfolds. Starr, best known for his comedic roles in “Party Down,” “Life in Pieces,” and HBO’s “Silicon Valley,” brings his unique talent to the character of Bodhi.
Garrett Hedlund as Mitch Keller
Mitch, the bartender at the local dive bar, is one of the first people Dwight meets in Tulsa. As a former professional bull rider, Mitch has a shared history of serving time in prison with Dwight. The character is portrayed by Garret Hedlund, an actor, producer, and musician who has also appeared in movies like TRON: Legacy, Mosaic, and The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
