#FIRSTLOOK: “TULSA KING”

By Mr. Will Wong

Sylvester Stallone is back in a big way and would you believe that this is his actual Television Series debut? The iconic two-time Academy Award nominee returns in Paramount+‘s TULSA KING, starring as Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a crime boss who just completed his 26-year prison sentence, surfacing in Oklahoma of all places. He is sent to Tulsa and given the impossible task of setting-up operations there and it’s slim pickings. He knows literally no one and forges his way into a smalltime cannabis shop, volun-telling them that they need protection and staking claim to a cut of profits.

By the end of the first episode we really see him begin to plant his roots and just how Dwight’s poise and charm quickly win the locals over. Whether it be a local bar owner Mitch (Garrett Hedlund); Tyson (Jay Will), whom he convinces to be his personal driver; or Stacy (Andrea Savage), a local woman who becomes involved with Dwight.. in more ways than one, let’s just say. Things get messy as he begins to draw attention with his arrival and that’s exactly what we’re here for.

Taylor Sheridan who is responsible for the likes of Veronica Mars and Sons of Anarchy, brings us TULSA KING. We get drama, a bit of a thrill ride and lots of Comedy. We’re actually surprised how comedic the Series and it works. Stallone approaches the role exactly as he should – a step slow and still, really gravitating this people of this town towards him as he leans-in to whisper. Hedlund‘s Mitch likely will play a very integral role to the story, already establishing early that he is trustworthy and likable. The real scenestealer though is Savage who looks like she’s got a complicated history and we can’t wait to find out about it.

TULSA KING debuts on Paramount+ November 13, 2022, with new episodes arriving weekly.

We had the pleasure of being in Stallone‘s presences on a recent visit to Toronto in support of the Series. More here.