“Tulsa King”: When a Crime Lord Rises Again in Cowboy Country

At a time when Hollywood is saturated with superheroes and futuristic tech, an old-school figure like Sylvester Stallone – the eternal symbol of 1980s action films – makes a striking return. But this time, he’s not wielding iron fists. In Tulsa King, he embodies a mafia boss with cold calculation and seasoned charisma. Created by Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind Yellowstone and Sicario, this crime drama delivers something refreshingly gritty and emotionally charged.

An Italian Capo, a Cowboy Town – and a New Empire

Tulsa King opens like a quiet symphony of redemption and retribution. Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a loyal capo in the Invernizzi crime family, is released from prison after 25 years of silence. But instead of being welcomed back into the fold, he’s exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma – a city far from the blood-soaked streets of New York.

And yet, in this quiet Midwestern town, he begins to build again. With the help of a young driver, a philosophical weed dealer, a rodeo bar owner, and even an unlikely romance with an ATF agent, Dwight assembles a new kind of crew. It’s not just a mafia story anymore – it’s a story of survival, reinvention, and loyalty in unfamiliar territory.

Stallone – A Legend Reforged

Tulsa King may just be the comeback fans have been hoping for. No longer the muscle-bound hero of Rambo or Rocky, Stallone steps into the role of Dwight with gravitas, quiet menace, and surprising vulnerability. At 76, he delivers a performance that’s not only compelling but also reflective – a portrait of a man who’s lost time but hasn’t lost his edge.

A New Kind of Crime Ballad

Unlike traditional mafia dramas that dwell in blood and brutality, Tulsa King carries a softer, sometimes even humorous tone. Taylor Sheridan paints a nuanced world where old-school codes of honor clash with the laid-back, open-range spirit of America’s heartland. The show blends crime with culture shock, giving viewers a ride that’s as unpredictable as it is entertaining.

Success Built on More Than Nostalgia

Premiering in November 2022 on Paramount+, Tulsa King quickly drew attention and earned generally positive reviews. While some critics pointed out predictable plot beats or weak dialogue, most praised Stallone’s standout performance, the solid direction, and the show’s unique blend of drama and levity. With 19 episodes across two seasons and a third season greenlit, plus a spin-off in development, the show is clearly striking a chord.

Final Thoughts

Tulsa King isn’t just about a gangster reclaiming power – it’s about adaptation, rebirth, and finding relevance in a world that’s moved on. With Stallone at its core – like a dethroned king staking claim in a new frontier – the series offers a rare mix of grit, heart, and cinematic flair. It’s not just a crime drama; it’s a story of survival told in shades of dust, steel, and stubborn pride.

You can watch the official trailer of Tulsa King on the official YouTube channel to fully experience the intense atmosphere and the unique “mob boss” style of the series.