Tulsa’s Tale of Crime and Redemption

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TV SERIES REVIEW
Tulsa King Season 1 (Blu-ray Steelbook)
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Genre: Crime, Drama
Year Released: 2022, 2023
Runtime: 9 x 40m episodes
Created by: Taylor Sheridan
Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Andrea Savage, Martin Starr, Jay Will, Max Casella, Domenick Lombardozzi, Vincent Piazza, A.C. Peterson, Garrett Hedlund, Dana Delany
Where To Watch: available now, order here www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Sylvester Stallone's role as Dwight Manfredi in TULSA KING SEASON 1 marks a transformative chapter in his illustrious career. Under the guidance of Taylor Sheridan and Terence Winter, the series unveils a novel approach to crime and drama set against the backdrop of Tulsa, Oklahoma. From the outset, the story grips viewers, unraveling the tale of a man grappling with a dramatically altered world after years of confinement. This is a little off-focus, but Sheridan has an almost flawless career; almost everything his name is attached to is fantastic. He worked on the films HELL OR HIGH WATER, WIND RIVER, SICARIO, and this series, as well as YELLOWSTONE, 1883, 1923, and more.

Stallone, a name often associated with explosive action films, infuses a rare depth and nuance into the character of Manfredi. Stepping out of a lengthy prison term, Manfredi finds himself in an unfamiliar, technologically advanced society starkly contrasting to the world he once knew. This character arc subtly echoes Stallone's early career challenges, adding a layer of realism to his performance. His portrayal illustrates an actor's journey of adapting and reinventing himself, much like his character in the series. I’ve liked many of Stallone’s roles in the past, but this may be one of his best. The nuance he can offer in a series versus a film is complicated compared to anything he’s done before.

TULSA KING has a unique cast, setting, and storyline. Straying from typical noir drama conventions, it opts for a modern setting where humor intersects with action-packed adventure. The series's production values shine—its visual design, soundtrack, and cinematography work harmoniously to create a realistic and captivating world. I was fully expecting the more traditional Western-style series here, and thankfully, I was wrong; Sheridan is at his best when working on the neo-western genre, and he proves that once again here.

A highlight of the show is its clever use of familiar tropes and clichés, turning them into strengths. Stallone's portrayal of Manfredi is a blend of wit and authority, resonating with the audience and earning the respect of his on-screen counterparts. His balance of comedy and drama enhances the show's allure and broad appeal.

Beyond its humorous moments, TULSA KING delves into its characters' intricate and complex lives. The performances, marked with authenticity and understated elegance, draw viewers into a web of interconnected stories and relationships. This blend of classic narrative elements and innovative twists ensures the series remains engaging and thought-provoking.

TULSA KING SEASON 1 is remarkable for those who savor dramas that intertwine compelling storytelling with deep character exploration. The series is a testament to Stallone's versatility as an actor and showcases the creative brilliance of Sheridan and Winter. TULSA KING paves a new path in the genre by offering a unique mix of crime, comedy, and drama. Its engaging narrative and rich character development set high expectations for future crime dramas.

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[photo courtesy of PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT]