Key Highlights
- Tulsa King season 3 episode 9 featured a guest-star appearance by Samuel L. Jackson as Russell Lee Washington Jr.
- The episode set up a significant finale with Lee providing backup for Dwight’s business operations in Tulsa.
- Lee, revealed to be an old friend of Dwight, warned him about potential threats and offered his assistance.
- Dwight Manfredi’s business flourished after securing a federal liquor license from Musso.
Episode Overview: A New Ally for Dwight
The penultimate episode of Tulsa King season 3, titled “Dead Weight,” brought in a high-profile guest-star as Samuel L. Jackson reprised his role as Russell Lee Washington Jr., an old acquaintance of Dwight Manfredi. The presence of Jackson added significant weight to the series and set up a climactic finale.
Plot Developments
The episode began with Lee, portrayed by Jackson, arriving in Tulsa on what he claimed was an innocent errand at a nearby hotel. After securing the premises, Lee carried out a covert operation that involved shooting a man and later cleaning up the crime scene to avoid detection.
Back in the ranch, Dwight Manfredi faced increasing pressure from Musso regarding his whereabouts. Dwight managed to secure a federal liquor license through Musso’s assistance, which allowed him to dominate the local alcohol market, pushing aside competing brands such as Dunmire’s.
The Return of Lee
Lee arrived at the bar where he met up with Dwight, who was surprised to see his old cellmate and friend. Despite Lee initially trying to avoid a confrontation, he admitted that he had come to Tulsa for reasons related to Ray, another influential figure in the series.
The two men discussed their past together before Lee revealed that he had been given one more job by Ray. Dwight, aware of Lee’s capabilities and loyalty from their shared prison experience, decided to offer him a warning instead of taking the hit himself. This dynamic added a layer of complexity to their relationship, highlighting the mutual respect they held for each other.
Cliffhanger Finale
The episode concluded with an intense scene where Dwight and Lee engaged in a “meet and greet” at a club, showcasing their combat skills. They successfully eliminated a group of assassins sent by Ray, leaving the audience on edge as they anticipated the series finale.
Other subplots involved Cole’s frustration over losing distributors to Dwight’s business expansion and Gracie’s desire for more responsibilities in the distillery under Joanne. The episode also touched upon personal relationships like Mitch’s encounter with Cleo and Joanne’s unexpected confrontation with an unknown assailant.
Expert Analysis
The guest appearance by Samuel L. Jackson significantly boosted the entertainment value of the series, providing a sense of urgency and danger that aligns with the high-stakes nature of the plot. Industry experts believe such star power can help retain viewership for the final episode.
“Jackson’s involvement adds an extra dimension to the storyline,” said media analyst Sarah Thompson. “It creates a sense of unpredictability and tension, which is crucial for maintaining audience engagement in the lead-up to the finale.”
Future Implications
The arrival of Lee as a potential ally suggests that Dwight may need more support to face the challenges ahead, including Ray’s ongoing threats. This could lead to significant plot developments and character growth in the series’ final episode.
“With Jackson’s character potentially joining forces with Dwight, it opens up new possibilities for the narrative,” commented entertainment critic James O’Connor. “It’s a strategic move by the producers to keep viewers invested until the very end.”
The episode serves as a crucial milestone in the series, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion that will undoubtedly challenge both characters and their relationships within the complex world of Tulsa King.
