Tulsa King (TV Series) Happy Trails (2023) User Reviews

And That's A Wrap

[dalefl · 7/10 · 11 January 2023]

This episode wrapped up everything way too quickly and conveniently. It was the product of the missing 10th episode. What we all thought was going to be a 10 episode season was suddenly written down to nine and everything was way too rushed. It wasn't a terrible ending, just a little out of a can.

That bar scene was so contrived it was almost comical. First of all, didn't Waltrip just say that they were stowing their bikes for the time being and everyone was to drive vehicles? Yet they roll up on Harleys with exhaust thundering so that everyone can hear them coming a mile away. Then they stupidly walk into an ambush worthy of Bart Simpson and get blown away. It didn't occur to them when they opened the door to a still open bar with cars parked outside that there was something not right when they saw no one sitting at tables or at the bar and no one tending? Nope. They walk right in to a Tulsa claymore with a trip wire of white string that you could see from across the room. And with all that gunfire back and forth all the bikers get taken out while the only one hit from the bar takes one in the arm. Nope. Not buying it.

Then after three freaking months (what took so long?) Stacy saves her job by betraying Dwight and ratting him out. Of course his daughter had to be there to watch it all go down so they could insert the 'the more things change the more they stay the same' angle.

This episode was a rushed ending to what was a great first season. Ten episodes would have been so much better. I'll tune in for season two, but this was so disappointing.

Do You Still Think I Overplayed My Hand?

[douglasmcbroom · 8/10 · 8 January 2023]

It's good to see Barry Corbin still doing it at 82. Great music in this episode. I didn't know Garrett Hedlund could sing and sing well. When they kicked into a 'Miami Vice' tune it was a hoot.

The various threads that have been fraying throughout the series all come apart in this episode: The NY mob; The Feds; The Irishman and his motorcycle gang; and Sylvester Stallone's (The General) rag-tag crew.

Plus, we get a lot of background and a much better understanding of what went down before Dwight went to prison.

It's explosive. It's funny. It's sad.

The sub-text of this episode and perhaps this entire series: Loyalty matters! There is absolutely nothing worse than betrayal!

Season 1 (7/10 stars): Strong Setup Leads To "Just Okay" Finish

[zkonedog · 7/10 · 16 January 2023]

When I first heard about this Tulsa King show, I was a bit confused by the whole premise: 76-year old Sylvester Stallone playing a gangster in Oklahoma (on a streaming service). What?! Ultimately, it ends up being an entertaining concept, albeit one that front-loads most of the best material and doesn't quite live up to that strong start down the stretch.

For a very basic overview, Tulsa King tells the story of Dwight Manfredi (Stallone), an aged mafia gangster just exiting prison after a 25-year term. Exiled to Oklahoma by a younger mob crew that simply doesn't want him around the big city anymore, Dwight must re-introduce himself to the modern world--which of course he does with a literal and figurative bang! Instead of contentment with being put out to pasture, Manfredi picks up right where he left off a few decades ago--running schemes and making money.

The first 4-5 episodes of Tulsa King are extremely entertaining. Carried on Stallone's broad shoulders, his unique brand of charisma is a sight to behold. The scenes of him just driving around with newfound friend Tyson (Jay Will) might be the best of the whole show. There is also an interesting romantic angle--with federal officer Stacy Beale (Andrea Savage), no less--and some legitimately emotional material involving Dwight's estrangement from daughter Tina (Tatiana Zappardino). In short, the early goings here are a giant gumbo of comedy, heart, and action/adventure to the 9/10 star degree.

Unfortunately, the intrigue proves to be a bit better than the execution in the grand sum of Tulsa King. As the show transitions away from Stallone's magnetism being the prime focus and into the more mafia or gang-wars aspects of the plot, the watch-ability factor suffers. That isn't to say that the show ever reaches a "bad" point, but the "back nine" are more 6/7 stars-per-episode.

Overall, though, I enjoyed watching this first season of Tulsa King. Stallone's "fish out of time/water" growth was the highlight, to be sure, as well as some of the heart and inspirational messaging he brings to all his products. Though I have definite concerns about what a season two might hold with that particular character trait tapped out, I'll definitely be tuning into the already-confirmed sophomore effort to give it at least a chance.

Cliffhanger ending

[TV_Gourmet · 10/10 · 13 January 2023]

The ending of the episode (without giving spoilers) is heart sinking. At once I felt the character I was rooting for was certainly doomed, but I consoled myself by thinking it can't be... the show must go on. It's the kind of obstacle a good writer puts before it's hero or antihero, to bring drama to the show and audience, but ultimately the viewer wants to see the hero emerge from the fray. In a good book or series this cycle of angst for the viewer is what makes the show worth tuning in for. I have to hand it to the writers and Stallone, this drama series has all the excitement and feels. It has some elements we expect in gangster movies, but it is also fresh. Stallone is great in this role. Dominick Lombardozzi is standout as Chickie Invernizzi. His performance is so good. It is comparable to John Bernthal as Shane in Season 2 of the walking dead as he spirals. We see his tortured mind like when Antony loses his grip in Rome. Very well done indeed!

Best new show of 2022 bar none

[neeeedag · 10/10 · 8 January 2023]

Seriously, this show has given me something new to look forward to weekly and Stallones transition to television feels perfectly timed. The role of a lifetime.

Really well written show with so many great characters. The best antagonist on tv since Walter White graced our screens.

Its got better and better by the week with a superb blend of drama, action and humour.

The cliffhanger has me screaming for episode 10 and I wish show was on daily.

I can see Stallone at least being nominated for an emmy this year and the show should receive plenty of additional nominations, Andrea Savage is also standout.

Outstanding Episode!

[jesse-07194 · 10/10 · 8 January 2023]

No Spoilers: Sometimes it's OK if a show is somewhat predictable. You don't always have to have crazy plot twists for a show to be enjoyable. While I haven't been shocked by the plot, the show, this episode in particular, I've just been a pleasure to watch. Great character development! You feel like you really know the characters. You find yourself caring about what happens to them. I can't wait to see the last two episodes! Yes, Sylvester Stallone is obviously a true Hollywood star. He commands every scene that he's in. Sometimes TV series that feature a movie star focus so heavily on the star but the rest of the characters just don't really matter to you. That's not the case here. Stallone is amazing, but he still allows the supporting cast to shine as well.

Definitely a thumbs way, way up!

[jodifortner · 10/10 · 6 April 2023]

Best new show! Thank you Paramount, for this gem. I held off and watched the entire first season in early April and highly recommend viewing it as a weekend binge! There are very compelling, interesting characters and a well-written story. Great cast, every one of them memorable and well cast.

About Stallone: The man definitely has a commanding presence. He plays an determined, unyielding man of character, generous to his friends and loyal to those where loyalty is due. His realization that he had wasted much of his life, his desire to reconcile with his daughter and his efforts to rebuild his life was the crucial theme of the story. I enjoyed seeing him so well dressed in every episode - certainly a man of means! As a 71-year-old myself, I marvel at his stamina and energy and have to admit I find him even more attractive now than when he was younger. He still has it!

;-)

There is considerable violence and I wouldn't recommend the show for young children but it has its place in this story and isn't overdone.

Can't wait for Season 2!

Nothing Can Stop the DwightVerse!

[panagiotis1993 · 9/10 · 10 January 2023]

Wow, they actually made Dwight look younger for the flashback. Loved the conversation between Armand and Dwight. Dwight ''Stay the f**k out of my town''. That's the spirit. LMAO Goodie left Chickie to work for Dwight, didn't see that coming. Chickie's plan to take out Dwight didn't work after all. Dwight: ''We're going to War''. That's what I wanted to hear. Dwight's crew just keeps getting bigger, don't know if that's good or bad though. Really enjoying Mitch's character. Lol Bodhi just took all of Waltrip's money, Waltrip is losing his mind, it's fun to watch. Tyson needs more screen time imo. The relationship between Dwight and Tyson is really wholesome. The showdown between Dwight and Waltrip was good but I expected more resistance from Waltrip and his gang. It can't be over just like that. Waltrip's death was really brutal though. Tina is now in Tulsa? Damn. Glad to see Dwight bonding with his daughter. Dwight being a grandpa, adorable. Dwight's new nightclub looks slick. Mitch can sing. The police arrested Dwight? WTF!? Stacy is such a traitor. What a cliffhanger, wow. What an amazing episode! I wish it was 2 hours long. 9.4/10 is my rating.

Pump the brakes!

[iamjohhnylaw · 6/10 · 9 January 2023]

There was supposed to be ten episodes this season and all of a sudden it's made clear that episode 9 is the acual last episode. To top it off, the actual episode itself (minus recap, opening and ending credits) was only about 30 minutes long and it feels more rushed than just about any season finale I've ever seen. All the story threads were haphazzardly tied up in a truly awful way. Not sure what happened but this was just a terrible end to an otherwise fun season of television. Cannot believe how badly they dropped the ball on this. What an embarassment. It ends on a cliffhanger that was so contrived and poorly set up that you could be excused for missing the lame reasoning given.

Happy Trails

[bobcobb301 · 6/10 · 10 January 2023]

You can't go wrong with "In The Air Tonight" playing during a lengthy fight scene and then at the end of the episode, so the corny and cheesy nature of the music score saved this episode.

But for the most part this was nothing that we have not seen before and it played into every single predictable element we could have expected from it.

Overall I would call this show a success for Paramount+ and this is a good role for a late in his career Sylvester Stallone, but this episode needed more of a twist. Stacy's actions at the end would not really qualify as shocking for anyone who has watched television before.

What was that?

[TheKlajdiH · 2/10 · 9 January 2023]

Looks like they were trying to speedrun the end of this series.

Everything cuts from one scene to another. With no link between scenes. Just things that happen for as fast as possible and on to the next cut.

How to make a 36 minutes episode even shorter?

What about the fight in the bar with the Sons of Anarchy? It looked like a scene from Home Alone.

Makes no sense for the ATF Detective to reveal the USB as bribe attempt when it was her that was crying she will be out of job and has nothing. Incriminating herself like that is even dumber than this episode.

It is a shame because I had recommended this show to my friends mentioning that is the same Director that made Sopranos possible. This is not an interesting series anymore. I lost every hope with this episode. It was shocking.

Great Show That Could Have been Made Better

[dr150 · 7/10 · 1 March 2023]

So the entire Season is over with a Cliffhanger.

The story was apparently from the great mind of Taylor Sheridan but was written and Directed by others.

As another person said, this story could have benefitted from another 10th episode.

Everything felt too RUSHED!! It reminded me of Game of Thrones Series Finale when Aria killed the Night King and thus the entire zombie army.

The bar showdown was LAZY, rushed, contrived. You name it, The head biker gang guy died too easily and his hot headed bull rush into a bar while the guys inside hear the motorcycle rumble outside!

You would think that Stallone would have a lookout if he was staying frosty regarding a gun showdown. Also, you'd think that the head biker guy would go in SILENT without blaring his Harley engines as if it were a police siren from a mile out. *roll eyes*.

The other scene from the other episode where the head biker guy sends his BEST(!) man ALONE(!) to shoot up the bar and gets easily taken out when he was flanked was another *eye roll*.

It's such scenes that mystify me because they make it look like a keystone cop ooptie doo bumbling idiot show where Bugs Bunny Stallome runs rampant...with ease. No feel of true existential threat.

If they tighten up the lazy writing the show would be even better.

Regardless, it's worth the watch while surfing the internet on the sofa.

A step backwards.

[dmj616-946-540936 · 3/10 · 9 January 2023]

What did I just watch? They just threw together a bunch of resolutions together as quickly as they could. Many people in Dwight's "crew" have little to no incentive to help him out, yet they are all loyal and willing to die for him. There's not time or development to care about anything that is actually happening. Everyone just goes with anything Dwight says without questioning him.

The bar scene was laughable, and I can't get over how awful the entire scene was. Very forced, I was laughing throughout it. I had low expectations for this show and I was able to enjoy it up until this point, but everyone has their limits. Hopefully the next episode rebounds after this.