If you were one of the millions who were captivated by The Sopranos, it’s likely you’ve been searching for something to fill that void ever since the iconic show wrapped up in 2007. Sure, we’ve had other mafia-themed series and films, but none quite managed to capture the same depth and complexity that The Sopranos brought to the table. Enter Sylvester Stallone’s Tulsa King, a series that not only brings the gritty world of mob bosses back into the limelight but also adds a fresh twist that makes it feel brand new and exciting.
Created by Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind Yellowstone, Tulsa King brings a unique blend of mafia drama and Western influences. With Sopranos alum Terence Winter onboard as executive producer and writer, it’s no wonder that comparisons to the legendary HBO show are inevitable. But while Tulsa King draws from the rich tradition of mob stories, it also takes the genre in bold new directions. Here’s why Tulsa King could be the perfect show to satisfy your mafia cravings while offering something different from what you’ve seen before.
The Premise: A Mob Boss in Tulsa, Oklahoma
At its core, Tulsa King tells the story of Dwight Manfredi (played by Sylvester Stallone), a seasoned mobster who’s spent 25 years in prison for murder. Upon his release, Dwight expects to be welcomed back into the fold by his New York mob family, but instead, he’s shipped off to Tulsa, Oklahoma, a place as far removed from his mafia roots as possible. His mission? To build a new crew from scratch and make a name for himself in a completely unfamiliar environment.
This fish-out-of-water setup is what immediately sets Tulsa King apart from traditional mafia stories. The juxtaposition of a seasoned gangster in a rural setting, trying to navigate life outside the mafia, creates a unique dynamic that offers both comedic and dramatic moments. And let’s be honest, watching a tough guy like Stallone try to navigate small-town Oklahoma is just plain entertaining.
The Differences from The Sopranos
While Tulsa King undoubtedly draws comparisons to The Sopranos, particularly in its portrayal of a complex mob boss, it’s important to note that Dwight Manfredi is a very different character from Tony Soprano. As Terence Winter points out, Dwight isn’t your typical “thug” character. Unlike Tony, who’s a traditional gangster with a mix of charm and brutality, Dwight is portrayed as a “good guy” at heart who genuinely wants to go straight.
This distinction is one of the reasons why Tulsa King feels so fresh. While Tony Soprano was often driven by anger, power struggles, and family issues, Dwight is more reflective. He’s had 25 years in prison to think about his life choices, and his time behind bars has made him a more rational and thoughtful character. His goal is not just to build a new criminal empire but to reconnect with his family and rebuild the relationships he lost during his time in prison.
Dwight Manfredi: A “Good Guy” in the Mafia World
One of the key aspects of Dwight’s character that sets him apart from other mob bosses is his inner struggle. Winter explains that Dwight is not a bully but rather a respectful person until someone gives him a reason to act otherwise. He’s a man who’s spent a long time in prison reflecting on his life and is now trying to make up for lost time with his family, including a daughter, sister, and grandchildren he barely knows.
This contrast to the stereotypical hard-nosed mobster makes Dwight a much more relatable and empathetic character than many of the ruthless figures we see in mafia stories. His complexity adds layers to the show that keep it from feeling like just another gangster drama.
A Modern Take on the Mob Genre
Tulsa King is undoubtedly a modern take on the mob genre, and that’s one of the things that makes it so appealing. While The Sopranos was rooted in the traditional Italian-American mafia lifestyle, Tulsa King mixes things up by incorporating a much more diverse cast of characters. Dwight is surrounded by people you wouldn’t typically expect to see in a mafia setting, including a pacifist weed store owner, a former cowboy, and a Black kid from the Midwest.
These characters add a unique dynamic to the show, and watching a New York mobster like Dwight interact with such a varied group of people brings out new, often surprising, moments. The show blends humor with drama, creating a narrative that’s unpredictable and full of twists and turns. It’s not just about the mafia – it’s about people from different walks of life coming together and navigating their personal challenges.
The Fish-Out-of-Water Storyline
One of the most fascinating aspects of Tulsa King is the way it subverts expectations. Dwight is used to the fast-paced, high-stakes world of New York’s mafia, where power and influence are everything. But in Tulsa, he’s a small fish in a big pond, and he has to start from scratch. The cultural clash is something we haven’t seen before in this genre, and it adds a layer of freshness to the traditional mafia formula.
Stallone’s portrayal of Dwight brings a level of charm and vulnerability to the character that makes him both likable and intriguing. Dwight isn’t a typical tough guy – he’s someone who’s been through the ringer and is trying to make a new life for himself, even if it means facing off against people he wouldn’t normally associate with.
A Show That Breaks the Mold
As Terence Winter explains, the show’s key strength lies in its refusal to follow the typical mob drama blueprint. It’s not just about a New York mobster and his criminal empire; it’s about Dwight’s journey of self-discovery and redemption. The diversity of the characters he interacts with – from pacifists to cowboys to young Black men – brings new energy to the show and makes it feel like something entirely new.
When you add in the Western-inspired elements (think Yellowstone meets The Sopranos), you get a series that stands apart from other mafia dramas. It’s about more than just crime; it’s about people and relationships, both new and old. Dwight’s struggle to reconnect with his family and build a new life while navigating the underworld is at the heart of the show’s emotional resonance.
Breaking the Generic Mob Mold
The true success of Tulsa King lies in its ability to avoid the pitfalls of generic mafia storytelling. It’s easy to fall into the trap of relying on familiar tropes and clichés, but Tulsa King avoids this by constantly throwing curveballs at the audience. Whether it’s the unexpected interactions between Dwight and his new crew or the emotional depth of his character, the show keeps you guessing and engaged from start to finish.
The addition of characters who aren’t your typical “mob” material further breaks the mold and gives the show a unique, fresh feel. It’s a bold move that’s paid off, as Tulsa King has managed to carve out its own space in the world of mafia dramas.
Conclusion: Tulsa King Is the Mafia Show We Didn’t Know We Needed
If you’re a fan of The Sopranos but have been craving something new, Tulsa King is the perfect show to add to your watchlist. With Sylvester Stallone at the helm, a diverse cast of characters, and a unique blend of mafia drama and Western influences, it’s a show that feels both familiar and fresh. Dwight Manfredi is a character who is both tough and vulnerable, and his journey of redemption and self-discovery is what makes the show so compelling.
By taking the traditional mafia formula and flipping it on its head, Tulsa King is breathing new life into the genre. It may never replace The Sopranos in your heart, but it’s definitely a show worth checking out if you’re looking for a fresh take on the world of organized crime.
