Tulsa King Episode 5, titled “On the Rocks,” is a pivotal installment in the third season of the hit crime drama series starring Sylvester Stallone as Dwight “The General” Manfredi. This episode skillfully blends chaos, character tension, and the show’s signature dark humor as the stakes rapidly intensify for Manfredi and his crew.
Episode Overview
The plot of Episode 5 centers around the grand opening of Montague Distillery, where Dwight and his team attempt to celebrate a new venture amidst rising threats. The opening is quickly marred by interference from Jeremiah Dunmire, a local mogul who uses his influence with the state attorney general to try and shut down the event. The conflict is vividly escalated when a health inspector meets a grisly end, crushed by barrels—a shocking moment that encapsulates the mounting danger and unpredictability throughout the episode.
Themes and Character Development
Dwight Manfredi’s leadership is tested more than ever, as he is increasingly stretched between his business ambitions, family obligations, and the constant threat of betrayal from all sides. The episode underscores the struggle to balance loyalty and ambition; Manfredi’s mantra about the importance of found family clashes with his own actions as he leaves his team to handle crises alone. Tensions between the Tulsa crew and New York mobsters reach new heights, hinting at a possible war and prompting distrust within Dwight’s own ranks.
Critical Reception
Critics have described Episode 5 as a turning point, where the show’s tone shifts noticeably toward bigger, more theatrical drama. The series has been noted for losing some of its original grit in favor of heightened set pieces and increasingly “soap opera”-like twists. Stallone’s performance features more improvisation this season, which divides opinion; while it injects some charm, it also risks turning scenes into unfocused filler rather than meaningful plot development. The ensemble cast, however, provides some standout moments—especially Robert Patrick’s volatile presence as Dunmire and Frank Grillo’s evolving role as Bill, whose suspicions about Dwight add tension.
Notable Moments
The health inspector’s accidental death is the episode’s most memorable and shocking event, bringing an abrupt end to the distillery opening and setting the tone for darker episodes ahead.
Internal betrayals and warnings signal the crew may be facing a major war, possibly with the New York mob, as alliances shift and Manfredi’s position becomes increasingly perilous.
Themes of fractured loyalty emerge as Dwight struggles to keep his “found family” close, even as his actions suggest he is drifting away from them in pursuit of business success.
Conclusion
Episode 5 of Tulsa King is a high-stakes, dramatic installment that advances both the plot and the underlying tensions within the Manfredi crew. While the show is criticized for moving toward a more formulaic approach, the episode’s blend of violence, betrayal, and dark humor keeps viewers engaged and sets the stage for a turbulent second half of the season.