Tulsa King – Season 2 Episode 8 “Under New Management” Recap & Review

Under New Management

Episode 8 of Tulsa King season 2 starts with Dwight speaking to Tyson. He warns that if they were a real mafia, he’d be dead right now. Given he disobeyed them and jeopardized everyone, they’re in a difficult position now. They’re obviously not going to kick Tyson out and abandon him, given he’s family, but it does mean that there’s a lot of heat coming down on them in the future.

Bill Bevilaqua brings his team together and is not happy about the shooting. Chickie is absolutely fine with him going after Dwight, given it clears up his own dilemma, but, as it turns out, his office is being bugged by the feds, who in turn warn Dwight what’s coming.

Armand speaks to Clara, his ex wife, and tells her what’s going on. He’s thinking of going into witness protection, to get away from this whole issue, but Armand wants her to join him. Of course, she’s completely incredulous to the whole affair and eventually she tells him not to call or contact again. Armand’s life continues to spiral.

He takes it out on Margaret and her assistant up at the farm. As he starts shouting and ranting that Dwight has ruined his life, she fires him and sends the guy home.

Meanwhile, Dwight informs Tina that she needs to pack up and leave. He senses that there’s going to be a ton of hellfire coming down on them. Tina is disappointed and crushed. She can’t live like this and can’t keep giving Dwight second chances. It’s hard for her to turn her back on him, but she needs to get away from this sooner rather than later. She was convinced things would be different this time but of course, they’re not.

Dwight next shows up at the weed shop, telling them they need to shut everything down and lay low. They’re in a crisis and need to figure out the right play here. The idea of recruiting the Natives is floated, and could be a way to go. And for Dwight, he’s not sure how hard Bevilaqua is going to hit them. As the FBI are watching him now, there’s no way they can attack first or go on the offensive.

Vince broaches the idea of taking advantage of this turf war, knowing they can capitalize on this for their own gain. Chickie is against it and scoffs at Vince’s idea, telling him to stay in his lane. However, this only sows the seeds of doubt from everybody here, and as Chickie leaves, the others plot.

Armand shows to see Thresher, begging for more money and warning that Dwight now knows they’ve been talking. After throwing him a 100 and telling him to “buy a life”, Jackie speaks to Thresher. He’s changed his agreement and forced Thresher out. Everything will be transferred to his name for 1000 dollars. Jackie threatens him at gunpoint and forces Cal to sign. Unfortunately, he’s underestimated everyone, and he was warned this could happen.

Chickie, on his way over to tell Vince not to hit Dwight’s family, is caught up with this intervention. Vince has the support of the families and he’s officially cast out. He takes it as well as you’d expect, angry and spitting on the desk.

That afternoon, a hit and run sees Jimmy shot dead outside the weed shop. Bevilaqua receives word of it, just as Thresher arrives. He needs Bill’s help and here, he breaks the news about the car bombing being the catalyst for everything.

Armand shows up to see Goodie and threatens him with a gun. He knows he’s going to be a marked man after this and demands he hand over the money at the vault.

The Episode Review

All the pieces are now falling into place, and this episode feels like the visual equivalent of knocking one domino down and starting an irreversible chain reaction. All of this really started with Thresher underestimating Jackie and not paying attention to his own issues. The worker’s revolt has caused him to be forced out the business, while Chickie is also out too.

It also may be worth noting too, that he wasn’t able to tell Vince in time not to go after Tina and the kids, so that could still happen.

As for Dwight, he knows he’s a marked man and that war is coming. It’s not going to be pretty, but with Bevilaqua hitting Jimmy, this will bring the Indians in to fight on their behalf, escalating into all-out war.

The show has been pretty good so far, albeit a little slow at times, but everything is now geared up for a dramatic conclusion to this chapter.