The third episode of Mayor of Kingstown's third season, entitled "Barbarians at the Gate," opens with a chilling discovery. A homeless man stumbles upon the lifeless body of Tatiana (Gratiela Brancusi), accompanied by her wailing infant. The grisly scene leaves Ian Ferguson (Hugh Dillon), Kyle McLusky (Taylor Handley), and Mike McLusky (Jeremy Renner) in a state of profound disgust and horror.
As two more of Milo's men are found dead, the trio agrees that this is the handiwork of Konstantin Noskov (Yorick van Wageningen), eager to seize the power vacuum. Mike's thoughts immediately turn to Iris (Emma Laird), fearing that she has also become a target in this escalating feud. Worried and frantic, Mike rushes to the strip club in search of Konstantin, clobbering several of his henchmen to reach him.
Face to face, Mike declares that Konstantin has his undivided attention, warning him in no uncertain terms that he does not want to see any more corpses. Konstantin, well aware of Mike's reputation, listens with a mix of caution and intrigue. Suddenly, the police arrive to break up the tense encounter, and as Mike departs, he taunts Konstantin with a chilling "Welcome to Kingstown."
Later, Mike becomes the target of a violent pursuit, chased by a member of Konstantin's gang. In a fierce and brutal fight, Mike manages to overpower his assailant, stabbing him to death. Grabbing the victim's phone, Mike calls the last number dialed, which is picked up by one of Konstantin's loyal henchmen. However, Mike decides to hold his ground, realizing that there are too many other pressing issues at hand to engage Konstantin directly.
Ian, frustrated and impatient, wants to eliminate Konstantin immediately, believing that he would not hesitate to do the same. But Mike remains steadfast in his resolve, choosing to prioritize other matters. Eventually, Mike returns to the club to have a sit-down with Konstantin. Mike makes it clear that Konstantin underestimated him, while Konstantin reluctantly acknowledges that he might actually need Mike to navigate the complexities of Kingstown. Konstantin begrudgingly concedes, calling Mike the mayor, but it's clear that he won't play nice for long.
Toward the climax of the episode, as Ian and his fellow officers exit the police station, their cars suddenly explode in a devastating blast, leaving them stunned and vulnerable. The episode ends on a tense and uncertain note, leaving viewers eager to see how Mike and the rest of the characters will navigate this escalating conflict in the next installment.Raphael, alias D Smoke, endeavors to strike a bargain with the Colombian gang's formidable leader, Roberto, alias William Guirola, for a fresh stash of dope. However, each negotiation seems to inflate the prices, as if the Colombians sense Raphael's desperation. Their leverage is clear; without their supply, Raphael's situation becomes precarious. He assures them that a fresh batch of pristine dope is incoming and promises them his support, contingent on their assistance now. Finally, a deal is struck, but at a steep cost of an additional $5,000.
The aftermath of his dealings with the Colombians does not bode well for Raphael. Mere moments after Merle, alias Richard Barre, witnesses the negotiation, Raphael narrowly escapes an attack orchestrated by the Aryan Brotherhood. The news of this assault reaches Mike through Bunny, alias Tobi Bamtefa, who relays the gravity of the situation. Mike assures Bunny that he will alert the guards to safeguard Raphael, believing that his survival thus far indicates his foes' failed attempts. However, Bunny drops a bombshell, revealing that Merle has usurped the leadership of the Aryan Brotherhood, ousting the previous leader Gunner, who met his demise even while under protective custody. Bunny accuses Mike of being oblivious to these seismic shifts.
In a clandestine meeting, Merle confides in Kareem, alias Michael Beach, disclosing his relocation to Kingstown from Millhaven due to a niece residing nearby. Kareem remains skeptical, sensing the Aryan Brotherhood's growing allegiance to Merle. He sternly warns Merle to keep his mouth shut, but Merle seems resigned to his fate, whether it be death within the confines of his cell or the yard. He challenges Kareem to speak the same about his own uncertain destiny.
Later, an associate of Konstantin visits Merle, introducing herself as a wealthy admirer of his work. She offers him Konstantin's contact number, a gesture that hints at Merle's rising influence.
Meanwhile, Ian and Mike pore over footage related to Sharon's gruesome murder. Kareem's unexpected arrival disrupts their investigation, demanding that Mike vacate the prison premises. Mike insists they share common goals, but Kareem questions why he wasn't informed of Merle's arrival. Kareem reminds Mike that he is not his subordinate and intends to run the prison according to his own dictates. Mike pleads for cooperation, emphasizing that Kareem's actions within the prison have ripple effects beyond its walls. Kareem relents, agreeing to segregate Merle, though both men remain perplexed as to his true motives in Kingstown.
Evelyn, portrayed by Necar Zadegan, storms into Captain Walter's office, her fury boiling over as she confronts Rob Kirkland's character with accusations against Robert Sawyer (Hamish Allan-Headley). She rails against his overbearing tactics with the SWAT team, her voice rising with each word. Mike, standing nearby, tries to reason with her, urging her to abandon her fiery approach and adopt a more strategic one.
"Evelyn, you need to stop burning bridges and start thinking smarter," Mike cautions.
But Evelyn is unwavering. She knows in her heart that Robert Sawyer is responsible for Morrissey's death, either directly or indirectly. She's determined to seek justice, no matter the cost.
"If you keep pushing, you're going to cross a line that I can't help you come back from," Mike warns, his tone serious.
Evelyn pauses, a flicker of fear crossing her face. But her resolve is firmer than ever.
"That scares me," she admits, "but I'm willing to die doing the right thing, just like Morrissey."
Later, Mike finds Iris in prison, a shadow of her former self. She had hoped to escape her fate, but reality has caught up with her. Mike offers her a way out, urging her to give the police her prints and face the consequences. But Iris refuses, her prints linked to other crimes she can't risk exposure for.
Ian steps in, promising to help Iris cover up her past misdeeds. She's skeptical, but his charm and assurances win her over. Ian obtains the information on Iris and assures her it will never see the light of day. But there's a catch - Iris insists that Mike must never know the truth.
As they drive home, Iris turns to Mike, her expression guarded.
"Were you hoping I would be gone for good?" she asks, her voice low.
Mike sighs, his heart heavy.
"I just want you to be anywhere but here," he replies, his gaze distant. "But you have no other place to go."
And so, the two of them continue on their uncertain path, Iris's secrets heavy on their shoulders, and Mike's heart full of conflicting emotions.
