Three decades have now elapsed since the thrilling O.J. Simpson Bronco pursuit captivated the nation, as millions huddled around their TV screens, eagerly anticipating whether the disgraced NFL legend could evade the LAPD's clutches amidst the labyrinth of Los Angeles freeways and alleyways. Today, in the gritty backdrop of Kingstown, a gang of drug peddlers gathers intently around their police scanners, eagerly listening as the KPD wages a citywide manhunt for two Aryan Brotherhood members, prime suspects in a daring police car bombing spree. These Crips revel in the spectacle, partly due to the novelty of not being the law's target and partly because, undeniably, car chases ignite a primal fascination.
Echoing the adrenaline-fueled "Guts" episode two weeks prior, this week's offering of "Mayor of Kingstown," titled "Rag Doll," is equally enthralling, rooted in a similar allure. Once more, the disparate power brokers of Kingstown converge around a single, unifying objective, propelling the narrative forward with swift, purposeful momentum. In a series replete with characters fond of verbose philosophizing, it's refreshing to see them thrust into scenarios where their true colors shine through actions, not words.
Let's delve into our lead Kingstown lawmen: Ferguson, Sawyer, and Kyle. Two-thirds of this trio adhere to their established personas. Ferguson, the no-nonsense type, takes command of the city's roadblocks, employing his trademark tough-guy tactics to coerce confessions from every criminal he encounters in search of the bombers' identities. When the KPD finally lands a lead (courtesy of phone records, not brute force), Sawyer's SWAT team storms in, guns blazing, taking down their suspect before he can reveal his accomplice.
Yet, Kyle stands out, displaying a newfound maturity—perhaps a testament to his role as a new father. When cornering the getaway driver who ferried the second bomber, Kyle employs a tactical finesse, calmly negotiating with the terrified accomplice, offering leniency for the stolen car in exchange for cooperation. Later, over drinks at a local bar, Sawyer acknowledges Kyle's growth, praising his bravery but humorously suggesting he hasn't quite earned SWAT status yet, given his team's shoot-first-ask-questions-later approach.
The undisputed star of this episode, as ever, is Mike, the self-proclaimed "Mayor." What sets Mike apart, earning him this title, is his utter disregard for laws and ethical boundaries. He's a man who navigates gray areas with ease, striking deals where others fear to tread, and his sole focus lies in achieving results, regardless of the nefarious deeds his associates indulge in. (It's worth noting, in these recaps, that Mike's quest for results often proves elusive, but that's a tangent for now.)
As soon as the news of the cops' hunt for an Aryan Brotherhood ex-con hits, Mike springs into action, masterfully convincing Kareem to broker a meeting between him and Merle within the prison walls. The initial pleasantries are brief and to the point, as Mike drives straight to the heart of the matter. Should the police uncover Merle's hand in orchestrating the bombing, his triumphant return to Kingstown Prison would swiftly unravel. Yet, if Merle aids Mike in tracking down the culprit, he promises to eliminate the problem with the finesse and efficiency befitting a mayor.
Allow me to emphasize once again the sheer brilliance of Richard Brake's portrayal of Merle. He's a charismatic rogue, his voice deep, slow, and laced with a seductive drawl, each phrase colored with a unique flair. (When demanding access to a phone from one of his subordinates, Merle quips, "Conjure me a fucking miracle, you Nordic angel," a testament to his wit and charm.) In theory, Merle should be trembling with fear, beholden to Mike and the chaos the bombings could unleash. But instead, he turns the crisis into an opportunity, calmly bargaining, "Get me back into general population, and I'll see what I can do." In this, Merle mirrors Bunny, who patiently waits for the police to chase their quarry into his domain, where he promptly captures the bomber and alerts Mike. Some people constantly seek favors; others understand the power of being owed.
The pivotal scene in "Rag Doll," aptly named so, unfolds in a taut, masterfully acted, and exquisitely penned dialogue between Mike and the bomb-wielding puppet, Macon (portrayed by Keir O’Donnell). Once again, Mike erroneously believes he holds the reins, striving to coerce the hapless Macon into revealing his boss's identity. However, Macon defiantly stirs up Mike's demons, taunting him with memories of his prison days, accusing him of betrayal by aligning with Black gangs, and insinuating that the Brotherhood's hand is behind the recent turmoil plaguing the McClusky family. Fury boils over, and Mike impulsively shoves Macon over the edge of a building. Upon hearing of this, Merle chuckles darkly, drawing parallels between such a fall and the limp, lifeless form of a rag doll after impacting the pavement.
This episode, penned by the talented Aalia Brown, stands out for its unforgettable verbal jousts and meticulously choreographed action sequences. It becomes increasingly evident that this season delves into Mike's reckoning with his criminal past and the unspoken deals he likely struck with Merle to navigate that treacherous terrain.
As "Rag Doll" draws to a close, Merle secures a phone and places a call to Konstantin, the Russian mob boss, who enthusiastically assures his new partner, "My friend, together, we shall achieve greatness." Yet, thematically, a more profound sense of closure arises earlier, when Mike, with a hint of nostalgia, offers to Merle (whom he affectionately shortens to "Cal," from his last name Callahan) his services to the Aryans whenever needed, "for old times' sake." Merle's smile betrays his understanding of the bittersweetness behind those words. "Of course, Mike," he replies, a trace of irony in his tone. "If that's the sweetener you need to swallow the bitter pill? For the sake of those damned old times, yes."
