Episode 2 of Tulsa King's second season kicks off with Tyson briskly reporting to Dwight that the hotel's atmosphere remains tense, the FBI lurking across the street, and reporters hounding for any morsel of information. With this, Dwight realizes his temporary sanctuary is no longer viable.
As the duo departs, Dwight and Tina embark on a journey to inspect a splendid mansion, its grandeur reflected in the monthly rent of a staggering $6,000. Tina hesitates, yet Dwight, convinced of its merits, urges her to indulge, painting a picture of a luxurious escape.
Meanwhile, the shadows of Bevilaqua, the mysterious figure Thresher contacted in the previous episode's cliffhanger, cast a long shadow over Dwight's endeavors. Bevilaqua, through his underlings, scrutinizes the casino and Dwight's burgeoning empire, finding it thriving and lucrative—a sight that does not sit well with the territorial kingpin. In a move to assert his dominance, Bevilaqua decides to fire a metaphorical "warning shot," a subtle yet potent message to Dwight about who truly holds sway in this realm.
Thresher, ever the schemer, continues to weave a web of deceit, painting Dwight as a troublemaker to the US Attorney, Dylan. He presses Dylan to expedite Dwight's downfall, particularly to prevent him from delving deeper into the murky waters of the weed trade. Dylan, assuring of a robust case in the making, promises compliance, though the specter of uncertainty looms large over Dwight's fate.
In the courtroom drama, Dwight, exuding unwavering confidence, boldly elects to represent himself. The stakes are high—a guilty verdict could lock him away for a decade. Dylan McGrath, the formidable US Attorney, steps into the fray, aligning himself with the prosecution, a development that pricks Dwight's composure. He retaliates with a sarcastic self-portrayal as a boy scout, masking his discomfort with a forced grin.
Amidst this legal maelstrom, the simmering Chickie situation threatens to boil over. Bevilaqua, affectionately known as "BB," directly confronts Chickie, lambasting him for encroaching on his Tulsa turf. Yet, Chickie, unfazed, agrees to address the issue and eliminate the threat posed by Dwight, further tightening the noose around the latter's neck.
Dwight's unwavering confidence in the case stems deeply from Bodhi's expertise, akin to a compass guiding a ship through treacherous waters. Bodhi has devised a meticulous algorithm, meticulously sifting through potential jurors, laying the groundwork for their strategy to triumph in court.
Dwight makes his way to the prison, where Harlan awaits his transfer to Illinois. Before Harlan's departure, Dwight seizes the opportunity, proposing to acquire his wind turbines. Harlan, convinced of their worth at twelve million, finds himself in a tough negotiation with Dwight, who haggles relentlessly. Eventually, a compromise is reached at 7.5 million, sweetened with promises of favors and privileges during Harlan's incarceration. With a reluctant handshake, Harlan escorts Dwight straight to the bank, hoping for a loan—only to be met with stunned rejection, the reasons for which are all too apparent.
Amidst this financial wrangling and legal studies, Dwight also grapples with Joanne's presence. She warns him of the treacherous waters ahead in court, emphasizing the complexity of the situation. Recalling his previous ordeal with a fancy lawyer that landed him 25 years, Dwight insists on navigating this alone.
Just as tensions rise, Donnie stumbles into the casino, unaware of the web Tyson and his cronies have woven. That very night, they strike, stealing all the catalytic converters from Donnie's cars, a cunning ploy to force his hand. Dwight, seeing an opening, offers protection for Donnie's lot—a deal sweetened with the gift of a new car for his sister and daughter. Donnie, though reluctant, acquiesces, and Dwight, in a show of goodwill, returns half the stolen converters.
Dwight then ventures to meet the US Attorney, seeking a deal. The presence of a check on the desk, a subtle clue, does not escape his notice, confirming Thresher's involvement. Dylan's firm stance that any deal necessitates jail time only serves to benefit Thresher, prompting Dwight to wisely opt for a strategic retreat.
As the weed shop doors swing open, a familiar face from Dwight's circle steps in—Jelly Roll, a talented singer whose voice, aided by auto-tune, captivates the room. It's a playful jest, a subtle jab at the mobster's world, adding a touch of levity to the otherwise tense atmosphere.
Dwight's serene evening takes a subtle yet palpable turn for the worse as a relentless horde of reporters continues to besiege the hotel, casting a pall over his tranquility. Tyson, ever the resourceful one, devises a plan to whisk Dwight away to the safety of his parents' abode for a temporary respite. However, this sanctuary is not without its own complications; Tyson's father harbors deep disapproval towards Dwight's entanglements with the mafia underworld.
To compound matters further, a damning newspaper headline screams of Chinese organized crime stealthily infiltrating the American marijuana market, casting an ominous shadow over the entire situation.
That fateful night, Chickie's call to Goodie resounds with an ominous warning—a maelstrom of violence is brewing on the horizon. Aligning himself with Thresher and Bevilaqua, Chickie offers Goodie a tempting proposition: join their ranks, and should Dwight fall, Tulsa shall be his domain. Yet, this newfound power comes with a string attached—Goodie would owe fealty not just to Chickie but also to their shadowy "allies" in Kansas. Goodie's non-denial leaves the air thick with tension, each breath hovering perilously on the edge of a razor-sharp knife.
