Sylvester Stallone‘s Tulsa King season 3 is starting to show some visible issues, which will likely be resolved in season 4.
Tulsa King has risen in the ranks to become one of Taylor Sheridan’s most critically and commercially successful shows. After getting somewhat of a lukewarm critical response after season 1 and earning a Rotten Tomatoes score of 79%, the show significantly improved in season 2.
Although Tulsa King season 3 is still engaging and has managed to land in the good books of some viewers and critics, it is seemingly going downhill in more ways than one. It is hard not to associate this dip in its quality with several behind-the-scenes production problems and conflicts.
Tulsa King Season 3 Is Very Different With Terence Winter’s Absence
Terence Winter served as the showrunner for Tulsa King season 1. However, as several reports confirmed, he was demoted to the head writer position before the show’s season 2 because of his creative differences with Taylor Sheridan. With Winter still involved with the series as its main writer, Tulsa King maintained its strong storytelling momentum.
Unfortunately, before season 3, Winter stepped back from the series altogether to primarily focus on FX’s Sammy the Bull, while Dave Erickson took over as the showrunner. After only four episodes into Tulsa King season 3, Terence Winter’s absence can already be felt.
Stallone’s performance remains the show’s key highlight, but his character, Dwight, seems far more gimmicky and cartoonish. Even in the most recent episode, “Staring Down the Barrel,” the show’s plot meanders in many confusing directions instead of building on the strong narrative momentum established by its predecessors.
It also invests way too much screen time in supporting characters and filler plot points, which makes it seem overstuffed and convoluted. It may be too soon to judge the entire season based on a few shortcomings, but it is undeniable that Tulsa King is just not the same anymore.
Terence Winter Returning As Head Writer In Tulsa King S4 Should Fix The Show’s Recent Problems
Fortunately, redemption does not seem too far for Tulsa King. As reports confirm, the show has not only been renewed for season 4 but even Terence Winter is set to return as head writer and executive producer. With Winter as the head writer again, viewers can expect Tulsa King to return to form in season 4.
Given how Tulsa King is still entertaining, it would be unfair to call season 3 a subpar installment. However, the show seems to lack many crucial ingredients that helped it thrive in seasons 1 and 2. While it is not guaranteed that season 4 will be any better, Terence Winter’s return promises it will reinstate the tone and storytelling style that made it successful in the first place.