As a long-time movie enthusiast and someone who has seen their fair share of gritty crime dramas, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of frustration and sadness after watching this week’s episode of “Mayor of Kingstown.” I had a hunch that Rhonda’s thriving business was a red herring, and I was sadly proven right when she was brutally gunned down in the cold open. The irony of her being killed while listening to the song “Better Days Are Coming” was not lost on me.
As a long-time fan of gritty crime dramas, I’ve seen my fair share of unexpected character deaths. But none have hit me quite as hard as Rhonda’s in “Mayor of Kingstown.” Last week, during my review of the latest episode, I shared my observation about her successful cosmetology business. Little did I know that the show was laying the groundwork for her untimely demise.
As a devoted cinephile, I’ve grown accustomed to the rhythm of “Ecotone,” with its season-three formula of tranquil, scene-setting openings giving way to pulse-pounding, action-packed thrillers. However, this week’s installment takes an unexpected turn. Rhonda’s murder appears to be the catalyst for a full-blown crisis that would typically escalate into an exhilarating episode of “Mayor of Kingstown.” But surprisingly, Mike’s relentless determination to maintain order and prevent chaos from taking hold leaves the episode feeling somewhat lackluster and devoid of the usual tension.
As a cinema devotee, I’d rephrase it like this: Mike’s unique approach to de-escalating situations is deeply grounded in his unwavering commitment to safeguarding Bunny Washington’s welfare. The beauty of “The Mayor” lies in his ability to listen to all voices, collaborate with everyone, and orchestrate agreements that enable peaceful coexistence for Kingstown residents, regardless of where they reside – be it within or beyond the prison boundaries. Dabble in drug dealing? Mike doesn’t bat an eye. Engage in human trafficking? People need to make a living somehow. Head up a racist gang? Go ahead and give Mike a call anytime, day or night.
Mike’s focus on prioritizing Bunny’s interests during the last two seasons has left other Kingstown crime bosses, as well as some law enforcement personnel, feeling disregarded. It becomes challenging to comprehend why they should uphold Mike’s power when they consistently receive the shorter end of the deal in every negotiation.
After Rhonda’s unfortunate passing, I, Mike, am primarily focused on preventing Bunny’s gang from mistakenly taking out the wrong person and igniting a full-blown city war. Our goal is to narrow down Bunny’s choices, ensuring any retaliation falls on insignificant henchmen – essentially, those without notable dialogue or impact.
In order to achieve this goal, Mike requests that the KPD carry out a raid on the Russians, apprehending Konstantin and his subordinates in the process. However, there’s a challenge: The most effective way to accomplish such an operation is by utilizing SWAT team, headed by Robert Sawyer. Mike urges Sawyer to exercise restraint during the raid, partly to safeguard Iris, whom Mike has informed about the impending action. Despite being warned, Iris decides to be present during the SWAT team’s arrival, as her absence could raise suspicions. Although there is some rough handling of Iris, no one loses their life in the raid.
If Konstantin is thankful for the shielding, he doesn’t express it. Instead, he remains self-assured and arrogant during an intense interrogation session between Ferguson and himself. Ferguson presses Konstantin to account for Tatiana’s death and the abandoned baby discovered in a dumpster. Despite the tense atmosphere, Konstantin remains unfazed since there is no incriminating evidence against him. He doesn’t manage the club where the SWAT team has raided, so he isn’t responsible for any illegal substances or fake visas found on the premises. And regarding the baby, Konstantin accuses the police of causing further harm to the child’s life. “That baby will face a troubled existence,” he says coldly.
The major issue arises when a city’s power structure depends on unappointed figures, such as the KPD. In an intriguing scene from this episode, Raphael cautions his wife and their intellectually talented son about the blurred lines between military personnel and civilians. However, their discussion is interrupted by a harsh prison guard named Thomas (Benny Mora), who accuses them of smuggling contraband and separates them forcefully. Yet, they are left without any clear authority to appeal to for resolution.
Merle Callahan appears to be the one holding the reins at the moment. While Mike attempts to prevent the Crips from making a calamitous decision during his Bunny-proofing initiative, he asks Kareem to isolate Merle. Mike’s intentions aren’t malicious, but Merle perceives it as an assertion of mayoral authority. In their eventual confrontation at the episode’s end, Merle addresses Mike directly.
Eventually, Merle explains to Mike: An “ecotone” refers to the zone where two habitats meet, rich with life due to the overlap. Fear not, Mike, about Konstantin – they’re both predators. Predators don’t need to harm each other as long as there’s an abundant prey population – just like in the ecotone between a prison and its surrounding area.
“Merle’s preference leans towards engaging in transactions with those displaying predator-like qualities; intermediaries such as Mike hold minimal significance to him.”
Better days are coming? Not hardly.
Solitary Confinement
In this episode, the main ideas explore leadership, the hierarchy of commands, and ownership over decisions – it’s not just about who has control but also who assumes responsibility for the consequences. A scene between Tracy and Warden Michaels (Tara Karsian) at the women’s prison showcases this theme. When Tracy insists on someone being held accountable for a pregnant prisoner who was evidently assaulted by a guard, the warden advises her to use the confidential tip line instead. In Kingstown, it’s risky for anyone to put their name on anything.
As a devoted moviegoer, I can relate to Carney’s predicament when he takes charge of uncovering how the Aryans manage to smuggle drugs into the penitentiary. I’ve finally cracked the case with some helpful intel from the auto shop. But just as I’m about to share my discovery, Thomas grabs me and delivers a harsh reminder: I don’t report to the warden or Mike; instead, I answer to the brotherhood of white guards. Their interests and allegiances come first.
When one of Merle’s followers proposes expanding their group by establishing a European Kindred white supremacist branch in Kingstown, Merle dismissively responds, “Keep that racial holy war nonsense for the trailer parks.” Even though Merle harbors prejudiced views, he doesn’t seem overly zealous about it.
While gazing at the image of the elderly man at the funeral home where Rhonda lies, Bunny mused aloud to Mike with a pensive tone, “Imagine that, Mike. Growing so old that death comes in the form of natural slumber?”
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2024-07-22 18:26