The second episode of Tulsa King, "Center of the Universe," throws Dwight
Manfredi headfirst into the challenges of navigating the modern world. Fresh out
of prison and struggling to adapt, Dwight embarks on a series of misadventures
that highlight the comedic friction between his old-school mentality and the
complexities of 21st-century life.
The episode opens with Dwight attempting to reconnect with his estranged daughter. He utilizes the internet for the first time, encountering the frustration of needing a debit card to access online records. His quest for cash-free transactions then leads him to the post office, where his attempt to mail his earnings is thwarted by their refusal of cash. Dwight's journey is peppered with these humorous clashes with modern conveniences.
A visit to the dispensary with Tyson reveals a laid-back work environment, much to Dwight's bewilderment. His confusion deepens when Bodhi questions his motives for taking a cut of their profits, highlighting Dwight's outdated understanding of the legal cannabis market.
Acquiring a debit card proves to be a bureaucratic nightmare. Dwight's expired license (from 1998!) necessitates a trip to the Department of Public Safety. His solution? Classic Dwight: bribery to cheat the driver's license test. Even the photo session sparks amusement as Dwight strikes a mugshot pose, further emphasizing his disconnect from the present day.
Meanwhile, Stacy, the woman Dwight met at the bar, delves deeper into his past. Torn between her attraction to him and her profession as an ATF agent, she confides in a friend and therapist about her unsettling encounter.
When Stacy confronts Dwight at his hotel, a truth bomb is dropped: she's not just a casual hookup, she's an agent of the ATF. Dwight, ever the pragmatist, insists on the distinction between "felon" and "ex-felon." Their conversation reveals the emotional weight of Dwight's estrangement from his daughter, Tina. Eighteen years have passed, and their relationship remains fractured. Stacy warns Dwight about the potential consequences of his actions in Tulsa, leaving him with a sense of foreboding.
The episode ventures outside of Tulsa as Dwight, Tyson, and Bodhi travel to the marijuana farm supplying the dispensary. Dwight's attempt at a business deal leads to him getting unexpectedly high on apricot preserves, further adding to the episode's comedic moments. On the return trip, Dwight laments the societal changes he missed while incarcerated, showcasing the generational gap and his struggle to adjust.
The episode concludes on a somber note. Armed with his newfound debit card, Dwight finally connects with Tina's phone number. However, his attempt at reconciliation is met with resistance. He convinces her husband to allow her to speak with him briefly, but the conversation is strained. When Dwight asks to see her, Tina hangs up, leaving him heartbroken. A poignant moment of self-reflection follows as Dwight admits the truth: he stopped seeing Tina not because it was hard on her, but because it was too difficult for him to face.
"Center of the Universe" solidifies Tulsa King's comedic formula. By highlighting Dwight's struggles with technology, legalities, and social norms, the episode generates laughs while simultaneously exploring the emotional toll of his past choices. The looming presence of the ATF, embodied by Stacy, adds a layer of suspense, hinting at potential conflicts to come. With Dwight's past catching up to him and his attempts to reconnect with his family proving futile, the stage is set for a dramatic escalation in the episodes to follow.