The third episode of Tulsa King, aptly titled "Caprice," throws Dwight
Manfredi into a whirlwind of near-death experiences, budding business ventures,
and a complicated relationship with the law.
The episode opens with Dwight and Tyson visiting Bodhi at the dispensary. With a keen eye for opportunity, Dwight spots a nitrous oxide party and calculates the potential profits. His entrepreneurial spirit leads him to Mitch, his bar owner friend, to explore the possibility of bulk nitrous oxide purchases.
Dwight's attempt at obtaining a driver's license takes a violent turn. During the road test, a masked assailant in a Chevy Caprice, later revealed to be Armand, pulls up alongside them and opens fire. Dwight, ever the fighter, throws caution to the wind and chases after the car, leading to a chaotic and destructive pursuit. Despite the harrowing experience, Dwight manages to snag a partial license plate number from the fleeing vehicle.
The police investigation brings Dwight face-to-face with Stacy, the ATF agent from the previous episode. Despite her earlier warnings, she shows up at the station to offer assistance, much to the annoyance of the detectives. The episode explores the simmering tension between Dwight's past and Stacy's profession, further muddled by their growing attraction.
Meanwhile, Tyson, emboldened by Dwight's world, expresses his desire to become a mafia capo. Dwight, hesitant to involve him in the dangers of the criminal underworld, encourages him to pursue a college degree instead. However, Tyson remains persistent, and after the near-fatal shooting, Dwight reluctantly offers him a severance package. Tyson, determined to prove himself, rejects the offer and insists on staying involved.
The search for the shooter leads Dwight and a wounded Paul, the driving instructor, to a dead end with the abandoned and partially burnt Caprice. Inside, they discover traces of DMSO, a horse medication, and a scrap of fabric with the initials "FR." Utilizing his newfound internet skills, Dwight connects the clues to Fennario Ranch.
Dwight's solo visit to the ranch proves fruitless. Margaret, the ranch owner, sees through his fabricated private investigator persona and dismisses his inquiries about the Caprice and any potentially trigger-happy employees.
Undeterred, Dwight conducts his own surveillance, spotting Armand leaving the ranch. He follows him home, finger hovering over the gun in his own car. However, the sight of a child emerging from the house gives him pause, forcing him to reconsider a potentially explosive confrontation.
"Caprice" masterfully blends action, humor, and suspense. Dwight's relentless pursuit of both personal and business opportunities keeps the plot moving at a fast pace. The episode further explores the complex relationship between Dwight and Stacy, leaving viewers to wonder if loyalty or attraction will ultimately prevail. With the identity of his attacker still unknown and a potential new enemy identified, the stage is set for an even more thrilling journey in the episodes to come.