Samuel L. Jackson Makes Explosive Tulsa King Debut

The crime drama landscape just got a major power boost with the arrival of Hollywood royalty. In a highly anticipated move, Samuel L. Jackson has officially joined the cast of *Tulsa King* Season 3, bringing his formidable presence to the underworld saga. His debut as Russell Lee Washington Jr. in Episode 9 doesn't just shake up the current storyline—it lays the foundation for an entirely new chapter in the Paramount+ universe.

Meet Russell Lee Washington Jr.: The New Kingmaker

Jackson's character arrives with explosive credentials. The episode opens with Russell executing a brutal hit in Newark, New Jersey, immediately establishing him as a dangerous force. He's then summoned by "Quiet Ray" Renzatti for a final mission: eliminate Dwight Manfredi (Sylvester Stallone). But Russell has other plans. Instead of carrying out the assassination, he travels to Tulsa to confront Dwight directly, revealing a 20-year-old life debt that changes everything.

"I was sent to kill you," Russell confesses to Dwight during a tense meeting at Bred-2-Buck. "But I had a debt to pay." This unexpected twist transforms their relationship from potential enemies to unlikely allies, setting the stage for a dynamic that will define both the current season and Jackson's upcoming spinoff.

Double-Cross, Double Trouble

The episode masterfully builds tension around Russell's loyalties. When Ray dispatches backup assassins to Tulsa, Russell initially appears to cooperate with his orders. Yet in a show of loyalty to his past, he ultimately sides with Dwight, leading them to ambush Ray's crew at a motel. The police raid that follows leaves Vince (Vincent Piazza) observing the carnage, setting up future conflicts.

Meanwhile, back in Tulsa, the Dunmire family escalates their war against Dwight's empire. After the Montague distillery disrupts their distribution contracts, Jeremiah Dunmire (Robert Patrick) orders the abduction of Joanne (Annabella Sciorra), leaving her fate hanging in the balance. This move adds another layer of danger to Dwight's already precarious position.

The NOLA King Connection

Jackson's appearance isn't just a star cameo—it's a strategic bridge to his upcoming spinoff *NOLA King*. Russell's decision to leave Tulsa for New Orleans isn't just a plot device; it's the pilot's landing gear. His detailed plans for the bayou's criminal underworld, shared during his conversation with Dwight, directly set up his solo series. As Dwight expands his operations, Russell's journey to the Big Easy promises a fresh take on the crime genre.

"I got plans for the bayou," Russell tells Dwight, hinting at the complex world awaiting viewers in *NOLA King*. This seamless connection between shows demonstrates Paramount's commitment to building a interconnected crime universe.

Crew Members Face New Threats

While Russell and Dwight navigate their uneasy alliance, other crew members confront their own challenges:

• Tyson (Jay Will) and Spencer's (Scarlet Stallone) ecstasy enterprise runs into trouble at a new club
• Mitch (Garrett Hedlund) welcomes Cleo (Bella Heathcote) back to Tulsa after the bomb incident
• The Montague distillery continues disrupting local power structures

What's Next in Season 3?

With the season finale airing on Sunday, November 23, 2025, fans are bracing for resolution. Episode 9 ended with multiple cliffhangers: Russell's betrayal of Ray, the police raid aftermath, and Joanne's abduction. How will Dwight balance threats from the Dunmires and Ray's organization? Will Russell's presence create more problems than solutions?

The episode airs exclusively on Paramount+ at 3 AM ET/12 AM PT across all US time zones. As *Tulsa King* nears its conclusion, Jackson's introduction ensures the show goes out with a bang while simultaneously launching a new era for the franchise.