The third season of Tulsa King premiered on Paramount+ on September 21, 2025, with an episode titled “Blood and Bourbon.” The explosive opening episode sees Dwight Manfredi facing new threats, including a ruthless oil magnate and FBI pressure. However, the most talked-about moment involves the tragic fate of Theo Montague, a distillery owner who chooses to side with Dwight. Here’s what happened in the finale and what it means for the season ahead.
The Deal That Cost Theo Everything
Theo Montague, introduced as the owner of a struggling family distillery, is pressured to sell his business to Jeremiah Dunmire, a powerful oil magnate with a gangster’s edge. Dunmire’s offer is coercive and undervalues the distillery, leaving Theo with little choice but to consider it. However, Dwight Manfredi steps in with a better proposal: a market-value purchase, profit-sharing, and roles for Theo’s daughter Cleo and Dwight’s associate Mitch in running the business. Theo initially hesitates due to fear of Dunmire’s retaliation but eventually agrees to Dwight’s deal, believing it protects his family’s legacy.
Theo tells Jeremiah, “It was a bad deal, Jeremiah, for me and for my family. You forced my hand. My family’s hand. You been forcin’ it a long time.”
This decision proves fatal. Jeremiah Dunmire, angered by Theo’s defiance, orders his son Cole and a group of hitmen to attack Theo and burn down his mansion. In the final scenes of the episode, Theo is brutally beaten, and his estate is set ablaze while Jeremiah watches coldly from outside. The incident sets the stage for a violent conflict between Dwight and the Dunmires.
Jeremiah Dunmire: Tulsa King’s New Villain
Jeremiah Dunmire, played by Robert Patrick, emerges as the primary antagonist of Season 3. Unlike previous villains, Dunmire operates with a mix of old-money influence and gangster ruthlessness. His response to Theo’s rejection is immediate and brutal, signaling that he will not tolerate any challenges to his authority. This act of violence is not just about business; it’s a message to Dwight and anyone else who might oppose him.
Dunmire’s tactics are reminiscent of classic mobsters but with a modern twist. He relies on intimidation, coercion, and sheer force to maintain control, making him a formidable foe for Dwight. As one recap notes, “Jeremiah Dunmire means business, but as we’ve seen, Dwight always does, too.”
Dwight’s Dilemma: FBI Pressure and Personal Loyalties
While Theo’s death sets up a personal vendetta for Dwight, he is also grappling with constraints from the FBI. Special Agent Musso, who has a personal grudge against Dwight, offers him a deal: work as an informant in exchange for freedom for himself and his crew. Musso’s vendetta stems from Dwight’s killing of his informant, Ripple, decades earlier, which derailed a major investigation into the Invernizzi family.
Dwight’s agreement to Musso’s terms complicates his ability to retaliate against Dunmire. As one review explains, “Musso’s leash on Dwight is tighter than ever, but it’s clear that Dwight won’t let this murder go unpunished.” This tension between federal oversight and street justice adds layers to Dwight’s character and the season’s narrative.
Impact on Other Characters
Theo’s death deeply affects those closest to him. His daughter, Cleo Montague, now grieves his loss while navigating her rekindled romance with Mitch. Mitch, who initially proposed the distillery idea to Dwight, feels responsible for drawing Theo into Dwight’s world. Their relationship is likely to be tested as they seek justice for Theo.
Meanwhile, Dwight’s crew faces internal struggles. Bodhi, still haunted by the death of his friend Jimmy, nearly sabotages a money drop with Kansas City mobsters due to his anger and grief. His loyalty to Dwight is wavering, and he may be tempted by offers from other players, including Dunmire.
What’s Next for Tulsa King?
The premiere episode sets the tone for a season filled with conflict, ambition, and moral dilemmas. Dwight must balance his desire for revenge with the practicalities of running an empire under FBI surveillance. The introduction of Jeremiah Dunmire as a villain promises high-stakes confrontations, while the ongoing subplots involving Bodhi, Mitch, and Cleo add emotional depth to the story.
As the season progresses, viewers can expect more twists, alliances, and betrayals. The fallout from Theo’s death will undoubtedly shape the actions of every major character, making this season one of the most intense yet.
Also Read: Sylvester Stallone’s ‘Tulsa King’ Series Returns for Season Three on Paramount+
Credits: PrimeTimer, Collider
