Jelly Roll’s Acting Debut Shines in Tulsa King S2, Ep. 2

Jelly Roll, the popular singer behind hits like “I Am Not Okay,” made his acting debut on the hit TV show Tulsa King. His appearance came in Season 2, Episode 2, titled “Kansas City Blues,” which aired on Sunday, September 22.

While his cameo didn’t play a major role in the episode’s plot, it added a fun, memorable moment that fans of both the singer and the show appreciated.

Let’s dive into the details of Jelly Roll’s role in the episode and the key plot points of Tulsa King Season 2, Episode 2.

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Why Was Jelly Roll in Tulsa King?

Jelly Roll’s appearance in Tulsa King might have surprised some viewers, but it was not entirely unexpected. The show had previously featured Jelly Roll’s song “Get By” in its promotional trailer, signaling some connection between the artist and the series.

In this episode, Jelly Roll makes an appearance during the grand opening of Bodhi’s marijuana dispensary in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He’s passing through town on his way to perform at the BOK Center, a famous venue in the city.

His role is somewhat casual, with Jelly Roll being portrayed as himself, simply on his way to a concert.

When Jelly Roll first encounters Dwight Manfredi (played by Sylvester Stallone), the mafia boss doesn’t recognize him. Dwight jokingly calls him “Jelly Fish” before they bond over their shared experiences, which mostly revolve around time spent in prison.

This interaction is true to Jelly Roll’s real-life image, as the singer is known for his open discussions about his troubled past and struggles with addiction.

The scene adds a playful tone to the episode, especially when Dwight finally realizes who Jelly Roll is after hearing him sing “I Am Not Okay” in the vocal booth at the dispensary. The humor in Dwight’s underestimation of Jelly Roll ties well into the singer’s down-to-earth, humorous persona.

In real life, Jelly Roll has been outspoken about how marijuana has helped him stay off heavier drugs and alcohol. In an interview, he explained that weed has kept him sober, preventing him from returning to a destructive lifestyle of hard drugs and excessive drinking:

“I think a world without weed, Jelly Roll’s drinking codeine and popping Xanax and snorting cocaine again, but a world with weed, I’ll be alright.”

This candidness adds depth to his cameo on Tulsa King, where his character feels like a reflection of his real-life persona.

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Key Plot Points in Tulsa King, Season 2, Episode 2

While Jelly Roll’s appearance is a fun addition, Episode 2 also sets up significant plot developments that will affect the rest of the season. Two major villains are introduced, and the tension around Dwight’s empire in Tulsa continues to rise.

New Villains and Rising Threats

The episode introduces Cal Thresher (played by Neal McDonough), a cowboy and a member of a rival mafia from Kansas City. He is called in at the end of Episode 1 by unknown forces, and now it’s clear he’s here to pose a threat to Dwight’s control over the Tulsa area.

This new mafia group seems ready to challenge Dwight and his crew for power.

At the same time, Chickie, played by Domenick Lombardozzi, makes a move by contacting Goodie, who had defected from the New York mafia to join Dwight in Tulsa. It’s implied that Chickie might be trying to convince Goodie to turn against Dwight.

This subplot adds a layer of intrigue, as the loyalty of Dwight’s team comes into question.

Legal Trouble and a Rigged System

Meanwhile, Cal Thresher flexes his influence by convincing the United States District Attorney to personally oversee Dwight’s federal case. This is highly unusual and suggests that Thresher has leverage over the DA.

During a meeting about a possible settlement for his case, Dwight spots a phone message with Thresher’s name on it. This alerts him that powerful figures are working behind the scenes to sabotage his attempts to enter Oklahoma’s legalized marijuana business.

Adding to his troubles, Dwight has made the risky choice to represent himself in court. While this move might seem bold, it could spell disaster if his enemies have as much influence as they appear to.

Personal Drama for Dwight’s Daughter

On a personal note, Dwight’s daughter is beginning to settle into her new life in Tulsa. She’s rented a large home, and despite the danger her father faces, she’s putting her trust in him to provide for their family.

However, with her husband out of the picture, she’s feeling lonely and asks her aunt (Dwight’s sister) to come stay with her for company. This subplot adds a more emotional, family-oriented side to Dwight’s story, contrasting with the violent and criminal challenges he’s facing on the outside.

Tyson and Armand’s Heist

One of the more comedic subplots in the episode involves Tyson (played by Jay Will) and Armand (played by Max Casella). They decide to steal 100 catalytic converters from a car dealership, which happens to be owned by the same man who refused to sell Tyson an SUV in Season 1.

Their plan goes off without a hitch, and in a stroke of luck, the car dealership owner even comes back to hire them for protection. This subplot adds some humor and light-hearted criminal antics to the episode.

While it doesn’t have huge stakes, it showcases the lengths Dwight’s crew is willing to go to for extra money.

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What to Expect in Tulsa King Season 2, Episode 3

Episode 2 largely serves as a setup for the action that is expected to unfold in Episode 3, which airs on Sunday, September 29. Some key things to watch for include:

• Chickie and the Oklahoma mafia making their first major move against Dwight.
• Possible retaliation from Dwight, who might send a message to the District Attorney or Cal Thresher.
• The rising influence of Chinese organized crime in the marijuana business, adding another layer of conflict for Dwight to deal with.

In the next episode, there’s also a previewed comedic moment where Dwight, in need of a place to crash, ends up at Tyson’s parents’ house. In a hilarious twist, “The General” wakes up in a little girl’s room, complete with bright colors and Beyoncé posters.

While this scene is lighthearted, it hints at Dwight’s growing vulnerability.

Conclusion

• Jelly Roll’s cameo on Tulsa King is a fun, lighthearted moment, though it doesn’t significantly impact the plot.
• Cal Thresher is introduced as a dangerous new villain, increasing the stakes for Dwight and his crew.
• Dwight’s legal troubles continue to pile up, and his decision to represent himself in court seems increasingly risky.
• Tyson and Armand’s heist provides some comic relief, but also hints at the desperation within Dwight’s crew.
• Episode 3 promises more action, as rival forces in the mafia and the state’s marijuana business begin closing in on Dwight.

Fans of the show can expect rising tension and bigger stakes in the coming episodes, as Dwight’s enemies multiply and new alliances are tested.

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