top of page
Search

Mayor of Kingstown - Season 4 Recap & Review: Episode 401 - Coming 'Round the Mountain

ree

“Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” - John Dalberg-Acton


Just to list a few of the insane amount of projects Taylor Sheridan is working on: six Yellowstone spinoffs including 1883, 1923, and in development, 1944, The Madison, Y: Marshals, and another tentatively titled Dutton Ranch. He also helped create Landman, Tulsa King, Lioness, and the reason you’re here, Mayor of Kingstown. I think the most amazing aspect of so many projects in various stages of production is that most if not all are at least somewhat decent. My personal favorites are Lioness, Tulsa King, Landman, and Mayor of Kingstown. Lioness is giving the rest a run for their money as my favorite of the bunch, but right now I’d have to say Mayor is in the top spot. 


I talked about this in my articles on The Terminal List: Dark Wolf recaps but I’m a sucker for a good “dad show.” And as bleak and hopeless as Mayor of Kingstown is, it is still very much a “dad show.” 


ree

And just for clarification for those who didn’t read my explanation of what a “dad show” is in the Dark Wolf articles: 


“The characteristics often consist of action, violence, crime, and justice. Vengeance is a big theme in these kinds of series as well. They often satiate an internal desire for heroism at any cost, especially at the defiance of authority. The main character is usually an anti-hero or rather a morally conflicted hero willing to bend and or break what they hold to be true if it means their foes fall as a result.” In that regard, it’s hard to argue Mayor is anything but a “dad show.” 


The IMDb description of Mayor of Kingstown is as follows:


“The McLusky family are power brokers tackling themes of systemic racism, corruption and inequality in Kingstown, Michigan, where the business of incarceration is the only thriving industry.”


If you’re reading this I assume you’ve seen the first three seasons and want an idea of what you’re in for with Season 4. So without any further delay, let us begin. 


New Episodes begin October 26, 2025 and with new episodes every Sunday on Paramount+. The season finale will air on December 21, 2025.




S:4 E: 401 – Coming ‘Round the Mountain


No technical spoilers, however each recap addresses what happens in each episode. If you don't want to be spoiled, watch the coinciding episode first and then come back to my recap and review.


When we first see the McLusky family, or what’s left of it, Mike is reeling from the shock of Kyle facing prison time for his actions on the bridge. He may have done what he did for the right reasons but at the end of the day, in the eyes of the law, he shot a fellow police officer and must face the consequences. Mike has been there, he knows what to expect. And being the Mayor he has a unique understanding of the local prison system and knows Kyle will not survive six months in Anchor Bay Correctional unless he steps in. 


ree

He soon realizes Kareem’s replacement is going to be a hard-ass and totally unwilling to work with him. Nina Hobbs, the new ABC warden is determined to separate herself from her predecessors who by her measure allowed unchecked chaos to reign for years. And as far as she’s concerned, “The Mayor” is a major cause of that mayhem. It’s clear from the start that she wasn't going to help Mike protect his brother, Kyle, during his prison sentence. Mike is going to have to take drastic measures to protect Kyle. 


As with every season of Mayor, the problems quickly pile up. While Kyle faces a likely violent stint in prison, Mike is seeing a major issue arise with Evelyn who is determined to pin the murder of former SWAT officer Ben Morrissey on Ian who she believes used incarcerated serial murderer Charlie Pickings to do his dirty work. Ian is a morally complex officer often acting in his own interest and learning of Evelyn’s intentions, Ian becomes a cornered animal and this should concern everyone, especially Evelyn. 


ree

With the void the Russians have left after the death of Milo and Konstantin Noskov, a new player has entered the game and he is playing for keeps. His presence in Kingstown is felt immediately. And even more worrying for Mike is Bunny’s cozying up to this new kingpin in town. 


To top everything off, there may be yet another presence in town even more frightening than anything this town has ever seen. And they’re not exactly locals from around the way. 


Mike’s relationship with Evelyn is contentious at best and it’s affecting everything. Despite all of this, Mike’s number one concern is Kyle and what he will inevitably face inside. Something Kyle will endure from the moment he enters those walls. 


Out of 10

Story: 9/ Acting: 10/ Directing: 9/ Visuals: 8.5

OVERALL: 9/10


Overall thoughts on Episode 401: Coming ‘Round the Mountain

Four seasons into the McLusky Family story and things are more volatile than ever. Despite his thousand efforts, Mike’s day to day is growing worse by the second. It’s still so wonderful to see Jeremy Renner doing his thing again after such a catastrophic accident. Mike McLusky is one of my favorite characters in his repertoire. The new players this season are established with a serious kind of heat that cannot go unnoticed by Mike and the others. What’s to come promises madness and inevitable death. So ya know, just another day in Kingstown.


Season 4 Trailer:


bottom of page