top of page
Search

Mayor of Kingstown - Season 4 Recap & Review: Episode 402 - Promises to Keep

ree

“The corruption of the best things gives rise to the worst.” - David Hume


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: 402 – Promises to Keep


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.


To say Mike is pissed about what happened to Kyle is an understatement. And he intends on letting the new warden know his grievances. Kyle’s prison greeting will not be ignored. 


Cindy Stephens, the new corrections guard is being initiated in ways she never could have imagined. And in the vicinity is an interesting new neighbor of Kyle’s, one Mike will not be happy about. Mike will attempt to recruit her as an extra pair of eyes over his brother. And he wants to know who Kyle is interacting with on the inside.  


ree

The new player is revealed as Frank Moses, a Detroit gangster with innumerable “irons in the fire” and he aims to bring Bunny in the fold of his operations. This makes Mike nervous knowing who Moses is and what he is capable of. For Mike he sees this as an expansion, an escalation within Kingstown and that can only bring more chaos. Despite Moses’ power, even he knows the Mayor is a necessity and wants to meet him. Moses comes off as level-headed and friendly but this is Kingstown. Those traits are either non-existent or nothing more than a facade, a means to an end. 


Warden Nina Hobbs fears no one including Mike and will prove her status soon. Naturally Mike isn’t on board.  


Kyle isn’t adjusting well at all. And Tracy isn’t handling it well on the outside and she’s letting Kyle know it. 


Ian is beginning to get desperate when it comes to Evelyn and her determination to bring him down for the murder of the SWAT officer. And she isn’t being subtle about her intentions toward Ian. 


The place where Evelyn is stuck, between a rock and a hard place, is taking Ian down in hopes of him giving up Robert, her true target. This is why Kyle is in prison, for refusing to divulge any information that could bring Robert down. They don’t trust Robert to not snitch on all of them and so Kyle remains silent. Kyle isn’t protecting Robert, he’s protecting anyone Robert most certainly has dirt on. 


The warden’s right hand is a man named Warden Torres and is beginning to make his presence felt and he’s shrouded in mystery. His presence could explain why Roberto Cruz is suddenly filled with so much bravado (my theory). Time will tell.


ree

Perhaps the most worrying detail of all, Kyle’s new cell neighbor is actively trying to get close to Kyle under the guise of being a helpful veteran of incarceration just trying to help the new guy. It’s bullshit of course but why remains to be seen. 


The final moments of this chapter produce an extreme change in personnel. A drastic, violent change. And it brings forth the third hidden player, one who most certainly didn’t come alone. 


Out of 10

Story: 8.5/ Acting: 10/ Directing: 9/ Visuals: 8

OVERALL: 8.5/10


Overall thoughts on Episode 402: Promises to Keep

Much like Frank Moses’ emergence, things are escalating quickly. Moses seems like a predator in the water, still and waiting. Calm but ready to strike at a moment’s notice. This third player however isn’t waiting and is shaking things up from the shadows. He will soon be revealed to Mike and the rest. The relationship between Mayor and Warden is caustic on a good day. Kyle’s new neighbor isn’t a good thing, the “why” of it I’m sure will be a jarring realization. Ian is becoming unhinged and Evelyn is in his crosshairs. This whole series is one slow build to a massive explosion, this is the fourth in a line of eruptions. More violence to come, I’m certain.


Season 4 Trailer:


Comments

bottom of page