Mayor of Kingstown - Season 4 Recap & Review: Episode 405 - Damned
- Chase Gifford
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
“People’s indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow.” — Delia Ferreira
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.”
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.
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Tobi Bamtefa, Hugh Dillon, Taylor Handley, Hamish Allan-Headley
S:4 E: 405 – Damned
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.
Finding out who’s in the cell next to Kyle, Mike’s efforts to get Kyle out of prison are suddenly escalated. Merle Callahan getting close to anyone in the McLusky family is bad news. It also becomes clear that Kyle has no idea who is next door. All the advice, all the worldly wisdom from Merle will absolutely come with a price. Mike must warn Kyle.
Bunny is getting his new enterprise underway courtesy of Frank Moses. Wolves in sheep’s clothing. Everywhere.
The walls around Ian continue to close in and his Captain is officially warning him of the impending charges. This is going to force his hand as a desperate man.
Mike’s relationship with the Warden continues to strain, putting it mildly. He keeps accusing her of being dirty which only angers her. Mike is testing her and she just might bite his extended hand.
Mike’s fear of Merle’s influence on the outside has him wanting to relocate Tracy. She is naturally reluctant. With Mike’s history of failing to protect his loved ones, Tracy isn’t convinced when he tells her he’ll protect her husband.
From Mike’s wishes, Ian and Stevie press the Warden. They’re sending a message and she hears it loud and clear. They may, however, not like her response. They do all but confirm her connection to a corrupt entity.
Ian reaches out to the one person that will bring nothing but chaos to his problem. But desperate men do desperate things.
Merle reveals his hand to Kyle. Where Kyle goes from here remains to be seen.
Meanwhile Ian and Robert do a little witness tampering. No big deal. As with most things involving Robert, things go too far very fast.
A bit too quiet for comfort, the cartel steps from the shadows once again and makes their biggest move yet. It is a declaration of war. A war against Bunny and Moses and by proximity, the mayor himself. And it’s for the soul of Kingstown.
The Warden convinces Mike that she’ll give into his demands and move Merle. But she is vindictive. Kyle will unfortunately be the recipient of her displeasure. It is escalation on all fronts.
Out of 10
Story: 8.5/ Acting: 10/ Directing: 8.5/ Visuals: 9
OVERALL: 8/10
Overall thoughts on Episode 405: Damned
Things are spinning faster and faster. Plans from all forces and beginning to come to light. Since this is Kingstown, it may come down to who can be the most volatile that will survive this impending storm. Mike may be a wolf but he’s not the only one. In fact, there is likely bigger prey out there, circling… waiting. Something bad is coming. Something no one is ready for. Ian and Robert’s fates are permanently connected for better or likely much worse. Sometimes the devil you know is not always the better option. Especially when that devil’s name is Robert. Also, Kyle is in deep shit.
Season 4 Trailer: