Episode 9: A Fiery Flashback
We find ourselves in California in 1997, where Chickie, Vince, and Armand are seen torturing Ripple, a worker of the family. As the situation worsens, Dwight intervenes to put an end to the torment. Unfortunately, a fire breaks out, spreading rapidly. Ripple is chained to a radiator, and amidst the chaos, Dwight chooses to show mercy by granting him a quick death. This act lands Dwight in prison, and Bodhi sends Elliot as his counsel. With no solid evidence against Dwight, he is released.
After his release, Dwight visits his savior, Stacy, who is recovering in the hospital. He expresses his gratitude for her selfless act and acknowledges that her gesture cannot be repaid. However, the notorious biker leader, Waltrip, remains at large. Stacy warns Dwight that Waltrip is powerful, wealthy, and unlikely to ever be captured.
Waltrip’s Reign of Terror
Waltrip determines to make a final move against Dwight and his crew, aiming to eliminate them once and for all. When one of Waltrip’s men suggests a more cautious approach, Waltrip promptly kills him, demonstrating that there is no room for dissent. Armand confesses how he reacted to Dwight’s arrest in 1997, revealing that Chickie reached out to him. Armand, tired of the situation, contemplated ending it all but ultimately decided to drive west and ended up in Tulsa.
Dwight confronts Chickie, Goodie, and Vince, warning them to return to New York and never again come to his town without permission. Goodie, seeking a new opportunity, accepts Dwight’s job offer, effectively becoming his right-hand man. Chickie and Vince are escorted back to the airport.
Bred2Buck and the Fight Against Waltrip
At Bred2Buck, Dwight delivers an impassioned speech about the significance of unity and perseverance in the face of challenges. He urges his crew to support one another like a family. Dwight approaches Bodhi and asks him to hack into Waltrip’s laptop, which he successfully does. Meanwhile, Mitch and his father discuss Dwight’s trustworthiness. Bodhi manages to empty Waltrip’s accounts, and Tyson delivers a pen drive containing details of an account worth $1 million to Stacy.
The climactic showdown between Dwight and his men against Waltrip and his gang commences. Despite an intense battle, Dwight’s crew manages to overpower and triumph over the enemy. Dwight takes matters into his own hands, engaging in a fierce hand-to-hand combat with Waltrip, ultimately eliminating him.
A Bitter Betrayal and an Uncertain Future
Jumping three months ahead, we glimpse a promising future for the Manfredi family. Dwight spends time with Tina’s kids, and his family appears united. However, the joyous occasion takes a turn when Stacy calls the police on Dwight, accusing him of bribery and obstruction of justice using the pen drive as evidence. In shock, Dwight is once again taken to jail, leaving his future uncertain.
Episode Review: A Twist of Fate
The unexpected betrayal by Stacy adds a new layer of complexity to Dwight’s already troubled life. Despite the culmination of the intense gang wars, this turn of events caught viewers off guard. Tylor Sheridan’s storytelling maintains its quick pace, interspersing brief moments of emotional respite to add depth to the narrative.
Now the question remains, how will Dwight overcome this new setback? The season finale holds the answers and will determine his future, should he have one, in the next season.