Summary

• Jeremy Renner excels in both action and drama, elevating Mayor of Kingstown's compelling storyline.
• Mayor of Kingstown introduces various new storylines that could intertwine throughout the season.
• Yet, season 3 risks losing focus with numerous diverging plotlines, potentially diminishing the stakes.

Mayor of Kingstown season 3 starts off strong, with an explosive first three episodes that see Mike McClusky continue to struggle to keep Kingstown in one piece. The series, which stars Jeremy Renner as Mike, the unofficial mayor, is another branch of the Taylor Sheridan universe. However, while the series has Sheridan's trademark action, politics and intrigue, the show does not take place within the same universe as Yellowstone, or its connected shows.

Regardless, Mayor of Kingstown is potentially one of the most gripping and exciting Season 3 picks up after the tragedies which occur at the end of season 2, and Mike is still on the defensive trying to hold the city together. However, where he was a target throughout the first two seasons, Mike now dons a mantle of someone who is on the offensive in season 3.

Power Changes Hands In Mayor Of Kingstown Season 3

Over the first two seasons, Mike worked tirelessly to restore order in Kingstown, and it appeared as though things had finally been settled. Season 3 makes a concerted effort to show that everything is still on the table. With mob bosses crossed off, new powers step in, and on the law enforcement side, nothing has been straightforward since Mitch's death. The premise and drama feels compelling, and the new characters are introduced in a way that quickly establishes they are not to be taken lightly.

From the brutal fight sequences, to the monologue voiceovers at the top of the show, Renner remains the biggest strength of the show.

With so many moving parts, it's difficult for Mike to keep his finger on the pulse in Kingstown, but Renner does a great job of stepping up and enforcing his own brand of law and order. Even more impressive, Renner suffered a major incident prior to filming season 3 that could have easily hindered his performance, but he puts his entire body and mind into the role. From the brutal fight sequences, to the monologue voiceovers at the top of the show, Renner remains Mayor of Kingstown's biggest strength.

However, the series is setting up a lot of moving pieces, and as challenging as it is for Mike to keep track of the changing powers, it could lead to confusion for audiences. Characters who have had very little presence come and go, with several new characters appearing to be pivotal. The first three episodes do a lot to establish a baseline for what will happen as the season progresses, but with only ten episodes to wrap up the events, it could present a challenge to deliver a satisfying conclusion.

Mike McClusky Is Invincible In Mayor Of Kingstown Season 3

Another issue with season 3 is that, more than ever before, Mike is able to do or say anything with almost no consequences. His role as the mayor means he is required to maintain solid relationships with all parties, but with power shifting, Mike has the added challenge of gaining their trust and asserting himself as vital to all sides. In previous seasons, Mike played things smart, bringing backup along in dangerous moments, but that caution appears to have died with Milo in the Mayor of Kingstown season 2 finale.

Mike has a serious case of plot armor which dulls the tension and drama.

Mike is led by his emotions, rushing into dangerous situations and fighting back enemies from all sides. While this provides an incredible opportunity to showcase Renner's talents for action, it also feels like Renner's character is more Ronin than Mike. Despite these new rivals having little idea who he is, and access to large crews, they allow him to push them around with very little reaction.

It is likely that things will heat up throughout the rest of the season, but at least in the first three episodes, Mike has a serious case of plot armor which dulls the tension and drama. Without real danger, the stakes are low, and it looks as though Mike will come out on top no matter what comes his way. Hopefully, the last seven episodes will resolve some of these issues, but at least the start of the season does a solid job establishing the numerous characters who are in play for Mayor of Kingstown season 3.

Mayor of Kingstown's season 3 premiere begins streaming on Paramount+ on June 2, with the remaining episodes releasing weekly.