Warning: Major spoilers ahead for the fourth season of 'Mayor of Kingstown.' Proceed with caution if you haven't watched the latest episodes.
The explosive conclusion to 'Mayor of Kingstown' Season 4 left viewers on the edge of their seats, delivering intense violence, high suspense, and a pivotal character's demise. The series, headlined by 'Avengers' star Jeremy Renner, wrapped its latest chapter with the episode titled 'Belly of the Beast,' which aired on December 28.
Jeremy Renner Breaks Down the Finale's Emotional Core
In a candid interview with Entertainment Weekly, Jeremy Renner, who plays Mike McLusky, opened up about the season's harrowing end. The finale centered on the death of Merle Callahan, portrayed by 'Ray Donovan' actor Richard Brake. Renner explained that while his character, Mike, had ample reasons to kill Merle, the act was ultimately a necessary step for his brother's healing.
"That's one way to sort of... not really protect, but help forge a path for healing because of what [Merle] did. There was no other pathway," Renner stated. In the episode, it is Kyle McLusky (Taylor Handley) who pulls the trigger, exacting revenge for Merle's murder of his wife, Tracy.
The Harrowing Path to Merle Callahan's Demise
The chain of events leading to the showdown is complex. After Merle finds and kills Tracy, he surprisingly surrenders at a local police station. There, Captain Walter (Rob Kirkland) releases him and instructs Detective Ian Ferguson (Hugh Dillon) to handle the situation. Ian drives Merle to a remote location to meet the McLusky brothers, setting the stage for the fatal confrontation.
Renner emphasized the profound brotherly bond between Mike and Kyle, highlighting it as the emotional anchor of the brutal finale. "The beautiful end of it all is at least they [Mike and Kyle] have each other," he said. "That was something I really had to fight for [at] the end of this show. It was very, very, very important to at least give the audience that. Give them something good."
What's Next for Mayor of Kingstown?
The hit Paramount+ series, which first premiered on November 14, 2021, has completed a successful four-season run. Season 4, comprising 10 episodes, began airing on October 26. As of now, there is no official confirmation from the network or producers regarding a potential Season 5. The future of Kingstown and its inhabitants remains uncertain, leaving fans eagerly awaiting news of renewal.
The series continues to be praised for its gritty portrayal of systemic corruption and the personal costs of power, with Renner's performance as the brooding fixer Mike McLusky receiving particular acclaim.
