Handley on What Makes ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ So Suspenseful

Taylor Handley, a key player in the hit Paramount+ series Mayor of Kingstown, is enthusiastic about the significant changes unfolding for his character in Season 3. This season notably introduces a new McLusky family member, Baby Mitch, much to Handley’s excitement. “We’ve been anticipating Baby Mitch’s arrival since Season 1, so it’s thrilling to finally see him come into the story,” Handley shared during a recent Zoom interview.

Mayor of Kingstown is renowned for its intense portrayal of crime and conflict, centering on Mike McLusky (Jeremy Renner), Kingstown’s unofficial “mayor.” Mike’s role is to maintain balance between the prison’s inmates and guards, as well as between criminals and law enforcement outside the prison walls. Handley plays Kyle, Mike’s younger brother, who is not only becoming a new father this season but is also transitioning from his role as a detective in the Kingstown Police Department to joining the KPD’s S.W.A.T. team.

Season 3 begins on a somber note with the death of Mariam (Dianne Wiest), the McLusky brothers’ mother, who was critically injured in a gunfight at the end of Season 2. The season opener features her funeral, which takes a dramatic turn when a bomb detonates during her burial. This tragic event highlights the perilous environment of Kingstown, underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by the McLusky family.

Handley notes that the series has maintained a dark and suspenseful atmosphere since its pilot episode, which shocked audiences with the execution of Mitch (Kyle Chandler), the oldest McLusky brother and Mike’s predecessor. This unexpected death set the tone for the series, and Handley praises the show’s creators, Taylor Sheridan and Hugh Dillon, for their ability to keep the suspense high. “The genius of Sheridan and Dillon was evident when they killed off Kyle Chandler, an actor beloved by audiences, so early in the series,” Handley said. “It effectively showed that no one is safe in Kingstown.”

Given the show’s history of high-stakes drama, Handley acknowledges that his character, Kyle, could also be in jeopardy. However, with the recent losses of Mitch and Mariam, he remains hopeful that Kyle will survive. “How many more of Mike’s family members can they kill off?” Handley mused, reflecting a cautious optimism about his character’s fate.

In addition to the plot developments, Handley spoke about the surprising and inspiring return of Jeremy Renner, who plays Mike McLusky. After a near-fatal snowplow accident on New Year’s Day 2023, Renner’s recovery was a major concern for the cast and crew. “We were deeply emotional and thankful for Jeremy’s recovery and his determination to return to the show,” Handley said. “It’s been incredible to see how he’s not just back but excelling.”

Handley was particularly impressed by Renner’s swift return to the set. “It’s remarkable that just about a year after such a severe accident—where he broke over 30 bones—Jeremy was back on set almost as if nothing had happened,” Handley noted. “Having worked closely with him, I’m not surprised by his resilience. His mindset, work ethic, and the support system around him are truly exceptional. He came back even stronger, which is a testament to his incredible determination.”

As Season 3 progresses, viewers can continue to watch new episodes of Mayor of Kingstown every Sunday on Paramount+, with Episode 8 scheduled to air this Sunday. The series, known for its gripping storytelling and intense drama, remains a compelling watch as it delves into the complexities of life in Kingstown.