Tulsa King season 3 episode 5 ending explained: What happened to Bill?

Tulsa King season 3 has kept viewers engaged with the character Dwight Manfredi, who continues to build his criminal empire in Tulsa. Each episode raises tensions and stakes, especially with rivalry and betrayal.

Episode 5, On the Rocks, explores confrontations, betrayals, and startling decisions, leaving fans with many questions. Tulsa King season 3 episode 5 is released on October 19, 2025, and continues the subject of loyalty, trust, and ambition.

Disclaimer: The following article contains spoilers from Tulsa King season 3 episode 5. Reader’s discretion is required.

In this episode, Dwight and his staff focus on recovering the stolen liquor, managing the Dunmires, and ensuring a successful Montague Distilleries' inauguration. Bill confronts Dwight, disrupting his intentions and causing a dramatic showdown.

At the end of Tulsa King season 3 episode 5, Bill is arrested, with his future uncertain as tensions with Dwight reach their peak. Bill's concerns about Dwight's activities lead to his imprisonment, ending their relationship.

The arrest of Bill in Tulsa King season 3 episode 5

The ending of Tulsa King season 3 episode 5 (Image via YouTube/Paramount+)

The episode concludes with a tense moment that changes the dynamics within Dwight's crew. Bill, who has been Dwight’s right-hand man for a long time, becomes increasingly suspicious of his boss’s actions.

Bill questions Dwight about his launch party absence and suspicious meeting with Deacon after a heated exchange. Bill asks Dwight if he's dropping him from the business as his doubts develop.

Dwight, visibly frustrated and defensive, reacts violently to Bill’s insinuations. This exchange sets the tone for the rest of the episode, highlighting the fragility of their alliance.

Dwight is questioned by Bill, who suspects he may be collaborating with Musso or making hidden plans behind his back. Dwight fights with guilt and paranoia, but his wrath at Bill's charges dominates.

Bill leaves Dwight's residence and goes to a traffic stop, where armed cops surround and capture him. His arrest ends his journey, but who orchestrated it remains unknown.

Also read: 7 burning questions Tulsa King season 3 must answer

What led to Bill’s arrest?

Bill's arrest prompts concerns about the person behind the operation and why now. The episode's subtle interconnections and broader criminal forces may reveal the answer.

Dwight may have summoned Musso to remove Bill because he was terrified by his questions. In the previous scene, Dwight and Bill argued about Ray and Vince, who want Dwight's bourbon business. Dwight may have wanted to silence Bill before he started because his questions frightened him.

Another theory suggests that Musso, who has been monitoring Dwight’s every move through a bug on his phone, decided to act on his own. Musso, frustrated by the failures and the slow progress of their operations, may have viewed Bill as a liability and taken matters into his own hands.

This could have been a way to neutralize a potential threat to Dwight’s empire. There is also the possibility that Jeremiah, still smarting from his defeat in the stolen liquor saga, had a hand in orchestrating Bill’s arrest. As someone with considerable influence, especially over law enforcement, Jeremiah could have easily manipulated the situation to further weaken Dwight.

Also read: Who is Bigfoot in Tulsa King season 2? Everything you need to know

Dwight’s escalating tensions: A business at risk

As the episode progresses, Dwight’s struggles are not limited to Bill's suspicions alone. He is also dealing with the fallout from his relationship with the Dunmires, particularly Jeremiah, who is bent on sabotaging Dwight’s distillery launch.

The tension between the two parties escalates, with Dwight seeking revenge and plotting the destruction of the Dunmires’ home. He even meets with Deacon to arrange a special explosive for the job. This decision sets the stage for more conflict, as Dwight makes it clear that he will go to great lengths to maintain control over his empire.

Meanwhile, Dwight’s team is also grappling with the internal challenges of Montague Distilleries, which is set to host an important launch party. The pressure to succeed is immense, as investors, critics, and key industry figures are all watching closely.

Even a small mistake may ruin Dwight's crew. Dwight shows his ability to control his emotions and make tough judgments throughout the episode. His acts show a darker aspect to his leadership, as he sacrifices even his closest allies for his future.

Also read: Tulsa King season 3 cast and characters: Meet the stars behind the series and the roles they play

The Dunmires' counterattack

The episode also shows how far the Dunmires will go to avenge Dwight. After failing to recover the stolen liquor, Jeremiah plans a frontal attack against Dwight's business. He tells Cole to gather guys to crash Dwight's launch party.

This is meant to disturb the festivities, humiliate Dwight, and make his business public. The Dunmires accuse Dwight of taking their goods and causing a disturbance at the celebration.

During the altercation, it becomes clear that Cole is torn between loyalty to his father and his growing feelings for Spencer, a bartender at the event. This conflict adds a layer of complexity to his character, as he struggles with the realization that his actions may be hurting the people he cares about.

Despite the chaos, Dwight and his crew remain focused, and the party eventually continues, albeit with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over it.

Also read: Tulsa King season 3 cast and characters: Meet the stars behind the series and the roles they play

Fans can watch the next episode of Tulsa King season 3 on Paramount+ to see how the situation unfolds.

About the author

Rajan is an Entertainment Writer at Sportskeeda with previous experience of 6 years in writing about the genre. While he has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Application, it was his passion for the domain that led him to pursue a career in the field. He firmly believes that research is key when reporting on any topic, and glances through a wide array of articles to produce informative and accurate content.

Rajan admires Robert Downey Jr., Bob Dylan, and John Mayer since he feels they are the best at their trade. He is passionate about music and has had the opportunity to interact with popular Bollywood music directors A. R. Rahman, Pritam and Vishal-Sekhar.

If he could go back in time, he would jump at the opportunity to be part of Coldplay's hit track, 'A Sky Full of Stars.'

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Edited by Rajan Bhattacharya