Who is Charlie and his relation to Ian in Mayor of Kingstown?

Clip from Mayor of Kingstown (Image via Instagram/@thekennethjohnson)
Clip from Mayor of Kingstown (Image via Instagram/@thekennethjohnson)

With season 3 premiered on June 2, Mayor of Kingstown brings several intense characters as well as complex relationships, and among them is the relationship between Charlie and Ian Ferguson. Charlie Pickings, played by Kenny Johnson, is a mentally unstable serial killer, while Ian Ferguson, portrayed by Hugh Dillon, is a senior detective in the Kingstown Police Department.

Ian uses Charlie's violent tendencies for his benefit, which further creates a bond forged in secrecy and mutual necessity. A strange mix of friendship and manipulation makes this relationship noteworthy.

Jeremy Renner leads the gritty drama series, Mayor of Kingstown. The power dynamics and corruption in Kingstown are the themes of the show. Mike McLusky, the titular mayor, navigates through a myriad of threats, from drug lords to personal demons.

Mayor of Kingstown season 3 continues with its dark narrative and the latest season intensifies the stakes as Mike and others, like Ian Ferguson, face mounting challenges. The return of Charlie in season 3, episode 3, adds another layer of tension, presenting the precarious balance of power and loyalty within Kingstown.


What's Charlie's role in Mayor of Kingstown?

Charlie Pickings is a significant character in Mayor of Kingstown. Introduced as a serial killer in season 2, episode 5, Kill Box, Charlie’s unstable mental state and violent nature make him a dangerous yet useful asset for Detective Ian Ferguson.

In season 2, Ian manipulates Charlie to intimidate a SWAT team member, Ben Morrisey, to change his testimony. This manipulation leads to Charlie murdering Ben when he badmouths him. Forcing Ian into a cover-up to protect his colleague, Robert Sawyer.

Charlie's reappearance in season 3 signals unsettled issues for Ian. Ian meets Charlie in prison to advise him to stay cool and avoid violence to protect their secrets. This visit once again reminds Ian how serious his situation is and that Charlie is still a threat. While they depend on and fear each other, Ian must continuously moderate Charlie to protect his secrets.

Read more: Mayor of Kingstown season 2 ending explained


Ian Ferguson: The detective’s dilemma

Ian Ferguson is a senior narcotics, robbery, and homicide detective in the Kingstown Police Department. Ian's relationship with Charlie shows his moral ambiguity, as he exploits Charlie's violence even if it compromises his ethics.

In Season 2, Ian's decision to involve Charlie in intimidating Ben Morrisey backfires spectacularly. Ben’s murder at Charlie’s hands leaves Ian scrambling to cover up the crime, demonstrating the dangerous consequences of Ian’s manipulative tactics. This act of desperation is indicative of the lengths Ian will go to shield his peers and maintain order in the corrupt environment of Kingstown.

Read more: 5 most likable characters from Mayor of Kingstown


The implications of Charlie’s return

Charlie's return in Season 3, episode 3, of Mayor of Kingstown underscores the unresolved tensions and looming threats facing Ian Ferguson. Ian’s visit to Charlie in prison is a strategic move to keep Charlie under control, ensuring he doesn't draw unwanted attention.

However, Charlie’s unpredictable nature and potential to reveal their past crimes to the authorities, particularly Assistant District Attorney Evelyn, pose a significant risk to Ian and Mike.

The potential for Charlie to divulge critical information about Ben Morrisey’s death could unravel Ian's careful cover-up, leading to severe repercussions for both Ian and Mike. Making it a pivotal plotline in the series.

In Mayor of Kingstown, the relationship between Charlie and Ian Ferguson is a compelling example of the series' exploration of moral ambiguity and survival. Charlie’s violent tendencies and Ian’s manipulative nature create a dangerous alliance marked by secrecy and mutual dependency.

As Season 3 progresses, the implications of their relationship continue to unfold, promising further tension and drama. The return of Charlie signifies upcoming threats and the precarious balance of power within Kingstown.

Read more: Mayor of Kingstown season 3: Full list of cast


Mayor of Kingstown season 3 is now streaming on Paramount+.

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