Mayor of Kingstown season 4 episode 5 ending explained: Is Nina Hobbs secretly working for the cartel?

Mayor of Kingstown season 4 episode 5, titled Damned, brings chaos and danger as Mike navigates the crumbling landscape of Kingstown. With old enemies resurfacing and new ones emerging, Mike’s ability to protect his loved ones and hold onto his position in Kingstown is in serious jeopardy.

The episode, which aired on November 23, 2025, intensifies the plot with shocking betrayals, dangerous alliances, and escalating violence. Mike faces the hard realities of his employment in this episode. Mike questions his loyalty in a corrupt town after learning that Nina Hobbs, the new warden, works for the cartel. His brother Kyle gets trapped in a web of deception, putting his life in risk.

Bunny's illegal empire suffers as the cartel becomes more ruthless and destroys his supplies. The biggest concern is Mike's struggle to protect Kyle. The episode ends with Mike and his enemies fighting intensely.

Disclaimer: The following article contains spoilers from Mayor of Kingstown season 4 episode 5. Reader’s discretion is required.

Yes, Nina Hobbs is revealed to be working with the cartel in this episode, as evidenced by the illegal firearm found in her car. Mike realizes that she is a key player in the ongoing power struggle.

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The war between Mike and his enemies intensifies in Mayor of Kingstown season 4 episode 5

A detailed discussion about the ending of Mayor of Kingstown season 4 episode 5 (Image via YouTube/Paramount Plus)

Mayor of Kingstown season 4 episode 5 opens with Mike McLusky anxious to talk to his brother Kyle. Mike senses something sinister at the prison, creating tension. Bunny's illicit activities continue, but his success is short-lived. Mike tries to manage Kingstown as new, frightening foes pursue his family.

This episode centers on Mike, Hobbs, and the cartel's power battle, with larger stakes than ever. These violent people who want to control Kingstown's criminal world undercut Mike's efforts to safeguard his family, especially Kyle. The episode sets up a more violent encounter, with no clear escape for Mike or his allies.

Also Read: Mayor of Kingstown season 4: Everything to know about the previous seasons

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Bunny's shipment torched by the cartel

A detailed discussion about the ending of Mayor of Kingstown season 4 episode 5 (Image via YouTube/Paramount Plus)

In the episode's most explosive scene, the cartel destroys Bunny's shipment. Bunny, who has been smuggling weaponry with Frank Moses, expects a huge narcotics shipment through town. The vicious cartel, led by Cortez, discovers the package and acts quickly. Cortez and his men ambush the cargo train, murdering everyone and burning it.

Bunny's operation is threatened by this daring response against Moses and Bunny. Bunny loses a lot without this shipment, damaging his criminal business. This terrible strike escalates the cartel-Bunny crew battle, exacerbating Mike's already precarious situation in Kingstown.

Also Read: Who is Terry in Mayor of Kingstown? All about the crucial off-screen character ahead of season 3

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Mike confronts Hobbs

A detailed discussion about the ending of Mayor of Kingstown season 4 episode 5 (Image via YouTube/Paramount Plus)

Mike confronts Nina Hobbs, the new jail warden, as tensions grow. Mike believes Hobbs is working with the cartel and demands answers. Hobbs plays her hands cautiously, telling Mike that she had recently learned about Merle Callahan, a dangerous inmate near Kyle.

Mike believes Hobbs has been lying from the start, despite her claims. Hobbs's intentions are unknown, but she refuses to back down. Mike concludes that Hobbs and her deputy, David Torres, may be working together to dominate the jail and strengthen their cartel ties after this altercation. Mike prepares for a battle that will require all his strength if his suspicions are proven.

Also Read: How many episodes will there be in Mayor of Kingstown season 4? Episode count, release schedule, and more

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Mike learns of Kyle's fate at the prison

A detailed discussion about the ending of Mayor of Kingstown season 4 episode 5 (Image via YouTube/Paramount Plus)

Kyle's predicament worsens in prison. Kyle draws closer to Callahan despite Mike's cautions. Kyle is vulnerable, so Callahan manipulates him into a debate about family and survival. Kyle, divided between allegiance and identity, is drawn into a hazardous game.

Hobbs shockingly moves Kyle from Ad Seg to the general population, putting him at risk. Hobbs is asserting her control with this decision. The safety of Kyle is now more unclear than ever, so Mike must move quickly to save his brother.

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Robert Sawyer kills Reggie

Ian's problems worsen while Evelyn investigates Morrissey. Evelyn has found Reggie Davies to testify against Ian. Ian hires legendary serial murderer Robert Sawyer to quiet the witness out of fear. Things swiftly get out of hand. Robert, dangerously unstable, brutally kills Reggie.

Ian recognizes his role in another murder and helps dispose of the body. Ian's situation is worse by this tragedy, which adds blood to his hands. Ian, Mike, and Evelyn struggle to outwit one other, revealing that the matter is far from resolved.

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

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Mike asks Tracy to leave Kingstown

A detailed discussion about the ending of Mayor of Kingstown season 4 episode 5 (Image via YouTube/Paramount Plus)

Mike makes the difficult decision to ask Tracy to leave Kingstown for her protection as threats intensify. Mike worries about Tracy and Mitch after a house invasion. He advises her to visit her sister in Ohio to avoid danger.

Tracy reluctantly leaves because Mike betrayed her, but she does it for her son. Tracy leaves Kingstown for now. Mike's choice to remove Tracy from the danger zone shows his growing anxiety that he cannot protect everyone.

Also Read: Which Game of Thrones actor stars in Mayor of Kingstown? Meet Aidan Gillen

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The war with the cartel escalates

The episode culminates in a terrifying visual: Bunny’s shipment is set ablaze in retaliation for the cartel’s growing war against him and Mike. This devastating attack signals that the cartel is fully engaged in the battle for control of Kingstown, and Mike must now prepare for an all-out war.

With Hobbs’s betrayal and the cartel’s increasing power, Mike finds himself at the center of a conflict that threatens to destroy everything he’s worked for.

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You can stream Mayor of Kingstown season 4 episode 5 on Paramount Plus.

Edited by Rajan Bhattacharya