I think a few of Red's 'associates' you mention above pop up in the latest episode. I can never remember half the names.
Thought that was one of the better written episodes of this season by quite some margin. It actually felt like someone had put some thought into it, & Spader seemed more committed than he had been for a long time. I was quite engaged throughout.
Loved the Jimmy Hoffa gag, & the Brat Packer cameo made me smile. Pity they didn't drive off with the Psychedelic Furs playing on the stereo...
I'll be going into the finale with suitably low expectations, but after that episode, I'm now somewhat curious how it'll end.