t’s been nearly two years since the wildly popular modern Western drama “yellowstone season 5” last aired an episode. Season 5, Part 1 ended with its 7th episode in December of 2024. Episode 8 drops today.
That’s a long goshdarn wait, y’all. I’m allowed to write sentences like that because I’m from the very place this show takes place: Bozeman, Montana, born and raised. It’s where I rode my first horse, though I didn’t do any bronco riding and I can’t lasso to save my life. I can hit the side of a barn with a rifle, but I’m no John Dutton.
Read More: Jay Johnston
In fact, “no John Dutton” is apropos, because Kevin Costner will not make an appearance in this half-season of the series. The movie star and filmmaker of the show had a much-ballyhooed dispute with mega-producer Taylor Sheridan about the amount of time he was required to be on set. Costner was—and remains—in the process of making his epic four-part Western movie series “Horizon: An American Saga,” and his attention was too divided to remain a part of the “yellowstone season 5” melodrama.
When Kevin Costner declined to return for the second half of YellowstoneSeason 5, it left a big question hanging in the air: What would happen to patriarch John Dutton? In Sunday night’s midseason premiere, we got our answer.
yellowstone season 5 has never been a subtle show, but the plot of the midseason premiere took the show’s absurdity to new heights. With a frantic Beth (Kelly Reilly) racing to the governor’s mansion only to find it crawling with cops, we pretty quickly knew something bad had gone down. Once Kayce (Luke Grimes) rolled up, they headed in and learned that (supposedly) their dad shot himself in the bathroom sometime in the middle of the night. Viewers got a quick glimpse of a gun on the floor and prone Costner double in a white t-shirt and pajama pants and, like Beth, quickly inferred that no way John actually ended his own life.
There’s just no way he’d go out like that, not just because it’s against his life and legacy, but also… pajama pants? Please. At the very least he’d be wearing boots and a cowboy hat somewhere out on the ranch. Either way it’s clear that yellowstone season 5 needed to find a way to get rid of Costner’s character quickly and, ham-fisted or not, this is how they chose to do it.
We learn that Dutton’s impeachment trial was set to begin that morning and sometime around 3:53 a.m. a state trooper on site heard a gunshot. The cops were quick to test John’s hands for gunshot residue and look for prints on the weapon and deemed the whole thing a “10-56,” which is police code for suicide. A sad, non-believing Jamie (Wes Bentley) was then forced to announce his sort-of dad’s death to the waiting news media, which Beth and Kayce hear on the radio.
While Reilly has always been a loose cannon as Beth, the Dutton daughter was really on one in this episode. She told Kayce that she’s convinced that “not only did Jamie kill” their father, but “he killed everything our father’s ever done,” achieved, left to them and every memory he’d helped create. It’s a bit of hyperbole because everyone leaves a legacy, no matter how they die, but there’s always been a kind of “cowboy morality” undercutting “Yellowstone.”
We see it here, with the suggestion that killing yourself isn’t something a man does, and we see it more crudely later in the episode with the ranch hands as they joke about slurs and stereotypes. There’a always been a suggestion that yellowstone season 5 — and by extension its creator Taylor Sheridan — knows better than everyone else, that these cowboys are the truest, most intelligent Americans, despite what might be going on outside Montana. It’s grating if you’re not on board, but given how popular the show is, they’ve clearly hit on something.
And speaking of plain-talking cowboys, after catching a glimpse of Beth wailing about how Jamie “killed my daddy!”, we learn that her husband, Rip (Cole Hauser), left Montana about six weeks earlier with four or five other ranch hands to head down to the 6666 Ranch. They’ve got to graze their herd there after bison left one of their pastures full of brucellosis. They’ll be sleeping on the windy land, too, and we get a quick glimpse of former yellowstone season 5 favorite Jimmy (Jefferson White), still waiting for that promised 6666 spin-off.
Later, Rip goes on a supply run to Pampa, Texas, where we go inside the shop of legendary spur maker Billy Ray Klapper, who just died in September. He was one of the few spur makers who still used one solid piece of steel, and as yellowstone season 5 almost constantly reminds us this and every episode, cowboying (and outfitting cowboys) is becoming a lost art. Klapper’s cute and looking around his shop is great, but it does feel like they’re gilding the metaphorical lily a little with the scene, and another later when Rip tells his hands that “30 years from now, nobody’s going to be doing this.”
But enough about Texas. Back in Montana we get down to the dirty details of what happened to John Dutton. It was, as Beth guessed, Jamie — or, rather, Jamie’s devil of a girlfriend, Sarah Atwood (Dawn Oliveri). The almost cartoonishly evil character put a hit out on John via some sketchy conglomerate, and while she pushed for a heart attack — something the family might have actually bought — the mercenary tells her it would put them at the whims of a toxicologist, who might find the drugs in John’s system. Suicide, he says, is just more sellable, especially once they leave a bunch of physical evidence around suggesting a history of mental illness. (Are cops really that gullible?)
Flash forward six or so weeks and, with John now dead, Jamie comes home shattered. Sarah meets him in the bedroom wearing next to nothing and holding champagne, but when she sees how sad he is, she’s clearly dismayed. (“Well, this is not the reaction I expected,” she quips.) She quickly reminds Jamie that he greenlit the act by telling her he wanted his dad dead, though Jamie seems taken aback since it was never discussed after that night. It’s a big rhetorical and narrative leap, but it never pays to really ask why anything happens on “Yellowstone.” It just does, and the characters scramble to deal with the fallout.
That’s when we get Sarah’s big speech. She’s always manipulated Jamie with compliments and sex, and it’s no different here. While he’s worried about how John’s death will blow back on him legally, Sarah tells him that he’s protected, that he’s about to enter a world that he governs and controls, and that he shouldn’t “mourn a 68-year-old man that never loved” him. “Lions don’t die of old age,” she says. “Lions die in the jaws of younger lions and you are the younger lion.” We’re not really sure how puppet masters like her work into the whole lion analogy, but we’ll let it slide.
Lions also apparently don’t die on camera, since Beth and Kayce discover the transponder went out near the governor’s mansion three minutes before their dad died, wiping out all the surveillance in and around the house. It’s too convenient to be a coincidence and it seems clear that they’re going to take matters into their own hands since law enforcement seemed all too ready to wrap things up in a neat, self-inflicted package.
(Do cops ever really do anything on yellowstone season 5 anyway? It seems like the only justice ever delivered on this show is vigilante justice.) Either way, Beth, Rip, Kayce,and just about everyone else left in Montana are about to start gunning for Jamie and you’ve got to think the rest of the season is going to get pretty wild.
When the absentee show yellowstone season 5 finally returned, the audience was thrown right back into the unknown conclusion to John Dutton. In their show’s first episode called ‘Desire Is All You Need,’ it was announced that John Dutton died via suicide in the bathroom of the Montana governor’s mansion. Such a brutal beginning shocked the audience and it left them in shock because the main character was killed and he was the main character for the most of series.
Death Scene: At the beginning of Season 5, Part 2, John Dutton is found dead and, as one might expect, questions about how he died are raised right away.
Possible Murder: What was considered suicide at first, the audience learns about during the episode. Audiences come to learn that his death may have been planned by Sarah Atwood, a consultant for Market Equities, who pays a hitman to stage the death as a suicide.
The death of the protagonist of this story John Dutton has a great impact, primarily, on the immediate family. His children, Beth and Kayce, are immediately immersed in shock, sorrow, suspicion, or anger. Beth has reasons to believe Jamie, the older brother, who has never had a good relationship with them, let alone been on the same side. This family structure only enhances the story and makes for an engaging conflict of interest where Kayce has to decide between obeying his father or his brother.
Beth’s Response: Hysterical and distraught, she shouts that Jamie is happy that her father is dead and provokes the other family members.
Jamie’s Role: While Jamie seems to be innocent in the takedown of the cop however he still plays the role of keeping the audience in suspense over his part and degree of complicity.
Audience Reactions Evaluating the film, it means that the rapid, violent, and unceremoniously killed the leading character John Dutton created controversy among the viewers. Most of the fans complained that such a crucial character should not have ended his career in that manner.
Fan Outrage: There was a lot of outrage on social media, with some fans opting to call the decision to kill off John as “savage” and “lame.”
Mixed Reviews: Regarding storytelling decisions in the show, opinions of critics as well as of the target audience can be split regarding it as an innovative approach to the narration on one hand and the transition at the cost of the death of one of the popular characters on the other hand.
The Impact of John Dutton’s Death on the Dutton Family
The death of John Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family, has sent shockwaves through the entire family. Each member is grappling with the loss in their own way, and the dynamics within the family are shifting dramatically.
Beth Dutton’s Grief and Anger
Beth Dutton, played by Kelly Reilly, is known for her fiery personality and unwavering loyalty to her father. Her reaction to John Dutton’s death is a mix of grief and anger. She is convinced that her brother Jamie is behind the murder and is determined to seek justice for her father. Beth’s emotional turmoil is palpable, and her actions are driven by a desire for vengeance.
Kayce Dutton’s Conflicted Loyalty
Kayce Dutton, portrayed by Luke Grimes, finds himself in a difficult position. He is torn between his loyalty to his father and his brother Jamie. Kayce’s struggle to reconcile his feelings and decide where his allegiances lie adds a layer of complexity to the story. His character arc is one of the most compelling aspects of the season, as he navigates the treacherous waters of family politics.
Jamie Dutton’s Role in the Murder
Jamie Dutton, played by Wes Bentley, is a controversial figure in the family. While he appears to be innocent in the initial stages of the investigation, his role in the murder becomes increasingly ambiguous. Jamie’s relationship with Sarah Atwood, the mastermind behind the hit on John Dutton, adds another layer of intrigue to the story. His character is a study in moral complexity, as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the manipulations of those around him.
The Family’s Quest for Justice
The Dutton family is united in their quest for justice. Beth, Rip, and Kayce are determined to uncover the truth behind John Dutton’s death and bring the perpetrators to justice. Their investigation leads them down a dark and dangerous path, as they confront the powerful forces that conspired to take down the patriarch of the Dutton family.
The Legacy of John Dutton
The legacy of John Dutton looms large over the family. His death has left a void that cannot be filled, and the family is determined to honor his memory. The struggle to uphold the values and traditions that John Dutton held dear is a central theme of the season. The family’s quest for justice is not just about vengeance; it is about preserving the legacy of a man who embodied the spirit of the American West.
The Controversy Surrounding John Dutton’s Death
The decision to kill off John Dutton, the central character of “Yellowstone,” has sparked controversy among fans and critics alike. The abrupt and violent nature of his death has left many viewers feeling cheated and dissatisfied.
Fan Outrage and Social Media Reactions
The fan outrage over John Dutton’s death has been significant. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments from viewers expressing their disappointment and anger. Many fans have criticized the decision to kill off such a crucial character in such a brutal manner. The hashtag #JusticeForJohnDutton has been trending on Twitter, as fans demand a more satisfying resolution to the story.
Mixed Reviews from Critics
Critics have been divided in their opinions about the decision to kill off John Dutton. Some have praised the bold storytelling choice, arguing that it adds a layer of unpredictability and drama to the series. Others have criticized the move, arguing that it undermines the emotional investment that viewers have made in the character. The mixed reviews reflect the polarizing nature of the decision and the passionate debate it has sparked among fans and critics alike.
The Impact on the Show’s Narrative
The death of John Dutton has had a profound impact on the narrative of “Yellowstone.” The show has always been centered around the Dutton family and their struggles to preserve their way of life. With John Dutton gone, the focus shifts to the other members of the family and their quest for justice. The dynamics within the family are changing, and new alliances and conflicts are emerging. The death of John Dutton has opened up new storytelling possibilities and has set the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable season.
The Future of yellowstone season 5 Without John Dutton
The future of yellowstone season 5 without John Dutton is uncertain, but it is clear that the show will continue to explore the complex dynamics of the Dutton family and their struggle to preserve their way of life. The quest for justice and the preservation of the Dutton legacy will be central themes of the upcoming season.
New Characters and Storylines
With John Dutton gone, the show will introduce new characters and storylines to fill the void left by his absence. The focus will shift to the other members of the Dutton family and their individual journeys. New alliances and conflicts will emerge, as the family navigates the treacherous waters of power and politics.
The Quest for Justice
The quest for justice will be a central theme of the upcoming season. The Dutton family is determined to uncover the truth behind John Dutton’s death and bring the perpetrators to justice. Their investigation will lead them down a dark and dangerous path, as they confront the powerful forces that conspired to take down the patriarch of the Dutton family.
The Preservation of the Dutton Legacy
The preservation of the Dutton legacy will be a key focus of the upcoming season. The family is determined to honor the memory of John Dutton and uphold the values and traditions that he held dear. The struggle to preserve the Dutton way of life in the face of modern challenges will be a central theme of the season.
The Evolution of the Dutton Family
The death of John Dutton has forced the Dutton family to evolve and adapt. The dynamics within the family are changing, and new alliances and conflicts are emerging. The evolution of the Dutton family will be a key focus of the upcoming season, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The Impact on the Fans
The death of John Dutton has had a profound impact on the fans of “Yellowstone.” The passionate debate and controversy surrounding his death reflect the deep emotional investment that viewers have made in the character and the story. The future of the show will depend on the ability of the writers and producers to continue to engage and captivate the audience, even in the absence of the central character.
The Legacy of yellowstone season 5 and Its Impact on Modern Western Drama
yellowstone season 5 has had a significant impact on the modern Western drama genre. The show has captivated audiences with its compelling storytelling, complex characters, and stunning visuals. The legacy of Yellowstone will continue to influence the genre for years to come.
The Evolution of the Western Genre
“Yellowstone” has played a key role in the evolution of the Western genre. The show has taken the traditional themes and tropes of the Western and updated them for a modern audience. The focus on family dynamics, power struggles, and the preservation of a way of life has resonated with viewers and has helped to redefine the genre.
The Impact on Popular Culture
yellowstone season 5 has had a significant impact on popular culture. The show has become a cultural phenomenon, with a devoted fan base and a wide-ranging influence on fashion, music, and lifestyle. The legacy of “Yellowstone” will continue to be felt in popular culture, as the show’s themes and aesthetics continue to inspire and influence new generations of creators and consumers.
The Future of the Western Genre
The future of the Western genre is bright, thanks in large part to the success of “Yellowstone.” The show has paved the way for a new wave of Western dramas, with a focus on complex storytelling, compelling characters, and stunning visuals. The legacy of “Yellowstone” will continue to inspire and influence the genre, as new creators and storytellers build on the foundation laid by the show.
The Enduring Appeal of the American West
The enduring appeal of the American West is a central theme of “Yellowstone.” The show has captured the imagination of audiences with its depiction of the rugged beauty and harsh realities of life in the West. The legacy of yellowstone season 5 will continue to celebrate and explore the enduring appeal of the American West, as the show’s themes and aesthetics continue to resonate with viewers.
The Impact on the Entertainment Industry
“Yellowstone” has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry. The show has been a ratings juggernaut, with a devoted fan base and a wide-ranging influence on popular culture. The legacy of yellowstone season 5 will continue to be felt in the entertainment industry, as the show’s success inspires and influences new generations of creators and storytellers.
Conclusion
The death of John Dutton has sent shockwaves through the world of “Yellowstone.” The abrupt and violent nature of his demise has sparked controversy and debate among fans and critics alike. The future of the show without its central character is uncertain, but it is clear that the quest for justice and the preservation of the Dutton legacy will be central themes of the upcoming season.
The legacy of “Yellowstone” will continue to influence the modern Western drama genre, as the show’s themes and aesthetics continue to captivate and inspire audiences. The enduring appeal of the American West and the complex dynamics of the Dutton family will remain at the heart of the story, as the show continues to evolve and adapt in the face of new challenges and opportunities. The future of yellowstone season 5 is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the legacy of John Dutton will live on, as the Dutton family continues to fight for justice and preserve their way of life.
