Fans of the acclaimed series Yellowstone found themselves divided after the much-anticipated series finale aired recently, garnering over 13 million views on Paramount+. The finale brought with it thrilling twists and disappointing conclusions, leaving audiences engaged and conflicted about the show's ending.
One of the most significant plot developments was the emotional moment when Luke Grimes' character, Kayce Dutton, sold the family ranch back to the Broken Rock Reservation, represented by Chief Thomas Rainwater, played by Gil Birminghan. This act symbolized Kayce's struggle to break free from the weight of his family's historical legacy, which had been central to the series since its inception. Many fans felt this resolution was unsatisfying, saying it undermined the years of character development and conflict.
"Kayce has been fighting for this for so long—to have peace and to have his slice of heaven and to have his family... That, for his sake, I almost hope this is the happy ending," Thompson reflected about his character's choices during interviews.
Despite some positive reviews, the finale was met with substantial backlash, particularly aimed at the show's creator, Taylor Sheridan. Viewers criticized the excessive self-insertion of Sheridan, who appeared as horse trainer Travis Wheatley, with social media comments alleging narcissism. One user quipped, "Some day I hope to find someone who loves me half as much as Taylor Sheridan loves himself." Another expressed disappointment stating, "It’s crazy and cringe at the same time," reflecting the consensus among many fans. The notion of Sheridan's ego overshadowing the narrative was particularly frustrating to audiences hoping for a more cohesive conclusion to the Dutton family's story.
Executive producer Christina Voros spoke about Sheridan’s role, mentioning, "It was wonderful to see Taylor have fun... he’s known as this writer of these great American Western TV sagas, but he’s also a cowboy and tremendous horseman." This duality seemed to resonate with some fans, who appreciated the authenticity brought by the creator's personal connection to the storyline.
Many viewers turned to Reddit for discussions, where opinions on the ranch's fate were especially heated. Some believed the storyline ought to have preserved the Duttons' legacy and expressed frustration with Kayce's decision to sell the land. The investment and development surrounding the Duttons and the ranch presented significant story arcs throughout the series, making the ending feel abrupt for some.
Yet, others genuinely supported the conclusion. "No way was Beth or Kayce going to make the land work & keep it. They never wanted to for themselves," said one fan, who felt the plot circled back to the thematic undercurrents introduced earlier.
The emotional turmoil didn't stop with Kayce's decision. The finale featured the dramatic death of John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, who exited the series amid reported disputes with Sheridan. The choice to kill off the character was rooted deeply within the narrative’s evolution, as Sheridan himself remarked, "His creation of John Dutton is symbolic and powerful... I’ll hope the movie is worth it," referring to Costner's own projects.
The finale also raised awareness of potential spin-offs for fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter of the Yellowstone universe. While specifics remain scarce, the spin-off speculation swirls around characters like Travis and even the future potential for Jimmy (Jefferson White), who departed for the 6666 ranch after earning his character arc.
Eric Thompson, from Hollywood Reporter, emphasized Sheridan’s long-term planning for the series, stating, "Taylor had written the bible for the show... he knew how it was going to end." This forethought led to speculation about the show's enduring legacy and how it would be perceived. Fans, intrigued about what lies next, await confirmation about new narratives and plot explorations of characters introduced throughout the series.
Despite the mixed feedback and dramatic endings, it's clear Yellowstone has left its mark on its audience, even igniting discussions beyond its finale. The passionate opinions from fans encapsulate the intensity of the Yellowstone viewing experience, confirming the show’s impact and its place within modern television lore.
