Yellowstone Rewatch: 9 Harsh Realities You May Have Missed
1. Glaring Plot Holes
While Yellowstone delivers gripping drama at its best, the series has moments of absurdity: Dan Jenkins’ resurrection, the unexploded bomb on the Beck brothers’ plane, and Jamie Dutton’s conveniently unpunished crimes are just a few examples. Entire storylines and characters sometimes disappear without explanation.
2. The Dutton Family Should Be in Prison
John Dutton, Rip Wheeler, Jamie, Kayce, and Beth commit numerous murders and engage in corrupt dealings, yet face little legal consequence. Their actions highlight the morally gray—and often criminal—nature of the family.
3. Rip Wheeler’s Excessive Brutality
Beth’s loyal enforcer Rip carries out shocking acts of violence, from lynchings to attacks with snakes. His loyalty and tragic backstory are contrasted sharply by his ruthless methods, often overshadowing other storylines.
4. Underused Characters
Key characters like Monica Long Dutton and Gator (the family chef) see their arcs minimized or vanish in later seasons. Monica’s teaching career and independent storylines effectively disappear, and Gator is absent from crucial events like John Dutton’s funeral.
5. Problematic Portrayal of Women
While strong female characters exist, women are often objectified or used as plot devices. Beth is placed in perilous situations, and Monica is frequently relegated to supporting roles or childbearing functions.
6. Native American Issues Ignored
Most Dutton family members show little regard for Native American rights, with John Dutton’s obsession with the ranch consistently overriding ethical concerns. Kayce is the only character who occasionally shows empathy toward the Broken Rock reservation.
7. John Dutton’s Death Changes the Show
Kevin Costner’s exit in season 5 left the series muted. The climactic Dutton family conflicts cannot fully compensate for the loss of the patriarch, and some later events, like Bella Hadid’s cameo, feel disconnected from the narrative.
8. John Dutton as the True Villain
Though antagonists abound, John Dutton’s cumulative actions—violence, corruption, and disregard for others—position him as the series’ ultimate villain, ironically driving much of the tragedy that befalls his own family.
9. Inconsistent Storytelling
The series occasionally prioritizes shock value and spectacle over consistent logic. Events are sometimes exaggerated or poorly explained, making rewatching the show a mix of admiration for its strengths and frustration over its flaws.
Bottom Line:
Yellowstone delivers powerful neo-Western storytelling, but rewatching the series reveals glaring plot holes, questionable ethics, and underdeveloped characters. Despite its flaws, the show remains a landmark in contemporary Western drama—but not without its harsh realities.