Yellowstone Series Review: Kevin Costner’s Legacy and the Final Episodes
Much as the Yellowstone crew might insist the show worked just fine without Kevin Costner, John Dutton nevertheless loomed large over the final episodes. Showrunner Taylor Sheridan tried to fill the void by casting himself as Bella Hadid’s hot boyfriend, but the whole season was all about avenging John’s death and figuring out who would assume his legacy. Frankly, it’s a legacy Costner doesn’t care too much about.
Asked for his thoughts about Yellowstone “finally ending” in a video obtained by DailyMail.com, Costner laughed, “I’m not even thinking about that. I don’t think I’ve given it any thoughts.” As a warning to the inquisitive cameraman as much as a message to Yellowstone fans, he concluded, “So we’ll just let it go.”
Costner hasn’t kept up too much with the Duttonverse since his exit. When he was killed off in the midseason premiere, he admitted the next day that he “didn’t know it was actually airing last night.” In an interview with SiriusXM’s The Michael Smerconish Program, he said, “That’s a swear to God moment. I swear to God. I mean, I’ve been seeing ads with my face all over the place and I’m thinking, ‘Gee, I’m not in that one.’ I’m not in this season.”
He sure wasn’t. Costner’s departure from the mega-successful franchise was a drama that played out behind the scenes and in the press. In his interview with Smerconish, the filmmaker continued to insist that he didn’t quit, but there were “contractual” issues around continuing to film when he had his own Horizon production waiting. “There was room, but it was difficult for them to keep their schedule. It seemed to be, it was just too difficult for them to do it,” he said.
Instead, Costner left and Sheridan killed his character off. Costner “heard it’s a suicide, so that doesn’t make me want to rush to go see it,” he said at the time, but acknowledged the Yellowstone crew are “pretty smart people” so the suicide could be “a red herring.” That instinct proved correct; Dutton’s death was actually a hit arranged by his own son Jamie (Wes Bentley). Beth (Kelly Reilly) ultimately avenged her father and killed Jamie in the series finale, riding off into the sunset—and into her own upcoming spin-off.
### The Story So Far
Yellowstone is a gripping drama series that revolves around the Dutton family, owners of the largest ranch in the United States, facing off against land developers, politicians, and Native Americans. Kevin Costner portrays John Dutton, the patriarch of the family, whose legacy and ranch are at the center of a power struggle that drives the narrative forward.
In the final episodes of the series, the focus shifts to avenging John Dutton’s death and determining who will take over his mantle. The tension escalates as secrets are revealed, alliances are tested, and the fate of the ranch hangs in the balance.
The performances of the cast, especially Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton, have been pivotal in creating the intense and emotional atmosphere that defines the show. The direction by Taylor Sheridan has expertly captured the rugged beauty of the Montana landscape while delving into the complexities of family dynamics and power dynamics.
The finale brings closure to many storylines while setting the stage for new beginnings in the Yellowstone universe. The legacy of John Dutton lives on, leaving fans eager to see what the future holds for the Dutton family and their allies.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, Yellowstone’s final episodes deliver a satisfying conclusion to the saga of the Dutton family while paving the way for new adventures in the expanding Yellowstone universe. Kevin Costner’s legacy as John Dutton will be remembered as a cornerstone of the series, and the impact of his character’s journey will resonate with fans for years to come.
Don’t miss out on the gripping finale and the thrilling developments that await in the world of Yellowstone.
#### Frequently Asked Questions
##### 1. Will there be a spin-off series following Beth’s character?
Yes, Kelly Reilly’s character, Beth, is set to have her own spin-off series, exploring her journey after the events of the Yellowstone finale.
##### 2. What were the contractual issues that led to Kevin Costner’s exit from the show?
Kevin Costner cited contractual issues related to scheduling conflicts with his own production company as the reason for his departure from Yellowstone.
##### 3. How did John Dutton meet his end in the series?
John Dutton’s death was orchestrated by his son Jamie and portrayed as a suicide, only to be revealed as a hit arranged by Jamie himself.
##### 4. What themes are explored in the final episodes of Yellowstone?
The final episodes delve into themes of family loyalty, power struggles, revenge, and the legacy of the Dutton family.
##### 5. Who assumes John Dutton’s legacy after his death?
The series finale hints at the next generation of the Dutton family stepping up to carry on John Dutton’s legacy on the Yellowstone ranch.
##### 6. What role does Taylor Sheridan play in the final episodes?
Showrunner Taylor Sheridan appears in a guest role as Bella Hadid’s boyfriend, attempting to fill the void left by Kevin Costner’s departure.
##### 7. Are there plans for further expansions of the Yellowstone universe?
Yes, with the success of the series, there are plans for additional spin-offs and expansions of the Yellowstone universe to explore new storylines and characters.
##### 8. How do fans react to Kevin Costner’s exit from Yellowstone?
Fans have expressed mixed feelings about Costner’s departure, with some disappointed by his absence while others appreciate the new directions the show is taking.
##### 9. What sets Yellowstone apart from other drama series?
Yellowstone stands out for its stunning cinematography, compelling storytelling, and intricate character dynamics that keep viewers engaged and invested in the narrative.
##### 10. Where can viewers watch the final episodes of Yellowstone?
The final episodes of Yellowstone are available for streaming on platforms like Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video, allowing fans to catch up on the intense drama and emotional twists of the series.
Tags: Yellowstone, Kevin Costner, John Dutton, Taylor Sheridan, finale, legacy, spin-off, drama, series, review.