Picture this: a helicopter slicing through a mountainous skyline while a fleet of cowboys on horseback gallops full speed below. It’s a mesmerizing juxtaposition where time and space converge. In an instant, the past and present collide, creating something simultaneously familiar and utterly unexpected. Six decades after Western films dominated the box office, fans of the genre are now treated to a weekly television journey through Taylor Sheridan’s neo-western masterpiece, “Yellowstone.”
Originally debuting in 2018 on the Paramount Network, “Yellowstone” swiftly garnered an enormous following, spawning not one but two spinoffs: “1883” and “1923,” exclusively on Paramount+. As the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes leave a void in the fall TV lineup, “Yellowstone” is poised for a big platform shift to its new home on CBS, owned by Paramount. Let’s delve into the impact and allure of this captivating series.
Neo-Westerns and Their Resurgence:
While neo-Westerns are not entirely new to audiences, “Yellowstone” stands out in our current political climate. Few modern middle-American, conservative-leaning shows have achieved the same level of massive popularity and complexity as this one. Initially embraced in rural areas, “Yellowstone” experienced a surge in ratings during the pandemic lockdown, attracting viewers from urban centers into this cowboy-filled world.
Taylor Sheridan: A Maverick in Hollywood:
The politics within “Yellowstone” may not be overt, but Taylor Sheridan has long positioned himself as a Hollywood outsider. He’s the prolific writer and showrunner behind every episode of “Yellowstone” and its spinoffs. Sheridan has faced criticism for his opposition to the WGA’s demands for a minimum number of writers in rooms, emphasizing his belief in the unfettered freedom of artists to create. His stories prioritize character-driven narratives over plot-driven ones, a departure from conventional television.
A Unique Perspective:
As a Black American woman hailing from Chicago’s South Side, classic Westerns never quite resonated with me. The portrayal of cowboys as heroes often clashed with my worldview, echoing James Baldwin’s sentiment from “The American Dream and the American Negro.” He articulated the shock of realizing that symbols like the American flag and iconic Western heroes often did not pledge allegiance to people like him. However, amid the buzz surrounding “Yellowstone” and the forthcoming series “Lawman: Bass Reeves,” which explores the life of the first Black U.S. Marshal (executive produced by Sheridan), I felt compelled to explore “Yellowstone.”
Peeling Back the Layers:
The pilot episode plunges viewers into a world of tension and intrigue, opening with a fatal accident, a maimed horse, and a gruesome head wound. The stoic patriarch, John Dutton III (Kevin Costner), presides over the sprawling Yellowstone Dutton Ranch in Bozeman, Montana. As the narrative unfolds, secrets, desires, and the darkness within John and his family unravel.
The Dutton Family:
The Dutton family is at the heart of “Yellowstone,” and the series meticulously explores their intricate dynamics. Jamie (Wes Bentley), the adopted son, is a lawyer disconnected from ranch life. Lee (Dave Annable), a cowboy, lacks the skills for negotiation and networking. Kayce (Luke Grimes) has distanced himself from the Dutton dynasty, living with his Indigenous wife and son on the Broken Rock Indian Reservation. Beth (Kelly Reilly), the prodigal daughter, matches her father’s menacing presence.
Societal Issues and Inequities:
While “Yellowstone” immerses us in the Duttons’ world, it also unveils the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. A development company threatens to build condos near Yellowstone, amplifying the unsettling gentrification in the area. The clash between John Dutton and Chief Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) illustrates the true meaning of encroachment and power struggles within these communities.
The Future of “Yellowstone”:
As “Yellowstone” enters its fifth and final season, it’s not without controversy. Plans for a conclusion were initially set at six episodes, but Taylor Sheridan hopes for an extended 10-episode finale. However, Kevin Costner’s exit due to creative and salary disputes has left fans with an unexpected twist. Despite the challenges, Sheridan remains committed to providing a conclusion, even if it deviates from his original vision.
A New Beginning:
The shift of “Yellowstone” to CBS offers fans an opportunity to revisit the Duttons’ world as it was before recent turmoil. Simultaneously, a new spinoff starring Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey is in development. While details are scarce, it promises a fresh cast and location, with a Texan influence. “Yellowstone” is now more accessible than ever, reaching a broader audience.
In its new broadcast home, “Yellowstone” becomes a beacon for those craving epic storytelling. It’s a nostalgic moment for long-time fans, and an ideal entry point for newcomers. As “Yellowstone” takes root on CBS, it feels like the place where this monumental and wildly entertaining saga truly belongs.
Catch “Yellowstone” on CBS starting September 17, with episodes airing weekly on Sundays. Seasons 1-5 are currently streaming on Peacock, offering a chance to immerse yourself in this Western epic before its grand conclusion.
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