The departure of Kevin Costner's character from "Yellowstone" has sparked considerable backlash among the show's fanbase.
According to Fox News, the shocking exit of John Dutton in the season 5B premiere of "Yellowstone" has left fans divided and dismayed.
After a hiatus of nearly two years, the popular series created by Taylor Sheridan made its return, only to surprise viewers with the sudden demise of its beloved patriarch, portrayed by Kevin Costner. The episode portrayed John Dutton's body being found with a gunshot wound, leading to immediate speculation on whether his death was a suicide or a calculated murder.
Fans took to various social media platforms to express their discontent with how the series handled Costner’s exit. Some viewers felt betrayed, pointing out that the show's quality had declined with such a pivotal character's departure. Others, on the other hand, speculated on potential narrative reasons behind Dutton's mysterious end.
Luke Grimes, who portrays Kayce Dutton on the show, expressed his shock at Kevin Costner's departure, noting, "None of us saw it coming." This sentiment, unsurprisingly, echoed the confusion and unpreparedness felt by many fans and cast members alike.
Amidst the controversy, however, some defended the storyline as inevitable. One fan said on social media, "If you didn’t expect them to kill off John Dutton then you really aren’t a true Yellowstone fan. I called that this is how the season started since he announced his departure. #YellowstoneTV."
Despite the uproar, not all feedback was negative. Kelly Reilly's portrayal of Beth Dutton received high praise for her emotional performance in the premiere. Fans acclaimed her heart-wrenching response to her father’s death, highlighting it as a powerful moment in the episode.
Speculation about continuing the series without Costner had been circulating, focusing on developing other characters. The decision to pursue this path, however, remains contentious among viewers, with some blaming Costner for altering the show’s trajectory with his exit to focus on his new project, "Horizon."
Referring to the broader storyline, a fan added, "It made sense; you can't have that many people against you, land they want, & you & your cronies have killed that many ppl?"
Accusations have surfaced, suggesting that personal conflicts between Taylor Sheridan and Kevin Costner might have influenced the narrative choice. One critique pointed to Sheridan's handling of the show, stating, "He [Taylor Sheridan] was so pissed off at Kevin Costner for quitting. He just threw his show away. He doesn’t even care. It’s crap, and I don’t even see any reason to watch the rest of the season."
Meanwhile, Kevin Costner, reflecting on his time with "Yellowstone," hinted at a bittersweet departure from the series that shaped recent Western drama television. "That's been a wonderful part of my life, you know, making 'Yellowstone.' And who knows, sometimes some things have a way of circling back."
As the robust debate and intense emotions continue to surround "Yellowstone's" latest development, they underscore the profound attachment its audience has had to the Dutton family saga.
Whether Sheridan’s gamble to evolve the storyline post-Costner will pay off remains to be seen in the upcoming episodes. Indeed, reactions across the viewer spectrum suggest a pivotal moment for the series, potentially defining its future viability and narrative integrity.
