Yellowstone has become a cultural sensation, but beneath the sprawling ranch and dramatic shootouts lie plot holes and inconsistencies that twist viewers into knots. From disappearing subplots to supernatural vibes, Taylor Sheridan’s saga isn’t immune to storytelling slip-ups. Here are 10 bewildering inconsistencies fans can’t stop talking about.
1. The Undiscovered Mass Grave at “Train Station”
For five seasons, the Duttons secretly bury bodies in a remote canyon dubbed the “Train Station,” yet no one—no hikers, tourists, or law enforcement—ever stumbles upon the site. Even Reddit users point out how absurdly convenient it is that a massive crime scene remains hidden for so long. Let’s just say, that’s one grave nobody wanted to find.
2. Jamie’s Vanishing Act and Convenient Cover-Up
Jamie Dutton kills the state Attorney General, torches his car, disappears without a trace—and the state doesn’t bat an eye? No arrest, no investigation. Sheridan leans into drama, but it undermines realism .
3. Loose-End Plotlines That Vanished
Remember the dinosaur bones Kayce found? The bombed plane? Branding rites? Characters like Angela Blue Thunder or Avery disappear into thin air. SlashFilm notes many storylines introduce big ideas then forget to follow through.
4. Beth’s Sudden Banking Savvy
Beth Dutton, former banker—sure. But suddenly she’s negotiating complicated deals effortlessly, even reworking estate taxes? It’s not earned; it feels like a writer’s shortcut.
5. Monica’s Static Arc
Monica’s grief and teaching career are teased superficially and then dropped. She’s stuck in limbo, never evolving, never leaving the storyline meaningful or complete .
6. Plot-Driven, Irrational Decisions
Kayce’s sudden political ambitions, John’s bizarre appointments, marriages of convenience—circumstances feel contrived. Sheridan crafts drama, but it often lacks a believable foundation.
7. Murderous Duttons, No Federal Fallout
The Duttons unleash bombs, kill enemies, and stage murders. And yet? No FBI, no federal task force, no serious investigation. It’s nearly superhuman immunity.
8. Spiritual Visions Out of Nowhere
Suddenly Kayce and Beth sense John’s death through unexplained visions. There’s no mystical groundwork; it comes across like emotional manipulation more than character depth.
9. Unrealistic Ranch Scale and Wealth
Yellowstone’s ranch spans territory larger than Rhode Island—but it’s managed by one family and a handful of hands. Bonus: those fancy helicopters and high-end rigs don’t reflect real ranch economics .
10. Cultural Missteps and Geography Errors
Broken Rock Reservation is fictional, and Paradise Valley isn’t near Crow Country. The portrayal of Native Americans often lacks depth and relies on stereotypes. Plus, monstrous logistical inconsistencies make it feel like Montana settings are interchangeable props .
Bonus Quirks: Family Tree Headaches
Spinoffs like 1883 and 1923 introduce new Dutton ancestors—yet genealogical timelines contradict earlier lore. Spencer Dutton’s line doesn’t fit with John Dutton III’s age .
Why These Plot Holes Matter
Sheridan prioritizes spectacle over structure. Fans tolerate suspense, but unresolved plots, supernatural elements, and sloppiness can erode trust. Entertainment Weekly noted how the final Yellowstone episodes left more questions than answers.
Yet, It Still Works
Despite everything, Yellowstone became a ratings juggernaut, drawing millions every week. Sheridan himself admitted critics hate it for lacking a defined plot —and yet fans tune in for the raw Western soap vibes.
How Fans Are Reacting
Reddit conversations explode with frustration and resignation: “plot holes big enough to fly an explosives-laden airplane through” and other brutal complaints surface by the dozen
Can Spinoffs Fix It?
Prequels like 1883 and 1923 expand the universe, but they may bring their own continuity issues. Tax law absurdities and historical inconsistencies carry over prominently
Comparing to Other Elite Shows
Unlike Breaking Bad—where character evolution and plot precision reign—Yellowstone often opts for drama over logic, earning critics’ scorn
Is This Intentional?
Sheridan has admitted morally ambiguous storytelling is deliberate—elevating emotion over realism. But when ambiguity crosses into absurdity, attention starts focusing on gaping plot holes instead of characters .
Conclusion
Yellowstone threads are bold, wild, and emotionally explosive—but they fray under scrutiny. From mass graves and missing investigations to sudden visions and soft-on-law resolution, Sheridan’s saga often favors drama over coherence. Still, for many fans, the ride is intense enough to forgive—or ignore—the cracks.
FAQs
1. Why hasn’t anyone discovered the Dutton mass grave?
Show logic suggests it’s in no man’s land, rarely trafficked—but realistically, such a site would eventually attract attention .
2. Do the spinoffs address these plot holes?
Not really. In fact, 1923 introduces new inconsistencies, like questionable tax arrangements and family tree issues .
3. What’s up with the sudden spiritual visions?
They’re emotional choices by Sheridan, not grounded in prior supernatural themes, leaving viewers torn between resonance and contrivance .
4. Is the Dutton ranch realistic?
Not really. It’s too massive, under-staffed, and overfunded for a normal ranch—making the wealth feel more cinematic than credible .
5. Does Yellowstone deserve its popularity despite flaws?
Absolutely. Its blend of family drama, sweeping cinematics, and moral ambiguity keeps viewers hooked—even critics acknowledge its addictive “soap” quality.
