The Yellowstone universe, once a TV juggernaut that captivated millions with its gripping family drama and rugged landscapes, is facing a rough patch as the series enters its final stretch. Season 5 Part 2 marks the end of an era with the shocking death of John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner), who has been the heart and soul of the show since its inception. However, the aftermath of Costner’s exit—and the subsequent direction the show has taken—has left many fans feeling betrayed and confused. The series, once celebrated for its consistent ratings and loyal fan base, is now struggling with some of the lowest audience scores in its history.
So, what exactly went wrong with Yellowstone? And why are fans so upset with Season 5 Part 2? Let’s dive into the details of what’s happening behind the scenes and how viewers are reacting to the shift in direction for the Dutton family saga.
The End of John Dutton: What Happened?
A Shocking Death, But No Closure
One of the most shocking twists in Yellowstone history comes in the form of John Dutton’s death. In the season 5 part 2 premiere, fans are blindsided by the revelation that John, the patriarch of the Dutton family and the face of the show, is gone. Initially, it appeared that John took his own life, but it is later revealed that his death was the result of a hit job. His death marks the official end of Kevin Costner’s involvement with the series, following a tumultuous exit amid rumors of contract disputes, creative differences, and Costner’s desire to focus on his own projects like Horizon: An American Saga.
John Dutton’s death isn’t just a shocking plot development—it’s a symbolic one. The character’s passing marks the end of an era for the series and the Dutton family. But does it work for the show? Fans, especially long-time followers of Costner’s portrayal of John, seem to think otherwise.
Fans Aren’t Buying It: The Reaction to John Dutton’s Exit
While the death itself may have been meant to carry emotional weight, many fans feel that it was mishandled. The emotional gravity of John’s death, which should have been a pivotal moment in the series, felt rushed and out of place. Some viewers took issue with the way the death was framed—making it look like a suicide, only to reveal it as an assassination, which they argue cheapened the dramatic impact.
This moment, which should have been a heart-wrenching farewell to a beloved character, instead left fans with more questions than answers. “What is the show without John Dutton?” many asked, and Yellowstone seems to be struggling to answer that question, especially with the departure of its central figure.
Where Does This Leave the Dutton Family?
John Dutton’s death also leaves a massive void in the Dutton family dynamic. As fans have seen over the years, the series has been as much about the complex relationships between the Duttons as it has been about the ranching empire they’ve built. With John gone, it’s unclear whether the remaining characters, particularly Beth (Kelly Reilly), can shoulder the weight of the family drama and keep the show alive.
Fans have always gravitated toward the Dutton family’s fiery personalities, but with John gone, the question now is whether the rest of the family has the same magnetic draw. While some have praised Reilly’s portrayal of Beth, others wonder if the show can still survive without its cornerstone character. The chemistry between Costner’s John and Reilly’s Beth was a central part of the show’s success, and now, without that dynamic, many fans are unsure where the series is headed.
Fans’ Discontent: Why Is Season 5 Part 2 Getting the Worst Reception?
Declining Audience Scores: What Happened?
Yellowstone has always been a fan favorite, but Season 5 Part 2 is struggling to maintain that love. In fact, the season is currently the lowest-rated by fans, with a dismal 40% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This is a significant drop from previous seasons, with Season 4 holding an 82% audience score and Season 3 at a near-perfect 87%.
So, what’s driving this shift? The issues seem to be multi-faceted:
- John Dutton’s Death: The death of the lead character in such an underwhelming manner left many viewers feeling cheated. John’s role in the series was so crucial that his loss without proper closure or emotional impact left fans bitter.
- Shift in Tone and Direction: Season 5 feels like it’s trying too hard to make a fresh start after Costner’s departure, and many fans feel the show has lost its identity. The introduction of new characters and shifts in storylines seem disjointed, and the focus on the Dutton family’s legacy without John Dutton feels like it’s missing something.
- The Absence of Kevin Costner: Kevin Costner was the face of Yellowstone, and his departure left a major gap. While the show tries to move on without him, the absence of his strong presence is evident, and fans aren’t sure if the show can survive without him. His departure has left a sour taste for many, especially considering the drama surrounding his exit.
Critic Reactions: Still Some Praise, But a Lingering Sense of Loss
On the critical side, the show’s reception is more mixed. While Yellowstone still holds an 84% critic score for Season 5, it’s clear that the show’s critical acclaim is starting to fade. Critics acknowledge that the performances of the remaining cast members—especially Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser—are still strong, but even they can’t save the show from its troubled direction. The absence of John Dutton’s leadership and the lack of a strong, unifying narrative have left critics with a sense of dissatisfaction.
The Ratings Don’t Lie: Huge Viewership, But Diminishing Love
Despite the negative fan reception, Yellowstone still managed to pull in a staggering 16.4 million viewers for its Season 5 Part 2 premiere. This shows that the show still has a massive fanbase, but many of these viewers may be sticking around out of loyalty rather than genuine excitement for the show’s current trajectory. It’s clear that Yellowstone has become more of a cultural event than a show fans are genuinely passionate about, and that could be a major issue for the series moving forward.
What’s Next for Yellowstone?
A New Beginning? Or Just Another Spin-Off?
The Yellowstone universe is far from over, even though the main show is coming to an end. The franchise will continue with spin-offs like The Madison, which will focus on the Dutton family’s legacy, as well as other planned projects. However, it’s unclear if these new shows will ever capture the magic of the original series. While Paramount is betting heavily on its streaming future, the loss of the show’s central figure—Kevin Costner—could prove to be a difficult hurdle for future projects.
The fact that Yellowstone is ending does not mean the Dutton saga is over, but will the next chapter be able to recapture the magic of the earlier seasons? Only time will tell.
Will the Show’s Legacy End on a High Note?
As the final episodes of Yellowstone unfold, fans are left wondering if the show can right the ship and deliver a satisfying conclusion to the Dutton family story. With John Dutton’s death now a key plot point, the next few episodes will likely focus on the fallout from his passing and the future of the ranch. But will it be enough to win back the hearts of fans who feel betrayed by the show’s sudden shift in tone and direction?
Conclusion: Can Yellowstone Survive Without John Dutton?
In the end, Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 has proven to be a pivotal, yet controversial chapter in the series. With John Dutton’s death, the show faces an identity crisis, struggling to find its footing without its central figure. While the series still draws huge viewership numbers, the mixed-to-negative reception from fans indicates that Yellowstone may have outstayed its welcome for many. Whether or not the show can make a strong comeback in the final episodes remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Yellowstone will never be the same without Kevin Costner.
