The world of Yellowstone is no stranger to shocking twists and jaw-dropping moments, but in Season 5B, one character’s demise stood out more than the others. Sarah Atwood, played by Dawn Olivieri, met her tragic end in a gut-wrenching, bullet-riddled scene that left fans gasping. Her death came swiftly, but it was the result of a long build-up of betrayal, deception, and, of course, her manipulation of those around her, especially Jamie Dutton.
In an exclusive interview, Olivieri shared her thoughts on her character’s fate, the complexities of playing a villain, and how Taylor Sheridan’s writing shaped Sarah’s journey. In this article, we unpack the layers of Sarah Atwood’s character, her heartbreaking end, and the actress’s journey from Yellowstone to new roles in Sheridan’s universe.
Sarah Atwood’s Villainous Arc: A Deep Dive
Who Was Sarah Atwood?
Sarah Atwood came into the Yellowstone universe as a tough, calculating woman with one thing on her mind—power. Introduced as the girlfriend and fixer for Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley), Sarah quickly proved herself as a force to be reckoned with. She wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and manipulate others for her own gain. As a fixer, her role was to smooth over problems, clean up messes, and make sure that no one stood in the way of the Dutton family’s interests. But as viewers soon learned, Sarah was much more than a supporting character.
The complex layers of Sarah’s personality were carefully crafted by Taylor Sheridan, who’s known for writing deep, multifaceted characters. Sarah’s strength lay in her ability to control the narrative around her, making her a formidable opponent to anyone who threatened her or her position. Throughout the series, she built her empire by exploiting her relationships and ensuring that no one could escape her reach.
The Relationship with Jamie Dutton
One of the most intriguing aspects of Sarah’s character was her relationship with Jamie Dutton. From the very beginning, it was clear that their dynamic was built on a delicate balance of power and manipulation. While Sarah initially seemed to use Jamie as a pawn, there were hints that their connection ran deeper. The final moments between Sarah and Jamie—before her tragic death—offered a glimpse into the vulnerability beneath her hardened exterior.
Sarah wasn’t just using Jamie; she was also emotionally invested in him, despite her earlier manipulations. Her death scene, paired with a final conversation with Jamie, revealed a side of her that had been hidden throughout the series. For the first time, Sarah showed her true emotions, making her death all the more tragic.
The Train Station: Sarah’s Final Destination
In the world of Yellowstone, the “train station” is a term used for those who cross the Dutton family in a way that cannot be undone. It’s a fate that few escape, and Sarah was no exception. After her involvement in orchestrating the assassination of John Dutton, the repercussions of her actions finally caught up with her. Thanks to the relentless pursuit of Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes), the investigation into John’s death was reopened. The truth about Sarah’s role in the murder-for-hire plot was exposed, and it wasn’t long before Sarah’s time ran out.
The hitman hired to carry out the murder was sent to eliminate Sarah in a brutal scene that would go down as one of the most shocking moments of the series. She was gunned down in her car, leaving fans stunned at how quickly her fate turned. In a show where characters are constantly scheming and plotting, Sarah’s untimely end was a harsh reminder of the unforgiving nature of the Duttons’ world.
Dawn Olivieri: A Villain Who Knew Her Fate
Playing a Powerful Villain
For Dawn Olivieri, playing Sarah Atwood was not her first venture into the world of powerful, morally gray characters. In fact, it was her second time collaborating with Taylor Sheridan. Before taking on the role of Sarah, Olivieri portrayed Claire Dutton in 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone. Both characters were complex women with their own ambitions and weaknesses, making them perfect fits for the kind of deep, layered storytelling Sheridan is known for.
When asked about her approach to playing Sarah, Olivieri explained that she tends to gravitate towards roles where her character isn’t afraid to take risks, make tough choices, and even break the rules. “I’m always sort of prepared for it,” Olivieri said about the inevitability of death in her characters’ arcs. “To die as an actor is really an interesting journey… it’s a chance to go as deep as I possibly can and make it as real as possible.”
For Olivieri, playing a villain isn’t about being purely evil; it’s about understanding the deeper motivations and complexities that drive the character. As she explained, “A villain is a very strong-minded, strong-willed person that maybe has a little trauma in their life early on that has created this sort of work-obsessed, power-obsessed person.” This insight adds another layer to Sarah’s character, making her more than just a villain in the traditional sense. She’s a product of her experiences, and her downfall is tied to the very same traits that made her a formidable adversary.
The Human Side of Sarah Atwood
One of the most powerful aspects of Sarah’s death scene was the way it humanized her. Up until that point, Sarah had been portrayed as a cold and calculating figure, but in her final moments, viewers saw a different side of her. As Olivieri mentioned in her interview, “It’s the moment before death that I hope everyone touches, including the characters I created, because I care about them. They are human too, and that is the human piece.”
In Sarah’s final conversation with Jamie, she allowed herself to show vulnerability, a side of her that had been buried beneath layers of power plays and manipulation. This moment of clarity gave Sarah a sense of humanity that made her death all the more tragic. She wasn’t just a villain; she was a woman struggling with her own demons and desires for connection, power, and love.
The Sheridan-Verse Trifecta: From Yellowstone to Lioness
A New Beginning After Death
As Sarah Atwood’s time in the Yellowstone universe came to a violent end, Olivieri was already moving on to her next big role in another Taylor Sheridan project. Olivieri’s journey through Sheridan’s universe is far from over. Despite Sarah’s tragic fate, she was quickly brought into the world of Lioness, a new Paramount+ series also created by Sheridan. Olivieri will appear in the December 1st episode of Lioness, further solidifying her place in the ever-expanding Sheridan-verse.
For Olivieri, this represents not just a new role, but also a new chapter in her acting career. “A death for me just means a life somewhere else,” she said, explaining how her character deaths often lead to exciting new opportunities. From playing Claire Dutton in 1883 to Sarah Atwood in Yellowstone and now her new role in Lioness, Olivieri has embraced the changing dynamics of her career and the challenges that come with playing such diverse and powerful roles.
A Shift from Villains to Heroes
In Lioness, Olivieri is stepping into a very different kind of role. In this series, she plays a character who is more heroic, marking a significant shift from the villains she’s known for portraying. This transition is something Olivieri finds exciting, as it challenges her to stretch her acting range even further. “I’m playing the matriarch who is working to balance the homestead,” she explained, adding that it’s a departure from her usual roles that gives her a chance to explore a different side of herself as an actress.
Olivieri’s career may be defined by playing tough, formidable women, but it’s clear that she’s ready for whatever comes next. Her journey from Yellowstone to Lioness is a testament to her versatility as an actress and her ability to bring complex, powerful characters to life.
Conclusion: Sarah Atwood’s Lasting Impact
The death of Sarah Atwood was a pivotal moment in Yellowstone, one that left fans in shock and anticipation. As one of the most memorable villains in the series, Sarah’s demise marked the end of an era for her character but also set the stage for what’s to come in the remaining episodes of Season 5B. Her legacy, as one of the most powerful antagonists on the show, will continue to loom over the Duttons as they deal with the fallout from John Dutton’s death.
For Dawn Olivieri, playing Sarah Atwood was a deeply rewarding experience, one that allowed her to explore the complexities of power, love, and vulnerability. As she moves on to new projects, including her upcoming role in Lioness, it’s clear that Olivieri’s place in the Sheridan-verse is far from over.
