Despite its massive popularity, Yellowstone has faced consistent criticism for mishandling some of its main characters. Among them, Kayce (Luke Grimes) and Monica Dutton (Kelsey Asbille) stand out as characters with untapped potential. Over five seasons, their storylines have oscillated between promise and stagnation, leaving viewers frustrated as the couple repeatedly grapples with the same existential questions.
With Yellowstone now airing its final episodes, the lingering question remains: why hasn’t the series fully explored the potential of these two Duttons?
Kayce and Monica: The Characters with Potential
In a show full of larger-than-life personalities like Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser), Kayce and Monica have always offered a more grounded, nuanced perspective. Their struggles with identity, loyalty, and family dynamics presented fertile ground for meaningful storytelling.
Kayce, the youngest Dutton son, has often served as the moral compass of the family. A former Navy SEAL haunted by his past, his internal conflict between his father’s expectations and his desire to forge his own path was a compelling arc in the early seasons. Meanwhile, Monica’s ties to her Native American heritage and her attempts to balance her cultural identity with her life on the Dutton Ranch added layers of complexity.
Together, their relationship embodied a powerful narrative about love, loss, and reconciliation in the face of adversity. Unfortunately, the show has repeatedly underutilized these strengths.
Stuck in a Loop
One of the most glaring issues with Kayce and Monica’s storyline is its repetitiveness.
- Kayce’s Directionlessness: From running the Dutton Ranch to becoming Livestock Commissioner, Kayce’s career trajectory has been marked by indecision. While his aimlessness was initially a source of tension and character development, it has since grown stale. Five seasons in, viewers are still watching him grapple with the same questions about his purpose.
- Monica’s False Starts: Monica’s storylines have often felt underdeveloped. Her stint as a university professor, her role in assisting Chief Rainwater with local investigations, and her personal tragedies have all hinted at deeper arcs. Yet, these threads are rarely explored in full, leaving her character in a perpetual state of starting over.
- Rebuilding Without Resolution: The couple’s dynamic has been dominated by rebuilding—whether it’s their relationship, their family, or their home. While this theme can be compelling, it loses impact when no lasting resolution or growth occurs.
Missed Opportunities for Growth
The show has introduced compelling storylines for Kayce and Monica, only to abandon them before they reach fruition.
- Cultural Exploration: Monica’s connection to her Native American roots has been a recurring theme, but it’s often sidelined in favor of other narratives. More focus on her heritage and how it influences her decisions could have provided a richer, more authentic storyline.
- Family Dynamics: The couple’s relationship with John Dutton (Kevin Costner) has evolved over time, but there was room for deeper exploration of their interactions. For example, Kayce and Monica naming their second child after John hinted at a thawing of tensions, yet the emotional weight of this decision was never fully unpacked.
- Individual Agency: Both characters have struggled to assert their agency within the broader Dutton saga. Kayce, in particular, has often been portrayed as a pawn in his father’s schemes, while Monica has been relegated to a supporting role in her husband’s storyline.
A Late Resurgence?
With John Dutton’s death in Season 5 Part 2, the series seems poised to give Kayce a more prominent role. His investigation into his father’s assassination and his efforts to protect the family legacy could finally push his character toward meaningful development. However, with the series nearing its conclusion, this shift feels like it might be too little, too late.
Monica, meanwhile, continues to wrestle with her place within the Dutton family and her cultural identity. While these struggles are relatable, they deserve more focused attention to give her character the depth and resolution it deserves.
The Legacy of Kayce and Monica
Despite their uneven arcs, Kayce and Monica remain important figures in the Yellowstone universe. Their love story, marked by resilience in the face of tragedy, has resonated with many viewers. Still, their potential as dynamic, fully realized characters has largely gone untapped.
As Yellowstone draws to a close, fans can only hope the final episodes will give these characters the attention they deserve. Whether through meaningful resolutions or a spin-off that explores their lives beyond the ranch, there’s still a chance to honor the promise they’ve shown from the start.
Conclusion
Kayce and Monica Dutton have always represented the heart of Yellowstone’s more introspective storytelling. While their journey has been marred by repetition and missed opportunities, the seeds of compelling narratives are there. With the series finale approaching, now is the time to give these characters the closure and growth they’ve long deserved. If Yellowstone can rise to the occasion, Kayce and Monica’s story might just be remembered as one of its most enduring legacies.
