Yellowstone fans have been buzzing ever since the return of Season 5, Part 2, and not just because of the unexpected twists surrounding John Dutton (Kevin Costner). With John’s shocking exit and his complex relationship with activist leader Summer Higgins (Piper Perabo), the series is sparking new debates. Some fans are questioning the ethics behind John’s actions, particularly when it comes to his controversial involvement with Summer. Many have labeled it “creepy” and even compared it to kidnapping. But what’s really going on here? Let’s dive into the twists and turns of this new Yellowstone storyline, the fans’ reactions, and what might come next after John Dutton’s shocking exit.
The Shocking Exit of John Dutton: A Sudden Plot Twist
Before we address the drama surrounding John and Summer, we need to understand what happened to John Dutton. In an unexpected move in the first episode of Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2, the Dutton patriarch’s departure took center stage. After Kevin Costner’s public exit from the show, the writers had a tough task on their hands to wrap up John Dutton’s storyline.
Instead of a traditional farewell, John’s death is revealed to be the result of an assassination orchestrated by none other than Jamie Dutton’s (Wes Bentley) girlfriend, Sarah (Dawn Olivieri). The twist was a shock to many fans, with some even speculating if the character’s death would mark the end of the Dutton family’s reign in Montana. While the death itself was jaw-dropping, it left lingering questions about how John’s absence would affect the rest of the characters, particularly Summer Higgins.
The Summer Higgins and John Dutton Connection
Summer Higgins’ storyline had already raised eyebrows before the season’s return. A passionate environmental activist, Summer clashed with John on several occasions, but the tension between the two seemed to lead to an unexpected shift. After her arrest during a protest in Season 5, Part 1, Summer was noticeably absent from the premiere of Part 2. But in a surprising plot development, John, now the Governor of Montana, granted Summer clemency.
Instead of heading to prison, Summer was placed under house arrest — at the Dutton Ranch. This arrangement created a perfect storm of drama, especially since it allowed Summer to continue working closely with John in an official capacity. As his environmental advisor, she became a somewhat surprising yet crucial character within John’s political maneuvering. However, her proximity to the Dutton family has raised some serious ethical questions about John’s motivations.
Fans Question John’s Actions: Creepy or Necessary?
The relationship between John and Summer, especially as it evolves in Season 5, Part 2, has sparked a lot of debate among Yellowstone fans. Some feel John’s decision to keep Summer under house arrest is more sinister than it seems. In fact, many fans on social media have been quick to call it out as “creepy” and even liken it to a form of captivity.
A popular Reddit post by user @rexeditrex summed up the concerns: “Just to be clear… So John basically held Summer hostage for months and she was too stupid to realize it? Isn’t that kidnapping? Kind of creepy to think that the Governor had a woman detained in his home for sex!” This comment caught the attention of many fans who voiced similar sentiments, calling it disturbing that John had Summer confined in his home under the guise of offering help.
Hostage or House Arrest?
One major point of contention is whether John’s actions can truly be classified as “kidnapping” or if it’s more of a grey area. A commenter on Reddit tried to clarify: “Not sure if hostage is the correct word since no one was being asked to pay her ransom. More like his prisoner.” This sparked further discussion about whether John was merely taking advantage of his power or if there were more complicated motivations at play.
Critics of the storyline argue that it doesn’t seem like something John Dutton would do, given his character’s past. Many feel that this new plot twist doesn’t align with the core values of the Dutton family. After all, John has always been portrayed as a hard-nosed but morally driven figure who protected his land and his people at all costs.
However, as the governor, it seems John is facing new pressures and temptations. The dynamics of his political power might have influenced his decision-making in ways that feel out of character for him.
Fans Blast the Writing: Is This Lazy Storytelling?
While the backlash has been mostly centered on John’s treatment of Summer, there’s also criticism of the Yellowstone writers. Some fans believe that the way the show handled this plotline — particularly after Kevin Costner’s departure — is a sign of “lazy” writing.
One fan remarked: “I think it’s just lazy, reverse-engineered writing to put a bow on a dead-end story arc because of KC’s unexpected exit from the show. They surely could have come up with something better. Hell, not addressing it at all would have been better.” Others feel that the writers didn’t do justice to Summer’s character, who had previously been portrayed as intelligent and resourceful. The sudden shift in her role — from a fierce activist to a captive house guest — left many viewers feeling frustrated.
As one viewer pointed out: “A not-stupid person, when given some sort of clemency/released from prison, would look at the paperwork she was handed upon release.” This is another significant point. If Summer were really as sharp as the show had initially depicted her, it doesn’t make sense that she would fall so easily into John’s plans without questioning the conditions.
Is Summer Still Relevant After John Dutton’s Death?
With John’s untimely exit, fans are wondering how Summer will continue to be relevant in the Yellowstone universe. After all, she was originally introduced as an antagonist to John’s views on environmental issues. Now, she’s positioned as his ally and advisor. With John gone, how will the show write her character’s future?
Some speculate that Summer might take on a more prominent role in the political landscape of Montana, potentially running for office herself. Others believe she may become embroiled in a power struggle with Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) or Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley), especially given Jamie’s plans to impeach John as governor. Either way, Summer’s storyline remains uncertain, and it’s clear that her future could be a point of interest in upcoming seasons.
The Debate: What Does This Mean for Yellowstone?
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding John Dutton’s relationship with Summer is more than just about one character’s questionable actions. It reflects a larger trend in Yellowstone — the tension between power, morality, and the shifting dynamics of the Dutton family. Fans are concerned about how the show will evolve now that key characters like John have been written out. Will the Dutton family hold onto their legacy, or will they fracture under the weight of their actions?
With Season 5, Part 2 already setting the stage for dramatic changes, the future of Yellowstone is in a precarious position. As the Duttons navigate political struggles, personal betrayals, and shifting alliances, viewers will be watching closely to see whether the series can recapture its earlier brilliance or if it will continue to falter with questionable plotlines.
Conclusion
The twist involving John Dutton and Summer Higgins has certainly divided Yellowstone fans. While some see it as a natural progression of John’s character, others find it uncomfortable and out of place. As the show moves forward without its patriarch, the key question remains: can Yellowstone recover from this plotline and remain a compelling story about power, family, and legacy? Only time will tell, but for now, fans will continue to discuss, debate, and dissect every twist and turn.
