Why Piper Perabo’s Character Arc on Yellowstone Was Unfair – Summer Deserved Better
Since its debut, Yellowstone has been a television powerhouse, captivating audiences with its intense drama, intricate character arcs, and deep-rooted family feuds. However, among the many compelling stories that have unfolded on Taylor Sheridan’s hit series, one character’s fate stands out as particularly disappointing—Summer Higgins, played by Piper Perabo. Despite being introduced with potential as a strong-willed activist, Summer’s character arc was ultimately underwhelming, and her ending felt more like an afterthought than a well-crafted resolution.
A Promising Start for Summer Higgins
When Summer Higgins was first introduced in Yellowstone Season 4, she immediately stood out. A passionate environmental activist and a vocal opponent of the Dutton family’s way of life, Summer was a refreshing addition to the series. She challenged the status quo and provided a different perspective, making for compelling television. Her ideological clashes with John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) created some of the most engaging moments of the season.
Beyond her political and environmental stance, Summer was also given an intriguing personal arc. Her unexpected romance with John Dutton hinted at the potential for deeper character development. Given the show’s track record of fleshing out complex characters, there was hope that Summer’s role would evolve into something more substantial. Unfortunately, what followed was a mishandling of her storyline that left many fans disappointed.
A One-Dimensional Conflict with the Duttons
At first, Summer’s presence in the Duttons’ lives added a much-needed contrast to their often ruthless and unchallenged ways. However, rather than evolving into a nuanced and formidable adversary, her character was reduced to a simple foil. Her ideological debates with John were promising, but they ultimately failed to have any real impact on the overarching narrative.
Instead of making her a powerful force capable of pushing John to question his own beliefs, Yellowstone often used Summer as a narrative device rather than a fully realized character. Her relationship with John, which could have been a fascinating exploration of opposites attracting, felt rushed and unconvincing. Additionally, her constant clashes with Beth, while entertaining, lacked depth and merely reinforced Beth’s dominance rather than allowing Summer to stand her ground.
Legal Troubles and an Underwhelming Resolution
One of the biggest missteps in Summer’s storyline was her legal troubles. After being arrested for protesting against the industrial impact on Montana’s environment, she faced significant jail time. While John intervened and used his influence to reduce her sentence, this arc did little to serve her character beyond showing John’s power over the system.
Summer’s time in prison was largely glossed over, and when she returned, it was as if she had been completely defanged. Instead of maintaining her strong convictions and continuing her activism, she became a passive character, spending more time at the Yellowstone ranch in an awkward dynamic rather than reclaiming her purpose.
Her transformation from a passionate activist to a sidelined romantic interest felt unnatural. The show seemed unsure of what to do with her—neither fully committing to her relationship with John nor allowing her to remain a true opposition figure. By the time her storyline fizzled out, she felt like a wasted character who had been stripped of her original essence.
Missed Opportunities for Character Development
What makes Summer’s underwhelming arc particularly frustrating is the wealth of opportunities Yellowstone had to make her a standout character. Her presence could have been used to explore larger themes about conservation, corporate greed, and the ethical dilemmas of ranching in modern America. Instead of merely being a temporary disruption, Summer could have served as a recurring figure who continued to challenge John’s legacy and the Dutton family’s practices.
Furthermore, her relationship with John could have been handled with more depth. Instead of making her an almost reluctant love interest, Yellowstone could have depicted a genuine, slow-burn romance built on mutual respect and ideological differences. This would have made their dynamic more engaging and believable.
Likewise, Summer’s interactions with Beth could have been developed beyond the predictable conflicts. While Beth is known for her sharp tongue and ruthless demeanor, having an equally strong-willed adversary in Summer could have resulted in more meaningful, strategic battles rather than the one-sided clashes we saw on-screen.
A Disappointing Exit
Unlike other characters who have been given dramatic or satisfying conclusions, Summer’s story seemingly just faded into the background. Rather than having a clear ending or a well-earned departure, she simply became irrelevant to the central storyline. Considering the time spent developing her character initially, this felt like a narrative misstep.
This pattern of introducing characters with potential only to let them fizzle out is something Yellowstone has been guilty of before, but it was particularly glaring with Summer. While some side characters come and go without much impact, Summer was positioned as someone who could have had long-term consequences for the Duttons. Instead, she left little lasting impression beyond being a fleeting complication in John’s life.
Final Thoughts: Summer Higgins Deserved More
Piper Perabo’s portrayal of Summer Higgins was commendable, but the material she was given did not do justice to her talents. Her character was introduced with so much promise, only to be underutilized and ultimately sidelined. Whether this was due to shifting story priorities, behind-the-scenes decisions, or simply a lack of direction, the result was the same—Summer became one of Yellowstone’s biggest wasted opportunities.
With Yellowstone heading toward its final episodes, it’s unlikely that Summer will receive the redemption arc she deserves. However, her character’s handling serves as a reminder that even in a show filled with complex figures, some characters are not given the development they warrant. In the end, Summer Higgins could have been so much more, but instead, she was reduced to just another supporting character lost in Yellowstone’s sprawling narrative.
