Ah, “Yellowstone” — a show that has kept us on the edge of our seats for years with its gritty portrayal of life on a Montana ranch, political drama, and jaw-dropping twists. However, the much-anticipated finale left a lot of viewers scratching their heads. We’re diving deep into why the finale of Yellowstone doesn’t make much sense and unpacking the many confusing moments.
Spoiler warning: This article will dive into key plot points, so if you haven’t watched the finale yet, proceed with caution!
What Went Wrong with the ‘Yellowstone’ Finale?
It’s safe to say that Yellowstone had a strong run up until its final moments. But the series finale didn’t exactly land as expected. With fans eagerly awaiting closure on the fate of the Dutton family, the finale left more questions than answers.
1. The Dutton Family’s Wild Decisions
One of the main issues with the finale revolves around the sudden, out-of-character decisions made by the Dutton family members. John Dutton (Kevin Costner), who spent seasons fiercely protecting his family’s land and legacy, suddenly takes a drastic turn that feels more like a forced plot twist than a natural evolution of his character.
Sure, John’s a complicated man, but the way he resolves the massive issues surrounding his ranch and family doesn’t make much sense in light of everything that’s happened before. It feels as though the writers tried to tie up loose ends too quickly and sacrificed character consistency in the process.
2. The Fate of Beth and Rip
Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) have been one of the most captivating relationships in the show, but the way their storyline played out in the finale left many fans dissatisfied. The couple, who went through so much heartache and struggle, had a resolution that didn’t quite fit with the drama of their journey.
While the romantic tension and tumultuous history between Beth and Rip gave us plenty to chew on, their finale moments felt rushed. The audience expected more clarity, especially regarding Beth’s personal growth and Rip’s role in her life. Instead, viewers were left with a sense of unresolved tension.
3. The Anti-Climactic End for Key Villains
Let’s talk about the villains. Yellowstone has had no shortage of memorable antagonists, from Market Equities to Thomas Rainwater. But in the finale, many of these characters were given anticlimactic exits that made little sense. Did anyone else feel like the showdown between the Duttons and their enemies could’ve been way more dramatic?
For example, Caroline Warner (Jacki Weaver), who had spent multiple seasons plotting to take down the Duttons, was dismissed far too easily. The finale promised so much in terms of dramatic payoffs, but instead, it gave us lackluster resolutions that didn’t deliver the explosive moments fans were hoping for.
Plot Holes and Glaring Inconsistencies
No finale is perfect, but Yellowstone’s last episode seemed to suffer from some noticeable plot holes. Let’s break down some of the biggest ones:
1. The Confusing Handling of Yellowstone Ranch
For a show that’s named after the ranch itself, it seems odd that the finale didn’t offer a clear resolution regarding the fate of Yellowstone Ranch. The ranch has been the central point of conflict throughout the series, but in the end, there’s no solid answer about what happens to it. Does it stay in the family? Is it sold? Given how much time the show spent showing the Duttons’ battle to hold onto the land, the lack of clarity here felt like a cop-out.
2. The Sudden Resolution of Massive Storylines
Another thing that left fans confused was how quickly some of the larger, overarching storylines were resolved. For example, Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes), who had been facing a personal crisis all season, seemed to reach an immediate, somewhat implausible conclusion to his journey. His entire arc built up to a big decision, but the final moments felt like the writers gave up on exploring his character any further.
Similarly, the issue of the Dutton family legacy seemed to be wrapped up hastily, almost as if the writers were trying to cram in too much in a short amount of time. This kind of pacing undermined the tension and emotional impact that could have been achieved with a more deliberate and thoughtful conclusion.
3. The Absence of Justice for the Duttons’ Enemies
Over the course of the series, viewers watched as the Duttons fought tooth and nail to defend their land and legacy from an array of enemies. Whether it was outside forces or family members turning on each other, fans wanted to see the enemies get their comeuppance. However, the finale offered little in terms of justice or punishment for the antagonists who made the Duttons’ lives hell.
The lack of real consequences for these characters, especially the ones who had been the most destructive, left a lot of viewers feeling unfulfilled. Was this a statement on the futility of vengeance, or just poor writing? Either way, the lack of a proper resolution to these rivalries felt like a missed opportunity.
What Fans Expected vs. What They Got
It’s not unusual for finales to fall short of expectations — after all, it’s difficult to satisfy everyone. However, Yellowstone seemed to miss the mark by a long shot. Here’s what fans were hoping for versus what they received:
1. Closure for the Dutton Family
After years of turmoil, fans wanted a definitive answer on the future of the Dutton family. Will they continue to control Yellowstone Ranch, or will they lose it to corporate greed? Will they remain intact as a family? The finale left too much up in the air, making it unclear what’s next for John, Beth, Kayce, and the rest of the Duttons. Instead of giving fans the closure they craved, the finale felt more like a cliffhanger, even though it was supposed to wrap up the story.
2. A Satisfying End for Key Characters
Beth and Rip’s storyline was one of the most captivating in the series. Fans expected an emotional payoff for their struggles. Instead, the finale gave them an unsatisfying resolution that didn’t do justice to their complex relationship. Rip’s role in the Dutton family seemed to fall flat, and Beth’s journey seemed incomplete.
3. An Action-Packed Final Battle
Given the tension throughout the series, fans were expecting a thrilling final showdown, particularly between the Duttons and their many enemies. Instead, the finale gave us a lackluster, anticlimactic conclusion to the many threats facing the family. Some major villains were dealt with off-screen or in a rushed manner, leaving the viewers unsatisfied with the lack of drama.
Conclusion: Was the ‘Yellowstone’ Finale a Letdown?
In many ways, the Yellowstone finale failed to deliver the level of closure and satisfaction fans were hoping for. From underwhelming character arcs to unresolved plotlines, the finale left viewers with more questions than answers. While the show’s earlier seasons were filled with twists, turns, and emotional highs, the finale seemed to fall flat in terms of both storytelling and character development.
Ultimately, it feels as though the show tried to wrap up too much in a short amount of time, sacrificing logical plot progression for a rushed conclusion. While Yellowstone still remains a beloved series for many, the finale has left a bad taste in the mouths of some loyal fans.
FAQ
Q: Was the finale of Yellowstone supposed to be the last episode ever?
A: As of now, the finale is being seen as the end of this particular chapter of Yellowstone. However, there are spinoff shows in the works, and a potential continuation of the Dutton family saga, so we may not have seen the last of the characters just yet.
Thanks for reading! If you have thoughts on the finale or theories about what could happen next, drop a comment below. What did you think of the ending? Let’s discuss!
