Yellowstone fans have long been captivated by the Dutton family saga, with its gripping drama, heart-stopping moments, and complex characters. However, as Season 5 reaches its end, many are feeling a sense of disappointment and frustration with how the show has evolved. One of the key reasons for this dissatisfaction? Taylor Sheridan’s own character, Travis Wheatley, who has inexplicably taken center stage and disrupted the essence of what made Yellowstone great in the first place. Let’s break down how Sheridan’s decision to boost his own character in the final episodes has undermined the show.
Travis Wheatley’s Inexplicable Rise to Prominence
Travis Wheatley was never meant to be a leading character in Yellowstone. Initially introduced as a minor, inconsequential figure with limited screen time, Wheatley was just another cowboy in the expansive universe of Dutton Ranch. However, in the final stretch of Season 5, the character has taken on a much larger role, seemingly out of nowhere.
In the latest episodes, Sheridan has turned Wheatley into an essential part of the Duttons’ operation, positioning him as their savior. His expertise in horse-riding and selling high-priced stallions has supposedly kept the Dutton family financially afloat in a time of crisis. But here’s the thing—this transformation feels unearned and jarring. Wheatley, who was once a secondary character, is now depicted as a larger-than-life hero who commands respect from everyone around him, including the Duttons themselves.
What makes this particularly problematic is the bizarre nature of his rise. Wheatley doesn’t just take over the ranch’s financial needs—he’s portrayed almost like a mafia don. His presence is unnecessary in the context of the story, and his newfound prominence is disrupting the show’s flow. Fans have long appreciated Yellowstone for its deep exploration of the Dutton family dynamic and their conflicts. So, when an almost random cowboy gets this much attention in the show’s final moments, it feels like a distraction from what really matters.
Taylor Sheridan: From Creator to Star of the Show
One of the most frustrating aspects of Wheatley’s new role is the blatant self-promotion Sheridan has indulged in. As the creator of Yellowstone, Sheridan has always been able to shape the narrative of the show. However, in Season 5, it seems as though he is using his position behind the scenes to elevate his own character to a status that feels forced and unnecessary. And to make matters worse, this self-aggrandizing portrayal of Travis Wheatley is distracting from the deeper storylines that fans were eagerly anticipating.
In the episode titled “Give the World Away,” Sheridan takes center stage, and not just as a behind-the-scenes creator. This marks his second shirtless appearance on the show, following his role in Lioness. It’s clear that these scenes are not about advancing the plot, but about giving Sheridan the chance to flaunt his physique. The character of Wheatley is now a sexy cowboy, with all of his exploits involving his skills with horses and women. There’s even a strip poker scene with supermodels and a cameo from Bella Hadid.
When Beth Dutton (played by Kelly Reilly) asks Hadid’s character what she sees in Wheatley, the answer is simple: “He knows how to ride.” This line, in the context of the episode, feels like Sheridan is boosting his own ego while adding nothing to the overall plot. We see Wheatley performing extravagant horse-riding tricks, which seem more like circus acts than something that fits within the rugged, grounded world of Yellowstone. For long-time viewers who’ve come to love the show’s raw and gritty narrative, these indulgent scenes are off-putting and out of place.
Sheridan’s Ego: A Distraction from the Core Storylines
What’s perhaps the most frustrating part of this new focus on Wheatley is that it takes the spotlight away from the Duttons and their conflicts, which have always been the driving force of the series. Instead of focusing on key storylines such as the identity of Sarah Atwood’s killer or the power struggles within the Dutton family, Yellowstone Season 5 is increasingly about Taylor Sheridan and his character’s larger-than-life persona.
For instance, the Dutton family’s struggles with the Market Equities corporation are barely even mentioned anymore. The murder of Sarah Atwood—one of the major mysteries of the season—is left unresolved, and the corporate machinations of Market Equities are all but forgotten. All of this is happening while Wheatley steals the show, riding horses and being showered with praise from everyone around him. What was once a thrilling, high-stakes story about the Dutton family’s battle for survival now feels like a bizarre circus act.
The Yellowstone universe has always been about high-stakes storytelling—the tension between family members, the struggles to protect their land, and the dangers they face from outside forces. But now, Season 5 has shifted its focus to a character who was never meant to be the center of the story. It’s almost as if Sheridan, in his bid for more screen time, has forgotten what made the show so successful in the first place.
The “Travis Wheatley” Problem: Why It’s Ruining Yellowstone
Let’s break down the issues that come with Sheridan’s overemphasis on Wheatley:
- Unearned Prominence
Wheatley’s rise to fame in the Dutton universe feels forced and unnatural. Fans never asked for him to become a central character, and now that he is, it just doesn’t sit right with the story’s established tone. - Self-Promotion Gone Too Far
Sheridan’s increased on-screen presence seems less about character development and more about showcasing himself. While it’s not uncommon for creators to make cameo appearances in their own shows, Sheridan’s portrayal of Wheatley crosses a line into self-indulgence. - Distracting from the Core Storylines
With Wheatley taking center stage, major plot points that fans were invested in—like the mystery of Sarah Atwood’s death and the fate of Market Equities—have been sidelined. Instead, we get more ridiculous stunts with Wheatley that don’t push the story forward. - Silly and Contrived Scenes
Strip poker with supermodels, exaggerated horse-riding performances, and other absurd moments with Wheatley feel like they belong in a different show altogether. They detract from the gritty realism that made Yellowstone so beloved.
Can Yellowstone Be Saved?
As we approach the end of Yellowstone Season 5, fans are left wondering if the show can recover from the damage done by Sheridan’s self-promotion and Wheatley’s excessive screen time. While there is still hope that the final episodes will deliver a satisfying conclusion to the Dutton family saga, there’s no denying that Season 5 has faltered in its final stretch. The unnecessary focus on Travis Wheatley has distracted from the elements that made Yellowstone such a compelling watch in the first place.
The question now is: can Yellowstone go back to its roots and bring the focus back to the Dutton family? Or will the final episodes continue to be a spectacle of Taylor Sheridan’s cowboy fantasies?
Conclusion: Wheatley’s Disastrous Impact on Yellowstone Season 5
In conclusion, Yellowstone Season 5 has veered off course due to the excessive focus on Taylor Sheridan’s character, Travis Wheatley. What was once a gritty, intense drama about the Dutton family’s struggles has now become a platform for Sheridan’s self-indulgence. Wheatley’s unearned prominence and self-aggrandizing scenes have overshadowed the key storylines and left many fans wondering if the show can recover in its final episodes.
While it’s not too late for Yellowstone to course-correct, it’s clear that Sheridan’s decision to make his character the center of attention has significantly impacted the show’s quality. Let’s hope that the final episodes manage to give the Duttons the send-off they deserve—without any more shirtless cowboy performances.
