From Dutton Ranch to Cell Block: Yellowstone and Four Other Shows That Deserved a Gray Barred Finale
The allure of television often lies in its ability to transport us to morally ambiguous worlds. We revel in the anti-hero, the flawed protagonist, and the ethically flexible characters who navigate treacherous situations with a wink and a gun. But sometimes, the relentless pursuit of moral greyness stretches so far that the only fitting end for these shows, for the characters who revel in violence and corruption, is the cold, hard reality of a prison cell. While these shows may offer compelling narratives and complex characters, ultimately, their glorification of criminality demands a different ending, one where justice finally prevails.
First and foremost, the obvious contender, Yellowstone, practically screams for a prison ending. John Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family, has built his empire on violence, intimidation, and the outright bending, if not breaking, of the law. From ordering killings to bribing officials, he operates with an almost terrifying impunity, all under the guise of protecting his legacy. His children, Beth, Kayce, and even Jamie, are complicit in varying degrees, each participating in acts that would land the average citizen behind bars for life. Beth, a force of nature fueled by vengeance, regularly engages in corporate espionage, financial crimes, and outright blackmail. Kayce, the moral compass of the family, finds himself constantly drawn back into the Dutton's violent methods. And Jamie, the adopted son trapped in a cycle of manipulation, commits arguably the most egregious crime of all, silencing his biological father's secrets with murder. A satisfying ending wouldn't involve the Duttons somehow riding off into the sunset with their ranch intact. Instead, it would be a courtroom drama culminating in guilty verdicts, a glimpse of their lavish lifestyle replaced with the stark reality of prison uniforms and limited visitation rights. It's a conclusion that would acknowledge the weight of their actions and finally hold them accountable for the suffering they have caused.
Another show ripe for a prison ending is Sons of Anarchy. While the show initially explored the complexities of loyalty, brotherhood, and the struggles of a motorcycle club operating outside the law, it gradually devolved into a relentless cycle of violence and betrayal. Jax Teller's arc, from a conflicted leader trying to steer his club toward legitimacy to a ruthless enforcer consumed by vengeance, is a tragedy. But ultimately, his descent into criminality, and the crimes of the entire SAMCRO club – murder, drug trafficking, arms dealing – warrant a serious reckoning. The show, while offering moments of genuine emotional depth, ultimately romanticizes a life of lawlessness. A more impactful ending would have seen SAMCRO dismantled, its members brought to justice for their long list of transgressions, leaving viewers to grapple with the true cost of their choices.
Moving away from the contemporary, the historical drama Vikings also deserves a more punitive conclusion. While the show excels at depicting the brutal realities of Viking life, the characters, particularly Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons, engage in rampant pillaging, raiding, and conquering. While war itself is inherently violent, the show often minimizes the consequences of their actions, focusing instead on the glory of battle and the acquisition of wealth. A prison ending, perhaps with Ragnar facing his final punishment not in a snake pit, but in a dimly lit dungeon, would have served as a powerful commentary on the consequences of unchecked ambition and the cyclical nature of violence. It would have stripped away the romanticized image of the Viking warrior and forced viewers to confront the moral implications of their conquests.
Shifting gears, the dark comedy Barry also fits the bill. Barry Berkman, a hitman desperate to escape his violent past and pursue an acting career, is a deeply flawed character. While the show explores his attempts at redemption, Barry's crimes continue to haunt him and those around him. He can't simply erase the murders he's committed, and the show's attempt to balance the dark comedy with the serious consequences of violence often feels jarring. A prison ending, where Barry finally confronts the true extent of his guilt and faces the consequences of his actions, would have been a more honest and satisfying conclusion than the ultimately ambiguous ending the show delivered. It would have forced Barry to confront the fact that he can't outrun his past, and that justice, however delayed, will eventually catch up with him.
Finally, even a show as beloved as Ozark could have benefited from a prison ending. Marty and Wendy Byrde, in their desperate attempt to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel, consistently escalate their involvement in increasingly dangerous and morally reprehensible activities. They manipulate, deceive, and even contribute to the deaths of others, all in the name of survival and the illusion of control. While the show explores the corrosive effects of power and the compromises people make to protect their families, it often sidesteps the true consequences of their actions. A prison ending, where the Byrdes' intricate web of lies unravels and they are finally held accountable for their crimes, would have been a far more impactful and thought-provoking conclusion than the open-ended finale the show provided. It would have sent a clear message that even the most intelligent and resourceful criminals cannot ultimately escape the long arm of the law.
In conclusion, while these shows offer compelling narratives and complex characters, their constant blurring of moral lines ultimately warrants a more realistic and sobering conclusion. A prison ending, where the protagonists face the consequences of their actions and are held accountable for their crimes, would not only provide a sense of closure but also serve as a powerful reminder that even in the fictional world of television, justice, however delayed, should ultimately prevail. By trading the romanticized allure of the anti-hero for the stark reality of the prison cell, these shows could have delivered a more impactful and morally resonant message, leaving viewers to ponder the true cost of unchecked ambition, violence, and the relentless pursuit of power.
