The Yellowstone series has been one of the most talked-about shows in recent years. From its high-stakes drama to its portrayal of family power struggles, the show has garnered a massive following. But with the much-anticipated Season 5 finale, it seems that even Yellowstone fans aren’t immune to disappointment. Critics have come out in full force, accusing the writers of crafting an “idiotic” storyline that “makes no sense.” So, what exactly went wrong in the Season 5 finale? Let’s break it down and see why fans are feeling so let down.
The Hype Leading Up to Season 5
Before diving into the criticisms, let’s take a moment to reflect on what made Yellowstone Season 5 so highly anticipated. After all, this was supposed to be the season that tied up multiple ongoing storylines and answered lingering questions that fans had been waiting years to have resolved. Fans were expecting epic confrontations, dramatic twists, and more of the powerful Dutton family dynamics that made the show a phenomenon in the first place.
Why Did Fans Expect So Much?
Season 4 ended with a bang, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. With new characters coming into play and the Dutton family’s empire at risk, the stakes were high for Season 5. Fans were hopeful that the final season would provide a satisfying conclusion to all the build-up.
But, as it turns out, Yellowstone‘s Season 5 finale didn’t meet the sky-high expectations. In fact, it seemed to do the opposite: it left fans frustrated, confused, and questioning the very foundation of the series.
The Major Criticisms: What Went Wrong?
1. Unresolved Plotlines and Inconsistent Storylines
One of the most common criticisms of the Season 5 finale was the sheer number of unresolved plotlines. Fans who had invested so much time and energy into the show felt let down when the finale failed to tie up the loose ends in a meaningful way. Major story arcs that had been building up throughout the season were either glossed over or left entirely unexplained.
What Were Some of These Unresolved Plotlines?
- The Fate of Certain Characters: Key characters who had played pivotal roles throughout the series seemed to disappear without explanation. Viewers were left wondering if these characters had simply been written out without notice or if their storylines were going to be addressed in future spin-offs.
- The Dutton Family Legacy: John Dutton’s quest to protect the Yellowstone Ranch has been the driving force of the show. Yet, in the finale, it felt like this theme was suddenly thrown aside, leaving fans to question whether the Dutton legacy would be left to wither.
Why Was This So Disappointing?
Fans had come to expect a thoughtful, well-executed resolution. After all, Yellowstone had built its reputation on meticulously crafting complex storylines and character arcs. To see so many unresolved threads left dangling was a huge letdown for viewers who had faithfully followed every episode.
2. The “Idiotic” Plot Twists That Made No Sense
As if unresolved storylines weren’t enough, the finale introduced a few plot twists that had fans scratching their heads in disbelief. Some viewers went so far as to call these twists “idiotic” and “nonsensical.”
What Were These Twists?
- Sudden Character Decisions: One of the most baffling moments in the finale was when a main character made a decision that seemed completely out of character. Fans were confused by the sudden shift in motivation, as it contradicted everything that had been established about the character’s personality and previous actions.
- The Mysterious New Threat: Another plot point that left fans upset was the introduction of a new antagonist. While Yellowstone is no stranger to introducing enemies and rival forces, this new character seemed to appear out of nowhere with little explanation or build-up, leaving fans feeling like they were being hit with a random curveball.
Why Did Fans Call It “Idiotic”?
Fans were quick to criticize the writers for what they saw as lazy storytelling. Yellowstone had always been known for its gritty realism and slow-burn character development, so seeing a sudden, out-of-nowhere twist felt jarring. It felt like the writers had taken shortcuts in order to wrap things up quickly without doing justice to the characters or the overall plot.
3. The Pacing and Tone of the Finale
Another issue that fans had with the Season 5 finale was the pacing and tone of the episode. Some felt like the finale dragged on, with too many unnecessary filler moments and slow scenes that ultimately didn’t add much to the story. Others felt that the tone of the episode was all over the place, jumping from intense drama to awkward, unnecessary moments that didn’t align with the rest of the series.
What Was Off About the Pacing?
- Unnecessary Side Plots: Instead of focusing on the core Dutton family dynamics, the finale seemed to take a detour, introducing side plots that were either irrelevant or poorly executed. These moments took away from the tension and urgency that the finale should have had.
- Shifting Tones: One minute, the episode was trying to be emotional and reflective, and the next, it felt like it was veering into over-the-top melodrama. This tonal inconsistency left fans feeling disconnected from the narrative.
Why Does This Matter?
For a show like Yellowstone, which thrives on its high-stakes drama and razor-sharp writing, pacing and tone are critical. When the finale doesn’t match the intensity of previous seasons, it makes the whole story feel disjointed and unsatisfying.
Why Do Fans Feel Betrayed?
With all these critiques in mind, it’s no wonder that fans are feeling betrayed by the Yellowstone Season 5 finale. The show has set such high expectations over the years that it became almost impossible for the writers to meet every fan’s hopes. However, there’s a deeper reason why the finale left a bad taste in so many fans’ mouths.
The Emotional Investment
Over the years, Yellowstone has created an emotionally charged environment. Viewers have watched the Dutton family struggle, love, fight, and endure together. The finale was supposed to be the culmination of that emotional journey. When fans feel like the writers didn’t give the show’s emotional stakes the attention they deserved, it leads to a sense of betrayal. People invested time, energy, and emotions into these characters, and they wanted a finale that felt earned.
The Show’s Legacy
At its best, Yellowstone was a show about power, family, and survival. The finale was supposed to build on those themes and bring the story to a satisfying conclusion. Instead, it left many fans questioning whether the show had lost its way or if the writers had simply run out of ideas.
Conclusion: Will Yellowstone Ever Recover?
Despite the criticism, Yellowstone remains one of the most popular shows on television. The question is: can the franchise recover from this underwhelming finale? Fans have already speculated about the upcoming spinoffs, and while some may still hold out hope that the story will continue in a satisfying way, others fear that the series has jumped the shark.
It’s clear that the writers have some serious work to do if they want to regain the trust of their audience. Whether they choose to address the unresolved storylines, dial back on nonsensical twists, or simply offer a more consistent tone, there’s a lot of room for improvement.
For now, though, Yellowstone fans are left grappling with the aftermath of a finale that felt like a missed opportunity. The story may not be over, but it’s certainly left many wondering what comes next for the Duttons.
