‘Yellowstone’ Never Reached the Heights of Its Own Spin-Off

Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone has been dominating media and entertainment conversations since its release back on June 20, 2018. With engaging writing, impressive cinematography, and a stellar cast including Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, and Wes Bentley, it is no surprise that Yellowstone has been making an impact among critics and audiences alike. The show’s story follows family patriarch John Dutton as he takes dramatic and oftentimes brutal actions to keep his ranch out of the hands of those seeking to destroy it. Due to this need, the Dutton family is engaged in a constant struggle against outside forces and each other as they compete to maintain their power.

However, despite the show’s massive success, Yellowstone cannot claim the title of being the best installment in the Sheridan franchise. That award belongs to one of the series’ many spin-offs, the prequel series, 1883. 1883 made its debut on Paramount+ back on December 19, 2021, becoming an immediate hit with its already established audience. The series follows an earlier generation of the Duttons as they leave Tennessee after the Civil War. The family treks to Texas and then joins a wagon train heading west to Oregon before finally settling in Montana to establish what will become the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, the cornerstone of the original Yellowstone series.

The Strength of the Story in ‘1883’

Although Yellowstone finds some benefit with its large array of characters and the engaging cast members within those roles, many critics have been quick to note the detrimental effect that this has posed on the series’ overall story. 1883 does not suffer from this same problem. Given the need to tell its entire story within one season, 1883 makes the choice to follow fewer characters. This allows for a more in-depth plot that draws audiences in and gives focus to the one main conflict that the Dutton family is facing: their perilous journey across the West.

1883 has also received praise for its high stakes and brutally accurate depictions of the many dangers the Dutton family faced on their journey across the old American countryside. Death pulls no punches, and each episode forces its main cast of characters closer into its clutches. The intensity of the series keeps viewers hooked as it quickly races into its tragic finale. This precise pacing is something that Yellowstone often lacks as it meanders its narrative around its many characters and plots.

The Stunning Visuals of ‘1883’

Although Yellowstone has its fair share of beautiful Montana countryside, it still includes a lot of cityscapes and other modern architecture that some feel takes the series away from the traditional roots of the Western genre. However, 1883 is quite the opposite. Given the historical time period, the spin-off series is entirely rooted in the countryside, allowing the cinematic elements of the Western genre to really shine through.

Given the $175 million budget of 1883, the show’s production team was able to secure authentic Western frontier land for filming. The series takes viewers through multiple landscapes, including everything from daunting mountains to vast plains. In addition to the land itself, the wagons and towns also feel authentic, honoring the time period in which the events took place. All of 1883’s visuals are truly awe-inspiring, making the spin-off a fresh staple in the Western genre. This is a classification that Yellowstone sometimes struggles to achieve and maintain.

The Powerful Women of ‘1883’

Although Yellowstone undeniably has some strong female characters, namely Beth Dutton, 1883 creates a standard that is hard to compare. The series spends a lot of time with Elsa Dutton (Isabel May), who is impulsive yet brave and eager to make the dangerous trek west. Where Beth isolates audiences due to her cruel nature, Elsa draws them in with her charm and her ability to romanticize her journey.

Elsa is also joined by her mother, Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill), another one of the series’ many notable women. She is loving and supportive, fiercely siding with her husband and protecting her children from the various perils that they face. Both she and Elsa steal the show and audience’s hearts in a way that Yellowstone’s Beth oftentimes fails to do.

The Historical Accuracy of ‘1883’

The authentic Western feel of 1883 is largely due to its production design, costuming, and other related elements. However, the introduction of real-world historical figures of the time period into the narrative also lends the series its genuine feel. Each of these characters packs an additional punch, considering the Hollywood star power of the actors behind them.

1883 introduces General George Meade (Tom Hanks), Charles Goodnight (Taylor Sheridan), and Marshal Jim Courtright (Billy Bob Thornton) throughout the series. Meade defeated Robert E. Lee in the Battle of Gettysburg. Goodnight helped to establish a trail to Colorado after settling the Texas Panhandle. Courtright was a contentious gunman based in Fort Worth, Texas. These three characters are true figures of history, and the show honors and highlights that authenticity. This is a unique approach that Yellowstone never even considered taking. 1883 is available to stream on Paramount+, and Yellowstone is available to stream on Peacock.