smh.com.au
Yellowstone Concludes: Costner's Exit and the Fate of the Dutton Ranch
Yellowstone, a Paramount+ series starring Kevin Costner, concludes its fifth season amidst a plot involving the Duttons' fight to retain their Montana ranch, complicated by Costner's departure and underlying themes of Native American land rights and Manifest Destiny.
- What is the significance of Kevin Costner's departure from Yellowstone and its potential impact on the show's narrative and overall message?
- Yellowstone, a modern-day western drama, concludes its fifth season after spawning successful prequels (1883, 1923) and a forthcoming sequel, The Madison. Kevin Costner's departure mid-season leaves a significant gap, impacting the show's momentum. The series explores the complex relationship between the Dutton family and Native Americans, highlighting land ownership and the legacy of Manifest Destiny.
- Considering the prophecies in the prequel 1883, what potential conclusions await the Dutton family and their ranch, and what societal implications does this hold?
- Yellowstone's ending, reportedly planned from the outset, may see the Duttons losing their land, fulfilling a prophecy from the 1883 prequel about Native American reclamation. Costner's exit adds another layer of complexity, potentially signifying the passing of an era and the shifting power dynamics within the show's narrative. This conclusion could be viewed as a commentary on historical cycles and the inevitability of change.
- How does Yellowstone utilize the conflict between the Dutton family and Native Americans to explore themes of land ownership, cultural identity, and historical injustices?
- The show's central conflict revolves around the Dutton family's struggle to maintain control of their Montana ranch amidst external pressures from developers and internal conflicts. This mirrors broader societal anxieties about land rights, cultural preservation, and the enduring impact of historical injustices. The series' strength lies in its exploration of these themes, though its later seasons have been criticized for straying from this focus.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review frames the narrative around the central question of whether Yellowstone has sustained its early promise, which sets the stage for evaluating subsequent plot points and character arcs against the initial seasons. This framing guides the reader to assess whether the series maintains its initial momentum rather than assessing it independently on its own merits. The use of terms like "slog" and "putdown pundits" to describe later seasons implicitly suggests a negative trajectory.
Language Bias
The review uses loaded language such as "fumbled play," "slog," and "putdown pundits," which carry negative connotations and influence the reader's perception of certain plot points and the show itself. These terms could be replaced with more neutral alternatives like "narrative shifts," "later seasons," and "critical assessments," respectively. The phrasing "feasting on the carcass" is also emotionally charged.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the Yellowstone series and its various spin-offs, but omits discussion of the show's reception among its target audience. Missing is an analysis of viewer demographics and how the show's themes resonated (or failed to resonate) with different segments of the population. This omission limits the scope of the analysis and prevents a complete picture of the show's impact.
False Dichotomy
The review presents a false dichotomy by implying that the show's success hinges solely on Kevin Costner's presence. While his departure may have impacted the show, the review neglects other factors that could influence its continued success or decline. It simplifies the show's narrative arc to a binary choice between maintaining early success and succumbing to decline, ignoring the complexity of a long-running series evolving over time.
Gender Bias
The analysis doesn't exhibit overt gender bias. The review mentions several female characters, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Kathryn Kelly, and Kelsey Asbille, and discusses their roles in the narrative without explicit gendered stereotypes. However, a more comprehensive analysis could explore the representation of women within the show's power dynamics, particularly considering the patriarchal themes that underpin Yellowstone's narrative.