“How 'Yellowstone' Devalues ​​Kevin Costner's Character”

🚨🚨🚨Warning: This story contains major spoilers for the premiere episode of Season 5, Part 2 of “Yellowstone.”

After a break of almost two years, the captivating western series is released by Paramount+. “Yellowstone” finally returns to give its dramatic conclusion.

The popular Paramount+ show has captivated audiences since 2018 with the ups and downs of the Dutton family, owners of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch in Montana – the largest ranch in the United States.

Six years later, the final episodes of “Yellowstone” are set to air, but without the series’ most popular land tycoon, John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner. His last appearance on the show was in the first part of the fifth season, released in 2022.

After reports surfaced of scheduling issues and drama between Costner and “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan, Costner confirmed in an Instagram video in June that he would not be returning to the show.

So what happens to his John Dutton character and will Costner appear in Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2?

Read on to find out what happens in the first episode of Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 and how the show devalues ​​Costner's character as John Dutton.

What happens in the first episode of “Yellowstone” Season 5, Part 2?

In the first episode, viewers find themselves in the middle of major drama as rescue workers and police tape surround John Dutton's mansion. As Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) runs towards the house with Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) not far behind her, it quickly becomes clear that something is wrong with her father.

As the siblings enter the house, viewers discover that Governor Dutton has supposedly died by suicide. Beth immediately accuses Jamie (Wes Bentley) of killing her father. While this opening is an unsettling start to the second half of season five, the episode quickly transitions into another scene.

Viewers will now be transported back six weeks to Dutton's death as they follow Beth, Kayce and their families in the days leading up to the tragedy. During the episode, time jumps back and forth between what led to John Dutton's death and the aftermath.

In an interview with TODAY.com, Wendy Moniz, who plays Gov. Lynelle Perry, says she believes the series executed John Dutton's storyline “wonderfully.”

“What I know about the narrative – because it’s been edited and we only know certain parts – is brilliant because Taylor’s [Sheridan] Writing is that,” she said.

She added: “The story he had from the beginning is the story he wanted to tell.”

Is Kevin Costner involved in Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2?

Although his character is a central figure in the episode, we never actually see Costner. When Beth and Kayce enter the gruesome scene in which John Dutton presumably shot himself, all the audience sees is a limp hand and a pool of blood.

How do they write off Kevin Costner's character in Yellowstone?

As the first episode unfolds, viewers quickly learn that John Dutton's death was not a suicide. Rather, it was a contract murder plan by Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri), who was in cahoots with Jamie Dutton. Sarah, a lawyer who was an issue for John in previous episodes, says that she and Jamie agreed to the plan, but Jamie says he wasn't on board.

While John Dutton's death is made clear in the first few minutes of the episode, viewers soon learn that his presence still burns in the minds of the Dutton family.

But will we see actor Kevin Costner in a final scene? That still needs to be clarified.

Is this really the end for 'Yellowstone'?

Paramount+ confirmed that this would be the Dutton family's final season – but fans and some of the show's stars believe there could be room for more.

When asked by TODAY.com if this is the final season for “Yellowstone,” Ian Bohen, who plays Ryan, a Dutton family ranch hand, teases that “it may not be the end.”

“I am satisfied and very happy with what we have done. They know stories can’t go on forever,” he says. “We're going to position it so that there's some sort of closure in some relationships and this and that. But not necessarily over.”

What are the “Yellowstone” spinoffs?

The expanding “Yellowstone” universe already has two popular spin-offs within the franchise and more are on the way. The various shows travel through time, chronicling the history of the same family over hundreds of years.

“1883” (2021-2022)

This prequel was star-studded, including country stars Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, as well as actor Sam Elliot. The show traveled back in time to document how the Dutton family first settled in Montana.

'1923' (2022–present)

Oscar winner Helen Mirren and legendary actor Harrison Ford led the cast of this prequel, which showcased the next generation of the Dutton family. Season 2 is currently in production.

“1944” (still open)

Another prequel series, this “1944” installment, has been greenlit for production. Further details, including a release date, are unknown.

“The Madison” (still open)

The series, formerly titled “2024,” will star Michelle Pfeiffer and tell the story of a New York family who moves to Montana. At this time, we don't know how the story will intertwine with the current characters of the Yellowstone universe.

'6666'

Another series in the “Yellowstone” universe is “6666,” pronounced “Four Sixes,” based on the real Four Sixes ranch in Texas that Sheridan now owns himself.

This spin-off follows the storylines on that ranch, but that series was put on hold in June. Sheridan told The Hollywood Reporter that it was a real ranch with real families and therefore required a “unique level of special care.”