Goodbye Costner: John Dutton's Death Might Be Yellowstone's Saving Grace
It was reported late last week that Yellowstone may soon sever ties with its lead actor, Kevin Costner.
The dispute with the network derives over how many days moving forward Costner is willing to commit to shooting the series. He's also working on his own new western, which is due later this year.
Of course, this news set off a frenzy of activity on social media, with most fans condoning Paramount for actually considering letting Costner walk.
For many Redditors, the decision to remove Costner from Yellowstone is fatal. It will also be the demise of the show.
However, according to at least one Redditor, saying goodbye to Kevin Costner may be precisely what Yellowstone needs to get back on the right track.
Yes, many fans are going to be devastated and absolutely heartbroken if Costner is no more.
Nevertheless, finding a way to "write" the character off the show may actually revive a TV series that has been mundane over the last season and a half.
"I don't really understand why this is being sold as [the] end of the world," the Redditor explained. They elaborated that John Dutton has survived a bleeding ulcer, gunshots, and cancer. Still, it's anticipated that at some point, the man – like all men – will perish. Why not right now?
After all, in terms of the story, the timing couldn't be more ideal. Season four has dragged, and most fans are getting bored with the Jamie and Beth drama.
Thus, immediately opening the second half of the season with John's unexpected death would send a shockwave.
Moreover, it would open up numerous doors and possibilities for future storylines: Is Beth as bad and tough without the backing of her rich and powerful father?
Does Kayce or Rip buckle without the guidance of John? Do any of the outside threats finally fulfill their own desires for the ranch? Who ends up with the Yellowstone property?
It's not the worst idea, after all. Audiences are desperate for something new and fresh on the show that hasn't been rehashed several times over.
As the poster alluded, "I never thought for a second that John would be alive by the time the show ends." True, at the onset of Yellowstone, who really believed John Dutton was destined to carry on this long?
It's been a good ride for Costner and company, surely now is the time to ride off into the sunset.
There are still many that are attempting to wrap their heads around the recent dispute between Costner and Paramount.
It may ultimately lead to the exodus of the Hollywood star, but that doesn't also have to represent the demise of the show. Matthew McConaughey is reportedly considering an offer to join the cast. There are other storylines and characters to pursue.
Thus, the death of John Dutton doesn't have to mean the end of the show. It can actually exist without him. "Now, that's something I'd actually really love to see," one Redditor summarized.