Yellowstone Missed Out on a Perfect Window to End on a High Note
TV shows, like athletes, never know when to call it quits.
Michael Jordan damaged his reputation attempting a return in his forties, and Tom Brady lost his wife, preferring football or family. Thankfully, the consequences for TV shows are generally not as severe, yet that doesn't prevent the reputation from getting tarnished.
Yellowstone is a tremendous example.
There are arguments that Yellowstone missed its opportunity to end the series on a high note. The popular TV series began as a drama focused on ranching and family. However, with each passing season, Yellowstone has veered more off course. It's gotten to the point where the new-age western barely resembles its original identity, focusing instead on creating pointless rifts and soap opera-like drama.
What has occurred to make Yellowstone barely recognizable?
For starters, it doesn't help that Yellowstone mastermind Taylor Sheridan took John Dutton away from his beloved ranch and wedged him in the Governor's seat, a position John is uncomfortable with and clearly despises. Then, there are endless disputes between Jamie and Beth Dutton. The two siblings are always bickering, but nothing has really happened outside empty threats.
Yes, it's anticipated that something noteworthy will finally occur once Yellowstone resumes season five this summer, however, by then, will audiences still be interested? The TV show continues to garner strong viewership despite frequent complaints regarding the subject matter. Whatever Sheridan touches equals money, so it's no surprise that Paramount has bent over backward to accommodate Sheridan and stretch out a series longer than it deserves.
Yellowstone should have called it quits at the end of season four. John had secured the land by successfully running for governor. Kayce and Monica had appeared to find happiness, and before the tragic loss of their second child. Beth finally got married to Rip Wheeler, and everything else in Yellowstone seemed ripe for a conclusion.
Instead, Sheridan and company elected to milk the show for more than it's worth, contributing to a lackluster and highly disappointing fifth season.
Sadly, Yellowstone no longer has any redeemable characters worth rooting for or believing deserve a happy ending. Beth has never been more unpredictable or unbearable to watch on screen. John and Rip are heartless murderers willing to do whatever it takes to preserve the land. Then, there is the insufferable Jamie Dutton, who could save this trainwreck but opts to whine and wallow instead.
The show is not only headed in the wrong direction, but Sheridan seems to be aware of the fact. Hence, the recent rumors that Yellowstone may end after season five no longer seem ludicrous. It's been evident for some time that the show has run out of ideas, and Sheridan is more invested in the multiple spin-offs these days, anyhow.
Yellowstone already missed out on its opportunity to conclude on a high note in season four. Now, it's simply a slow death that no one is really excited about watching unfold.