Yellowstone Finale Recap: Free Land

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As a long-time fan of Yellowstone who has witnessed the highs and lows of this gripping series, I must say that the finale left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, I was touched by the melancholic disassembly of the ranch house and Rainwater’s emotional reaction, which resonated deeply with my own love for the land. On the other hand, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of loneliness and detachment in the happy endings for some characters, as if they had chosen solitude over connection.

A fitting description for the conclusion of the Yellowstone series might be that it’s disappointingly familiar rather than confusingly terrible. To begin with, there’s a touch of Taylor Sheridan’s personal satisfaction in the opening scene, as all characters gather together and share one final humorous anecdote from Travis. However, it lacks the mind-boggling complexity that last week’s Travis-centric episode presented. Truth be told, when watching what could be the last installment of a show, isn’t it essential to experience some emotion, wouldn’t you agree?

The narrative “Life Is a Promise” focuses more on resolving the fates of secondary and main characters earlier in the story, delaying the progression of Jamie’s plot until halfway through. Here’s how it breaks down for the cowboys: Teeter will work for Travis, Jake and Ethan will find employment in New Mexico, Lloyd will work in West Yellowstone, Walker will team up with Laramie on the rodeo circuit, and Ryan will wander aimlessly. (Later, we see him reuniting with Abby following a performance by Lainey Wilson, so it appears he’ll be traveling with her, similar to Walker.)

I find most of these character developments quite fitting, such as Lloyd’s deep attachment to the region that has been his entire life. While I’m not thrilled with Teeter being tied to a boss who might be a self-insert author character, there’s a certain ring of truth in her need for a fresh start, escaping from the joyful but agonizing memories of Colby. At least Jimmy has a pal in this journey. As for Abby, I don’t have strong feelings about her character, but it seems reasonable that Colby’s demise would prompt his closest friend to reevaluate his priorities, particularly when it comes to the ranch lifestyle and a potentially transformative relationship.

By the way, I wanted to mention the pipeline project Chief Rainwater and Mo occasionally talk about. Unfortunately, it appears that all the materials related to this project have now been deposited at the bottom of the reservation’s drinking water reservoir (which seems problematic for the water quality, doesn’t it?). To make matters worse, there were no cameras around to capture Mo and his associates in the act. Rainwater is aware that this won’t be overlooked, but he also appears rather confident that this can only benefit the tribe, as they will likely challenge the situation and continue the discussion among themselves. Alright!

In the closing act, the most significant triumph for Broken Rock Reservation is what many had anticipated earlier: Kayce will sell the ranch at a remarkably low price ($1.25 per acre, totaling $1.1 million), asking only that he and his family can continue residing in their humble East Camp dwelling, with Rainwater pledging never to sell or exploit the land. Despite his earlier interest in collaborating with Market Equities, Rainwater emphatically declares his opposition to any development on the Yellowstone, upholding the land’s sanctity as something he holds dear. This series has always left viewers debating whether Rainwater is a hero, villain, or antihero, but in this instance, he makes the morally correct decision.

From a fantastical perspective, considering Kayce’s tax evasion scenario in a positive light, this conclusion seems fitting for both him and the ranch. The long-standing family vs. ranch struggle within him finds its resolution, symbolized by one final image of the friendly wolf excavating a den. Furthermore, he gets to impart his knowledge to his son as he had always desired. Tate is likely to grow up displaying even more antisocial traits similar to Carter.

John’s funeral symbolizes his farewell to the ranch, and it carries an emotional heaviness, much as one would anticipate for a private funeral of John Dutton. There’s nothing inherently wrong with such a scene, but it seems somewhat generalized beyond Lynelle Perry’s remark about wearing her best skirt today for John. Even Rip, who had arguably the closest bond with John throughout the series, offers little more than his customary promise to look after John’s daughter. However, John meant more to Rip than simply being his father-in-law. The initial “thank you” hints at this, but I yearned for a deeper exploration. I understand that Rip is reserved in his speech, but isn’t this the finale? Isn’t some degree of catharsis, genuine emotion beyond Beth’s typical drinking and outbursts, expected?

As I struggle to maintain my composure at Dad’s funeral, my desire for vengeance intensifies. Leaning close to his coffin, I murmur a solemn promise, “I will avenge you.” With that, I depart, determined to bring justice upon my brother. Jamie, oblivious to the danger, remains blithely confident in the aftermath of his part in John’s demise. However, when confronted by an apparition reminiscent of a horror-movie villain – me, armed with a knife and a tire iron – he realizes that our long-awaited showdown is about to unfold.

In this dramatic scenario, when Jamie gains an advantage, he mercilessly attacks Beth, leaving one with a sense of her suffering frequently depicted throughout the series. However, despite finding amusement watching Jamie endure unpleasant experiences like pouring spoiled milk into his eyes after pepper-spraying them, followed by foot stabbing and ultimately heart stabbing, it’s challenging for me to fully celebrate Beth’s victory as intended by the show.

Regardless of the situation, she always manages to get everything she desires: She settles her father’s debt by collaborating with Rip and Lloyd on one final task at the train station, reminiscing about the past. She guides Dillard towards uncovering John’s murderers by hinting at following Sarah Atwood’s money transfers, and her allies destroy Jamie’s truck to make it seem like incriminating evidence was intentionally destroyed. Beth is elated in the hospital, quickly indulging in some handbag vodka as she watches the news report about her brother being charged with aggravated assault and domestic violence – all while not requiring oxycodone for her fractured ribs! What a force to be reckoned with.

In these closing scenes, it’s quite moving to watch the demolition of the ranch house, and Rainwater’s emotional response really tugged at my heartstrings, unlike much of the finale. The melancholic narration from Elsa Dutton (Isabel May) in 1883, reflecting on the hardships people endure to claim and dominate land, adds a poignant layer to the story.

Even though I occasionally nod in agreement with Sheridan’s views on land, government, corporations, gentrification, or global affairs, there remains a persistent sensation that he misses the essence of it all. Over time, as his writing prowess seems to dwindle in the latter seasons – with him juggling multiple projects and neglecting this one, allowing it to lose its luster and the unique appeal that initially drew viewers – that lack of understanding has grown increasingly apparent.

That’s still the case here. I can accept that Kayce and his family will be happy at their little place on the ranch, and that Beth and Rip will live a blissful life on a remote farm where there’s no chance of even running into a tourist — although, I’m not really sure I can, because we saw just last week that Beth thrives on having tourists around to bully! What is she going to do all day, just do corporate espionage over email and churn butter? My point is, there’s something a bit lonely about the happy endings for many of these characters, and a bit irritating about the idea that being physically close to other people is an experience to be avoided at all costs.

As a writer residing in New York City, some might argue that I’m an unlikely fan of the show Yellowstone. However, I found myself appreciating it, particularly during season two, and it wasn’t always as grim as it has become lately. Even when I didn’t find the show appealing, I could comprehend why others do, as they seldom see their lives mirrored on television.

The Last Round-Up

• Carter Corner: He’s with Beth and Rip forever!

• “Would you like me to stay?” “No, I think we’re about prayed out.”

Read More

2024-12-16 10:54