Yellowstone star says fans shouldn’t feel “cheated” by John Dutton’s death

As a longtime fan of Yellowstone, I must admit that the demise of John Dutton has left me with a mix of emotions. On one hand, it’s heartbreaking to see such an iconic character go, but on the other, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the journey we’ve shared.


In the heart of Yellowstone Season 5’s Episode 9, a shocking revelation unfolded that left me, and many others, in disbelief – our beloved John Dutton met his end. Yet, instead of lamenting about being “cheated,” the talented Luke Grimes, who brings John Dutton to life, encourages us not to feel this way.

It’s been clear for some time now that Kevin Costner won’t be part of the Dutton family ranch anymore. Since he chose to work on his own Western series, Horizon, instead of Taylor Sheridan’s show, it appeared almost certain that John would depart as well.

Nevertheless, it didn’t imply that fans anticipated his death. Instead, a lot of us secretly wished for an unexpected appearance, considering the extensive use of Dutton footage in the Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 trailer, hinting at a possible cameo.

As stated by Luke Grimes (the actor portraying Kayce Dutton), fans may feel short-changed since John survived for as long as he did. However, in my opinion, it’s more accurate to say that we were fortunate to have Kevin on the show for as long as we did, as he shared with People Magazine.

Yellowstone star says fans shouldn’t feel “cheated” by John Dutton’s death

The plot required his departure for the narrative to intensify significantly, and that’s essentially what the story was about. The passing of the family’s elder leaves them in a situation where they must navigate life without him – can they manage on their own?

Grimes noted, “I believe his character was initially meant to perish much sooner. In truth, we’ve seen more of John Dutton than was initially planned. So, it’s worth considering this fact.

It’s not surprising that Dutton’s death sparked controversy, yet it could have provided a fitting ending for Costner and his character.

According to Episode 9, Dutton’s death appears as a staged murder, designed to look like suicide. This sinister act is orchestrated by Jamie’s girlfriend, Sarah Atwood, who carries out the hit upon Jamie’s casual request. This scheme serves Sarah well in two ways – if Jamie emerges victorious in the ongoing conflict, she gains more influence over him.

John Dutton deserved to go out like a gladiator, not a victim. Completely undoes the series. I’m not a fan at all how #Yellowstone handled Costner’s departure.

— @Matthew Betley (@MatthewBetley) November 11, 2024

It’s not as if Costner meets his end on-screen, and while it may be frustrating, this outcome was probably predictable. Some viewers hoped for a more epic demise like Maximus in Gladiator, but under the given circumstances, such an ending wasn’t likely to happen.

If his demise had been more dramatic, there’d be less grumbling. The truth is, it’s not anger over his death that resonates within us, but regret for missing the chance to witness it. And that, my fellow cowboy enthusiasts, wasn’t a decision Taylor Sheridan made.

Yellowstone Season 5 Episode 11 airs on November 24 on the Paramount Network.

To delve deeper into the series, here’s a rundown of the most startling deaths in the show, or alternatively, explore guides for Billy Klapper, Jamie’s 10-56 call, and learn how to stream Yellowstone from your location.

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2024-11-18 13:18