Warning: SPOILERS ahead for the series finale of Yellowstone! The battle for the Dutton Ranch has reached its conclusion in the Yellowstone series finale. Thomas Rainwater, portrayed by Gil Birmingham since the show’s inception, serves as the Chief of the Broken Rock Indian Reservation and initially emerged as a foe to Kevin Costner’s John Dutton III, seeking to reclaim the land that the Dutton family occupies for his community. However, as the series unfolded and new threats emerged in Montana, Rainwater and Dutton gradually set aside their hostilities to unite in defense of their loved ones.
The fifth season of Yellowstone wraps up the story created by Taylor Sheridan, showcasing a partnership between Rainwater, Mo, and John Dutton after his gubernatorial victory, as they strive to prevent an oil pipeline from infringing on their territory. Following John’s death, Kayce and Beth embarked on an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding it, leading Kayce to broker an agreement with Rainwater. This accord allows Rainwater and the Broken Rock Reservation to gain ownership of the land, while Kayce, Monica, and Tate will reside on a designated piece of land preserved for themselves.
Alongside Birmingham, the cast of part B of Yellowstone’s fifth season featured familiar faces such as Wes Bentley (Jamie Dutton), Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton), Luke Grimes (Kayce), Kelsey Asbille (Monica), Cole Hauser, Brecken Merrill, Jefferson White, Ryan Bingham, Wendy Moniz, and Forrie J. Smith. The show concluded on an emotional note, providing satisfying closures for several characters while leaving room for potential future narratives, skillfully crafted by Sheridan.
Shortly after the finale aired, Gil Birmingham participated in an interview with ScreenRant, discussing various topics including Rainwater’s reaction to John’s death, the implications of gaining land from the Dutton family for the Broken Rock community, and insights into future projects such as Wind River: The Next Chapter and an animated reboot of the Twilight franchise on Netflix.
Birmingham Reflects on the “Bittersweet”Conclusion of Yellowstone
Sharing Insights on John Dutton’s Demise
ScreenRant: It’s a pleasure to reconnect and delve deeper into Yellowstone. It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end of the mainline series. How do you feel about concluding after five seasons?
Gil Birmingham: After five and a half seasons, spanning seven years, it feels bittersweet. Nothing lasts forever; perhaps only shows like Law and Order do. The finale brought a powerful resolution. The latter part of the season prompted introspection and nostalgia among us, reflecting on our shared seven years. We consider ourselves fortunate to have participated in such a significant project with remarkable individuals, leaving us with hope despite its conclusion.
Now that John’s fate has been sealed, how did you feel learning about his ultimate demise, especially given your character’s intricate relationship with him?
Gil Birmingham: There were multiple possible outcomes to consider. Rainwater held a deep respect for John and vice versa. Never would Rainwater hope for John’s demise. Their relationship shifted from adversarial to one of almost alliance near the end. As a new Chairman, I felt Rainwater had much to prove. The evolution of their dynamic presented opportunities to find collaborative solutions. While a different ending might have emerged had John lived, the conclusion would reflect the essence of their conflict regardless.
Birmingham Expresses Being “Emotionally Overwhelmed”By Rainwater & The Broken Rock Acquiring the Ranch
Addressing the Impact on His Community’s Perception
Regarding the series conclusion, how did it feel to see Rainwater and the reservation reclaim a significant portion of their ancestral land?
Gil Birmingham: The day we filmed that scene was overwhelming. Rainwater likely never envisioned reclaiming such extensive land—260,000 acres. Initially, the acquisition was supposed to be piecemeal, a daunting challenge not only against John but also against corporate interests eyeing the land. While denoting it as a wilderness area is a significant step, challenges will persist. Rainwater’s ultimate goal was stewardship over these lands for his people, creating a permanent home unmarred by outside forces.
How will this moment influence how Rainwater is viewed by his community moving forward?
Gil Birmingham: I believe the community will celebrate this monumental return of land. They likely never imagined such a resolution would occur at this scale. However, the challenge now lies in resource generation to uphold that stewardship, a sacrifice akin to what the Duttons endured for 141 years. It’s not merely about ownership; external interests eager to exploit the land will remain a threat. I visualize tribes that successfully developed safe communities, complete with schools and hospitals, affirming a deep connection with their lands and cultures.
Birmingham Believes Rainwater Will Honor His Treaty with Kayce
Hopeful for a Spinoff Centered on Broken Rock
Do you believe Thomas will uphold the agreement allowing Kayce, Monica, and Tate to retain part of the land?
Gil Birmingham: I firmly believe Thomas will honor the treaty. Historically, it’s never been the case that we break our treaties. Maintaining respect is paramount. I hope this agreement fosters engagement, especially for Tate, who straddles both worlds, blending the Dutton legacy with his heritage. His unique upbringing will offer invaluable experiences and lessons.
What about potential future narratives? With Beth and Rip starting their own spinoff, what can we expect for Thomas’s storyline in upcoming projects?
Gil Birmingham: Perhaps we’ll even buy Dillon, integrating it into our reservation! [Laughs] Taylor tends to be quite discreet regarding future developments. However, that unpredictability enhances the excitement, fostering trust that he has a clear vision. Many have suggested a spinoff focused on Broken Rock, which could present an intriguing opportunity to explore the world of Rainwater and Mo—this time as the guardians of the land rather than its legacy bearers.
Sheridan Was “Completely Open”to Authentic Collaboration with Native Cast
Understanding and Sensitivity in Cultural Representation
What was it like collaborating with Mo, considering your dynamic throughout the series?
Gil Birmingham: I had known Mo long before Yellowstone, about eight years. It’s remarkable how he transitioned from my driver to my cultural partner in the series. Mo’s insights from his upbringing in the Lakota reservation enriched our portrayal. Typically, I would often be the sole Native character; having Mo, a fellow Native and a cultural anchor, was a true gift. Taylor welcomed any collaboration and suggestions, proving to be a valuable ally in our portrayal.
How much did you find yourself collaborating with Taylor to ensure cultural authenticity in the scripts?
Gil Birmingham: We approached certain scenarios regarding cultural traditions with care. The vision quest, for example, required a deep understanding as those traditions bear historical significance. The ability to represent these elements without disclosing sacred knowledge was crucial. Our intention remained to pique viewers’ interests, showcasing Indigenous culture while asserting our humanity amid misconceptions that often depict Native Americans as historical artifacts.
Was the vision quest the inclusion you were most proud of, or was there another cultural aspect you preferred working on?
Gil Birmingham: The vision quest was indeed complex, given the need to safeguard its sacred aspects. However, the show’s resolution resonates with me; it was profound and emotional. It illustrated unity, emphasizing that John and Rainwater discovered deeper commonalities than conflicts—highlighting their connection to the land, a universal theme.
Wind River: The Next Chapter Will Offer a “Very Different”Experience
Birmingham Uncertain about the Release of the Sequel
Gil Birmingham: Briefly speaking, we filmed Wind River about two-and-a-half years ago. Unlike the original, Taylor wasn’t involved in this iteration, nor did he write it. Matthew George, one of the producers, approached me about it. We’re all curious about the release and distribution delays. This storyline diverges into more of a thriller, and we’re uncertain how to classify or market it just yet. The details remain vague, but it’s evolving into an investigative narrative about revenge on the reservation.
How does it feel to revisit this world without Taylor’s original creative guidance?
Gil Birmingham: The new direction definitely leans into thriller territory, diverging from the original Wind River. We’ll have characters like my son Martin Sensmeier, who has transformed under Jeremy Renner’s mentorship, embroiled in a mission against vengeful actions on the reservation. I’m not well-versed in discussing the film since I haven’t seen it yet and only have a minor role, but we await its arrival.
Birmingham Surprised by the Animated Twilight Reboot
Amazed by Twilight’s Dedicative Fan Community
As a key figure in the Twilight franchise, how do you react to its animated reboot on Netflix?
Gil Birmingham: This news is surprising; I was unaware of the upcoming animated reboot. The Twilight franchise truly endures, and I’m repeatedly amazed by its fan base. I’ve encountered many, often mistakenly assuming they’re Yellowstone fans. Recently, I took part in a festival in Forks, Washington, encountering fans who traveled from all corners of the globe, showcasing their unwavering passion. I genuinely appreciate the connection it fosters, allowing individuals to form lasting friendships over shared interests. Learning about the animation is a pleasant surprise for me.
Overview of Yellowstone Season 5 Part B
Yellowstone captures the saga of the Dutton family, led by John Dutton, who oversees the largest contiguous cattle ranch in America. The narrative is rife with conflicts involving shifting allegiances, unresolved murders, and turbulent relationships with neighboring entities, including an expanding town and an Indian reservation.
The series is co-created by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Taylor Sheridan (known for Wind River, Hell or High Water, and Sicario) alongside John Linson. Executive producers encompass John Linson, Art Linson, Taylor Sheridan, Kevin Costner, David C. Glasser, Bob Yari, Stephen Kay, Michael Friedman, Christina Voros, and Keith Cox. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
- Cole Hauser & Kelly Reilly
- Wes Bentley
- Luke Grimes & Kelsey Asbille
- Gil Birmingham (pre-release)
- Denim Richards (post-episode 12)
All four seasons and the initial eight episodes of Yellowstone season five are available to stream on Peacock.
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