Imagining Yellowstone’s Alternate Ending Without Kevin Costner’s Departure

Please be advised that this article discusses sensitive topics, including suicide.

Reflecting on the Conclusion of Yellowstone: A Shift in Narrative After Kevin Costner’s Exit

The beloved neo-Western drama Yellowstone has reached its conclusion following the season 5 finale, notably without the presence of Kevin Costner’s character, John Dutton III, after his departure earlier in 2023. The absence of Costner leaves a pivotal mark on the series, raising questions about how different the outcome might have been had he remained for the second half of season 5. Nevertheless, the show, co-created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, appears to have wrapped up its storytelling arc—unless speculations regarding a sixth season prove to be true, putting John’s saga to a close.

In the days leading up to the series finale, Deadline announced an intriguing spinoff in development, focusing on the dynamic between Rip and Beth, with actors Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser reprising their roles. This venture offers fans a glimpse into the series’ legacy beyond its original narrative.

The second part of season 5 introduced a shocking plot twist: John’s demise was initially reported as a suicide. However, viewers, alongside Beth, quickly realized this was a fabrication; it was revealed that Sarah Atwood orchestrated an assassin’s hit on John, staging it to resemble suicide. This deception unraveled only after Kayce urged the medical examiner to investigate further, prompting a re-examination of John’s death. Detective Dillard’s investigation resurfaced John’s case, leading to a tense conclusion where Beth ultimately avenged her father’s death by murdering Jamie during the finale.

Will Yellowstone End After Season 5?

Paramount’s Decision Linked to Kevin Costner’s Departure

A prevailing question among fans is whether Yellowstone would have concluded at season 5 if John Dutton remained part of the story. Following Costner’s announcement regarding his exit, Paramount swiftly announced the series’ end, leading to speculations that these decisions were suddenly entwined. The timing of these announcements instigates the belief that Paramount may have considered Costner’s departure as detrimental to Yellowstone’s future.

Interestingly, Taylor Sheridan had originally envisioned a seven-year narrative arc for Yellowstone, with a clear beginning and end. This long-term plan indicated that the series would likely complete its story after seven seasons. However, after Costner’s exit, this vision seemingly collapsed, leading to a more accelerated conclusion. It is widely believed that Yellowstone would have continued past season 5 had Costner remained involved.

Understanding John Dutton’s Inevitable Death

Taylor Sheridan’s Preordained Plotline for John’s Fate

While the acceleration of Yellowstone’s conclusion correlates with Costner’s exit, it is essential to note that John’s death would have transpired regardless. Sheridan has suggested that John’s demise was always part of the narrative’s trajectory. In interviews, he confirmed that it was never a question of “if”but rather “when”John would meet his end. Christina Alexandra Voros, an executive producer and director, reiterated that John’s demise was embedded within Sheridan’s broader storytelling plan.

“The ‘what’ of the end of the season was always planned. The ‘how’ may have needed to be adjusted. Taylor [Sheridan] has always known what the ending of this legacy was… There are clues about the generational legacy and the destiny of the land.”

The remarks made by Sheridan and Voros illustrate that the specifics of John’s death—including the circumstances and timing—were likely revised as a direct response to Costner’s departure. Should Costner have remained, it’s reasonable to conclude that John’s passing might have occurred at a later date and in a different manner.

The Dutton Ranch’s Future Remains Unchanged

Fulfillment of Prophecy from 1883

Similar to John’s fate, the Dutton family’s eventual departure from their storied ranch was a foregone conclusion. The return of the land to Chief Thomas Rainwater and the residents of the Broken Rock Reservation was also a certainty, independent of Costner’s exit. Those familiar with 1883 recognized this as an essential narrative thread. It was clear that regardless of whether Yellowstone ended after season 5 or extended further, the ultimate conclusion would involve the Duttons relinquishing control of their land.

The ending of 1883 foreshadowed this outcome, where James Dutton sought a burial site for his daughter Elsa and discovered Paradise Valley. After receiving the land from Spotted Eagle, James was warned that a return would occur in seven generations. Now, that prophecy has come to fruition, as Chief Rainwater reclaimed the land, precisely seven generations following James’s acquisition.

The Bloodied Conclusion of Beth and Jamie’s Rivalry

The Inevitable Bloodshed Between Beth and Jamie

One of the most striking developments in Yellowstone season 5, episode 14, was Beth’s shocking act of killing Jamie. Following their father’s funeral, Beth vowed to avenge John’s death, which ultimately led to her brother’s demise. While the immediate trigger was certainly John’s passing, the longstanding enmity between the siblings suggested that their conflict would have necessitated spilling blood at some point. If John had remained alive, it’s plausible that, through another catalyst, Jamie would still face a lethal reckoning in the series.

Ultimately, the dynamics of Yellowstone’s intricate plot reveal how narrative shifts can significantly impact character fates. The show’s dedication to deep storytelling and character arcs continues to resonate with viewers, and the implications of Costner’s exit will be discussed for years to come.

Sources: Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, TV Insider

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