Taylor Sheridan appears to be paving the way for a potential Yellowstone spinoff that may come as a surprise to fans. In season 5, episode 13, titled “Give The World Away,”the narrative pivots to focus on Beth Dutton’s (portrayed by Kelly Reilly) urgent financial moves following the tragic news of John Dutton’s (Kevin Costner) demise. With the ranch facing hefty property tax bills that John’s estate struggles to cover, Beth decides to sell off a significant portion of the livestock to rescue the family legacy.
As season 5’s second part aims to bring the series to a close after John’s passing, the episode does not explore key plotlines, such as Beth’s growing animosity toward Jamie (Wes Bentley) over their father’s death or Kayce’s (Luke Grimes) quest for justice. Instead, the spotlight shifts predominantly to Beth’s trip to Texas, where she assists Travis (Taylor Sheridan) with selling horses, creating an opportunity for the cowboy to dominate the screen while the rest of the Duttons ponder their future with the family ranch.
Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 13 Highlights Taylor Sheridan’s Travis
The Dynamic Between Travis and Beth Takes Center Stage
Travis has been a recurring character in Yellowstone, with Sheridan himself portraying the morally gray cowboy who often engages in questionable horse-selling practices. Generally relegated to minor appearances, Travis steps into a more substantial role in this episode, including a poignant moment where he informs Jimmy (Jefferson White) about John’s passing. Despite this emotional depth, many scenes in “Give The World Away”see Travis reverting to his antics, distracting viewers from the pressing issues at hand.
As Beth journeys to Texas, she quickly realizes the complications of her situation. Travis gets so lost in a game of strip poker that he forgets about his buyers, leaving them waiting aimlessly. This comedic misadventure, alongside Travis’ crude attempts to lure Beth into the game, raises eyebrows about the overall pacing of the episode, suggesting a level of self-indulgence in Sheridan’s portrayal that detracts from key plot resolutions.
Could Travis’ Episode 13 Appearances Hint at a Future Spinoff?
Travis Receives Unprecedented Screen Time in This Episode
For the first time, Travis commands a significant portion of the episode’s runtime in “Give The World Away,”a shift from his previous, more fleeting appearances typically meant to acknowledge Sheridan’s influence in the franchise. The episode allocates nearly half its duration to his character, culminating in Rip (Cole Hauser) recounting a past experience with Travis, heightening speculation about the future narrative direction.
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Travis’ Appearances in Yellowstone |
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|---|---|
|
Episode |
Date |
|
“Homecoming”(S1, E5) |
July 25, 2018 |
|
“A Thundering”(S2, E1) |
June 19, 2019 |
|
“Touching Your Enemy”(S2, E5) |
July 24, 2019 |
|
“Phantom Pain” (S4, E2) |
November 7, 2021 |
|
“All I See Is You”(S4, E3) |
November 14, 2021 |
|
“Winning Or Learning”(S4, E4) |
November 21, 2021 |
|
“Keep The Wolves Close”(S4, E7) |
December 12, 2021 |
|
“No Such Thing As Fair”(S4, E9) |
December 26, 2021 |
|
“Desire Is All You Need”(S5, E9) |
November 10, 2021 |
|
“Counting Coup”(S5, E12) |
December 1, 2021 |
|
“Give The World Away” |
December 8, 2021 |
The extensive focus on Travis raises questions. While it might serve as a potential backdoor pilot for a new spinoff, the execution lags, leaving viewers feeling that the moment is misaligned with the overarching narrative. A more promising opportunity could have been to lay groundwork for the series conclusion rather than diverting attention toward a character whose storyline has yet to reach a satisfying arc.
Is a Taylor Sheridan-Led Yellowstone Spinoff Possible?
Paramount Network’s Stance and Sheridan’s Aspirations
Sheridan has established a lucrative franchise for the Paramount Network, with Yellowstone becoming a cultural phenomenon that has spawned multiple successful spin-offs exploring the Dutton family’s legacy, including a series dedicated to the 6666 Ranch. His influence and standing in the industry lend significant weight to any desire he might have for developing a new series focused on Travis.
Nonetheless, the network may have reservations regarding Sheridan balancing the demands of writing new scripts while maintaining his acting role in an additional project, all while overseeing at least three other series. Yet, considering Sheridan’s past success, Paramount Networks would likely prioritize keeping him satisfied to ensure ongoing collaboration.
Should audience reactions to Travis’ portrayal in “Give The World Away”or the series finale prove unfavorable, it could influence decision-makers’ willingness to green-light a spinoff centered around his character. Ultimately, audience interest will be paramount; the Paramount Network will hesitate to invest in a spinoff if it presents a financial risk.
In conclusion, while the seeds of a Travis-centered spinoff might be planted in this episode, the ultimate fate will hinge on viewer engagement and overall reception of the concluding storylines in Yellowstone.
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