9 Truths That Hit Hard When You Rewatch Yellowstone
Rewatching Yellowstone Reveals 9 Harsh Truths Fans Can’t Ignore
Yellowstone stands as one of the most significant Western dramas of the 21st century. Taylor Sheridan’s sprawling epic about the Dutton family’s ranching dynasty in rural Montana is cinematic in scope and ambition—often described as The Godfather in cowboy boots. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of North America’s most iconic national park, the series delivers unforgettable moments of violence, loyalty, and legacy.
But Yellowstone is far from flawless. In fact, when stacked against its critically acclaimed prequels—1883 and 1923—the original show may actually be the weakest link in its own franchise. While it boasts undeniable swagger, a rewatch exposes glaring plot holes, uneven character arcs, and troubling themes that are harder to ignore the second time around.
Here are nine harsh truths you’ll likely confront when revisiting Yellowstone.
1. The Plot Holes Are Impossible to Miss
When Yellowstone is at its best, the storytelling is tight and gripping. But throughout the series, numerous plot holes threaten to undo its narrative credibility.
Take Dan Jenkins’ miraculous survival after a seemingly fatal cliffhanger in season 1, or the unexplained fate of the bomb on the Beck brothers’ plane. Even more baffling is the way Jamie Dutton’s murder of reporter Sarah Nguyen is dismissed as a kayaking accident—with zero follow-up.
Then there’s Rip Wheeler, who somehow gets married and crosses state lines despite having no legal identity. The Duttons forget they have dinosaur bones buried on their land, and entire character arcs vanish without explanation. It’s messy—and it adds up.
2. Most of the Duttons Belong in Prison
Kevin Costner himself once admitted the Dutton family should all be behind bars—and he’s not wrong. From operating the ominous “Train Station” body dump to orchestrating multiple murders, the Duttons are less ranchers and more a rural crime syndicate.
John, Beth, Jamie, Kayce, and Rip all rack up serious criminal records throughout the series, not to mention their corrupt ties with local law enforcement. If Yellowstone existed in the real world, it would probably be a true crime docuseries.
3. Rip Wheeler’s Violence Is Over the Top
Rip Wheeler is one of the show’s most beloved characters—but he’s also its most brutal. Whether it’s lynching Dan Jenkins, unleashing a rattlesnake on Roarke, or savagely beating enemies of the ranch, Rip’s brutality often crosses the line from gritty to grotesque.
Yes, he’s loyal, tragic, and deeply in love with Beth. But on rewatch, his violent actions are harder to justify—especially given how often the show tries to romanticize them.
4. Strong Characters Get Sidelined
While Beth and Rip rise to central roles, many other compelling characters get shoved aside. Monica Dutton, for example, starts out as a strong, independent figure with a powerful voice for Native issues. By season 3, she’s reduced to a side character whose only role is to support Kayce.
Fan-favorite Gator, the Duttons’ chef, completely disappears—even from scenes where his presence is logically required, like John Dutton’s funeral. It’s a frustrating waste of good characters.
5. The Show’s Treatment of Women Is Problematic
Yellowstone features several tough, intelligent female characters—but too often, it reduces them to plot devices or shock-value victims. Monica is objectified and sidelined. Beth is forced into wildly implausible scenarios, including a staged sexual assault that feels more exploitative than necessary.
Even strong women in the show are frequently written to serve male character arcs, rather than drive their own.
6. Kayce Dutton Is the Only One Who Cares About Native Issues
The series has faced valid criticism—particularly from actress Lily Gladstone—for its shallow and often dismissive portrayal of Native Americans. The Duttons see the Broken Rock Reservation more as an obstacle than a community.
Only Kayce, through his marriage to Monica and connection to her culture, shows genuine empathy. But even his actions are complicated by self-interest. When he eventually signs over ranch land to Chief Rainwater, it’s less a noble act and more a last resort.
7. The Show Never Recovers From John Dutton’s Death
Kevin Costner’s exit in season 5 left a void the show never fully recovered from. John Dutton’s presence grounded the story; without him, the narrative flounders.
While Beth and Jamie’s escalating conflict provides a tense finale, it lacks the weight and authority that Costner brought to the series. Bella Hadid’s cameo in the penultimate episode only further distracts from what should’ve been a focused conclusion.
8. John Dutton Is the Real Villain
Despite being portrayed as a stoic protector of tradition, John Dutton is arguably the show’s primary antagonist. His obsession with legacy, power, and land ownership drives nearly every conflict in the series.
His actions result in more destruction than any external enemy. From environmental disregard to moral corruption, Dutton’s quest to preserve the ranch leaves behind a trail of casualties—many of them his own family.
9. No Spinoff Will Match Yellowstone’s Drama
Yes, the spinoffs are visually stunning and emotionally rich. But none of them have captured the explosive drama or cultural footprint of Yellowstone. Upcoming titles like The Madison or the Beth & Rip spinoff are promising, but the absence of Costner’s John Dutton and the central family dynamic is a tough gap to fill.
Yellowstone may be chaotic, problematic, and at times absurd—but it’s also unlike anything else on TV.
Final Thoughts
Rewatching Yellowstone is a reminder of its brilliance—and its flaws. The show remains a cornerstone of modern Western storytelling, but with hindsight, it’s easier to see the cracks beneath the surface. As fans gear up for the next chapter in the Dutton saga, one thing’s clear: love it or hate it, Yellowstone still knows how to stir the pot.
