As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in various narratives, I can wholeheartedly say that Yellowstone’s final season feels like the bittersweet ending of an epic role-playing game. The anticipation and excitement leading up to this moment have been akin to waiting for the release of a highly anticipated expansion pack.
Ever since “Yellowstone” debuted on Paramount Network in 2018, this opulent neo-Western show focusing on the Dutton family has been a hit and cultural sensation. It reached an all-time high in 2022 when more than 16 million viewers tuned in for the simultaneous premiere of the first half of Season 5. Despite the widespread excitement, the series, headed by Kevin Costner and co-starring Kelly Reilly as Beth, Wes Bentley as Jamie, and Luke Grimes as Kayce, has been off-air for two years due to lingering COVID-19 issues, writers’ and actors’ union strikes, and Costner’s decision to leave before Season 5, Part 2.
At last, after much wait, the long-awaited comeback of “Yellowstone” is upon us, as the final episodes of Season 5 debut on the Paramount Network on November 10. The production team behind what appears to be the concluding season of this signature series has taken considerable precautions to prevent any plot revelations before the premiere, leaving very few spoilers scattered across the internet. Nevertheless, speculations about a possible Season 6 of “Yellowstone” persist online, despite lacking substantial proof, except for news regarding several spin-offs being led by creator Taylor Sheridan.
In a recent chat with Looper, I (as a fan) was left guessing about what lies ahead for the upcoming episodes, as Luke Grimes (Kayce) and Kelsey Asbille (Monica) tactfully dodged any hints they might have given. They also shared their sentiments about bidding farewell, reminiscing about the fantastic collaboration we’ve witnessed on this show, and expressing their hopes for future possibilities within the “Yellowstone” world that Sheridan has crafted.
Grimes says fans will be ‘really satisfied’ with the way Yellowstone ends
Here we are, likely at the conclusion of your “Yellowstone” adventure, Luke. What are your thoughts about this ending? Are you satisfied with how things have wrapped up for you?
Luke Grimes: It’s been quite emotional, knowing it’s all wrapping up. The transition has been tough. We wrapped filming a few months back, and ever since then, it feels like I’m the last kid at summer camp, wondering where everyone went after they left. So yes, there’s definitely been an adjustment. But I believe that the final season will… When I read the script, I couldn’t envision it ending any differently. Taylor did a fantastic job of concluding everything in a way that fans would be truly content with. I don’t think they’ll feel like their six years of loving this show were time ill-spent.
Now, is there anything you can tell us about how Kevin Costner’s character will be handled?
Kelsey Asbille: Oh no, they would come in here and…
Grimes: Absolutely not. [Laughs]
Asbille: You’re going to get us in trouble! [Laughs]
So then, Kelsey, what can you tell us about what fans should expect from these upcoming episodes?
Asbille: Oh Lord … that Monica is there. [Laughs]
Grimes: [Laughs] She is in the show.
Asbille: Yes, she will be there sometimes. [Laughs]
Was it unusual for the directors to not share the full storyline and ending with the actors and crew during filming? If so, how did that impact the production process for this part of the season?
Grimes explained that not everyone received complete scripts due to the nature of their roles. Those who had multiple parts needed to know what was happening for continuity. However, others who didn’t require such knowledge didn’t get a script either. Many crew members didn’t have scripts at all and instead, they were briefed on where to position the cameras during mini-rehearsals. The lines were never rehearsed to keep production secrets under wraps, ensuring everyone could enjoy the final product as intended. In essence, the plan was to maintain secrecy for a better viewing experience.
Kelsey, how did it feel shooting these episodes compared to other seasons?
“This production is quite challenging, but we’ve learned to go with the flow and adjust as needed. It wasn’t the typical approach, but we managed to pull it off. We found a way to make it work. [Laughs]
Grimes and Asbille would love to keep working with Taylor Sheridan
Do any of you think there might be more content set within the “Yellowstone” world after these upcoming episodes? I’ve heard whispers about a potential Season 6 and various spin-offs.
In simpler terms, we share the same sentiment towards Taylor. His exceptional writing skills have left us in a position where we would willingly follow his lead, should he ask.
Grimes: Yeah, if I got a call and he said, “Hey, I’m writing more.” I’d be like, “I’m there.” If I got a call from someone else saying, “I’m writing more.” I’d say, “Probably not.”
What do you hope the show’s legacy is?
Grimes expresses her wish for the work to remain enjoyable for many future years. She also hopes it will still be relevant and engaging ten and twenty years from now. Sometimes, she notes, revisiting works from earlier periods in life might not seem as impressive later on. Therefore, she simply wishes that people can continue to appreciate it over time.
Season 5 of “Yellowstone” returns on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 8 pm ET/PT on Paramount Network.
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2024-11-10 21:00