‘Yellowstone’ Director on “Gut-Wrenching” Event and How It Reverberates in Final Two Episodes

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As a longtime fan of Yellowstone, I can only imagine what it must feel like for Taylor Sheridan and the cast as they approach the final episodes of this iconic series. With seven seasons under their belt, it’s hard to believe that the journey of the Dutton family is coming to an end.

[This story contains major spoilers from the fourth episode of Yellowstone season 5B, “Counting Coup.”]

The TV series “Yellowstone” experienced its third death in the current season during Sunday’s episode. This follows the initial death of the show’s main character John Dutton (portrayed by actor Kevin Costner) and last week’s surprising killing of Sarah Atwood (played by Dawn Olivieri). In this week’s episode, one of the cowboys working on the Yellowstone ranch sadly met an early end.

In the Yellowstone series, it was Denim Richards’ character, Colby Mayfield, who had been working as a ranch hand for the Dutton family since the first season. Unfortunately, during an incident with a bucking horse, Colby sacrificed himself to protect young Carter (Finn Little), another ranch hand under Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler’s (Cole Hauser) care. Tragically, in the process of shielding Carter from harm, Colby was struck fatally by the horse.

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of sorrow over the untimely death of Colby in Yellowstone. The simplicity of the event makes it even more heartbreaking. For those who truly grasp the perils and challenges of being a cowboy, working with animals, and the inherent dangers of such a profession – as Rip himself acknowledges – it’s a risky business, and accidents like this can happen in an instant. The suddenness of Colby’s death, grounded as it is within the realistic world of these characters, adds a layer of profound tragedy to the situation. And the timing? It’s nothing short of gut-wrenching.

In her extensive conversation with THR, Voros delves into the recent episode to explore the impact of Colby’s demise. She also talks about the “counting coup” (a noble Native American tradition) that Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) executed and explains the significance of his retaliatory action as Yellowstone prepares to debut its last two episodes.

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Let’s discuss Colby. What does another shocking back-to-back death on Yellowstone convey about the intense tension of these concluding episodes? (Season 5B was initially announced as the final season, but a potential sixth season is under negotiation with Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser.)

What strikes me as incredibly poignant about Colby’s death is that amidst all the intricate plot twists, shadowy forces, and dramatic narrative shifts, his death stands out as remarkably straightforward. For those who appreciate the life of cowboys, animal handling, and the inherent dangers of these professions – as Rip [Hauser] himself admits – it’s a dangerous job, and accidents like this happen in an instant. My husband is a cowboy and wrangler, and he too has lost friends in similar circumstances. In a setting filled with high-stakes drama, Colby’s death hits hard because of its simplicity and authenticity to the world these characters inhabit. The tragedy lies in the lack of an adversary; it’s merely the risk associated with the job. What makes this loss even more heart-rending is the way Colby’s relationship with Teeter (Jennifer Landon) has been developing – the saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder” rings true here, as their connection had just started to blossom in a unique way. The timing of his death, given this budding relationship, is excruciatingly painful.

Colby, portrayed by Jennifer Landon as Teeter, has formed a beloved pair in Yellowstone. Her emotional statement regarding cowboys enduring hardships, followed by her wish for Colby’s prolonged suffering so they could bid farewell, was deeply affecting. Leaving behind his close friend Ryan (Ian Bohen), as well as Rip, Carter and the entire bunkhouse, how will Colby’s demise affect them moving forward? What thoughts might this spark among everyone as we approach the last two episodes?

It’s an insightful query you’ve posed. I believe there’s a significant distinction between losing an elder figure and losing someone your age, as in the case of Colby and John Dutton. While John’s death was due to malicious intent or personal error, Colby’s was merely an unfortunate accident during his duty. This sets a distinct tone, as Colby had a future ahead of him filled with love and plans, unlike John who met his end while fulfilling his role. The characters in the story are grappling with guilt, and this is particularly evident in Colby’s fellow cowboys, who question their own actions: “If I had been there” or “If I had gone instead of him.” This self-blame is a universal human emotion. With John Dutton, Beth and Kayce grapple with regret over past actions or foresight, but the guilt felt by Colby’s peers over his accidental death is profound.

So far, Carter has introduced some memorable Beth Dutton moments, revealing a nurturing side to her through their unique familial bond. Following Colby’s demise, Beth momentarily halts her quest for vengeance to offer comfort and reinforce their familial ties to Carter. After resolving all issues, what will the Dutton family – consisting of Beth, Rip, and Carter – resemble?

The bond between Beth and Carter has consistently been an intricate yet beautiful friendship, characterized by its complexity. One aspect I admire about Taylor Sheridan’s storytelling is the multifaceted nature of Beth. She embodies strength, chaos, and tender affection, but she also assumes a role as a stepmother in some sense. Many individuals in our world share this type of relationship.

In my gaming world, I once encountered a character named Beth who wasn’t a traditional parent, but she took on a maternal role for a young boy named Rip. Carol Dysinger, a mentor from film school, once told me that there are many children out there searching for guidance, and it’s alright if you don’t become a biological parent as long as you’re open to helping those in need. Beth became more than just a caregiver to Rip; they filled each other’s voids in a unique and intriguing way.

Colby’s demise deeply affects Rip. During a conversation with Beth by the fireplace, he remarks, “This work is risky and one day it could claim my life too.” Was this a hint of things to come; should we worry? Or was that just Rip expressing reality?

In the wake of these events, it’s only human to question if every conversation might hold hidden significance. Could Kayce’s farewell to Monica be a hint of things to come? Might Beth’s goodbye to Rip serve the same purpose? When faced with unexpected losses, our minds often seek patterns, and it’s easy to interpret these interactions as foreshadowing.

I think there’s real poetry to what Rip says there, because the reality is that he’s right. Whether it’s because he gets kicked by a horse or he dies by a heart attack or breaks his back lifting something, it’s a tough job. And it’s something that Rip, like Colby, has made a lifelong commitment to. So it is going to be the last thing they do. It Is going to be the thing that kills them. Because there’s no retiring from this lifestyle for characters like Colby or Rip.

In this episode, Taylor Sheridan makes his appearance on screen, portraying horse trainer Travis Wheatley. This marks the second time I’ve had the opportunity to direct him during this season, following his debut in the season 5B premiere. Could you tell me about your experience directing someone like Sheridan, who is not only an actor but also a co-creator of Yellowstone and mastermind behind the Yellowstone universe?

It’s amusing to reflect on our long-lasting relationship. I believe it was either season three or four when I first directed him, and I directed him in the prequel series of Yellowstone, titled 1883. He enjoys roles that he finds entertaining. Despite his busy schedule (laughs), he doesn’t need acting. I believe he does it for pleasure, and I think it brings him joy. He has a clear vision of the character, given its origin from his own mind, but he also values feedback and prefers not to take on sole responsibility when performing. As a result, our collaborative efforts feel very natural, and whenever we’ve had the chance to work together in this way, it’s been surprisingly smooth.

In the storyline, Travis from Sheridan’s team conveys the news of John Dutton’s demise to Jimmy, who had moved away to Four Sixes Ranch. The portrayal of John Dutton has sparked mixed feelings among viewers, with some criticizing his handling of Summer. I wondered if this scene might have a touch of self-reflection or meta commentary, given the context.

In this scene, I didn’t perceive it as symbolic at all because it was simply a logical progression of events. Jimmy is currently employed by Travis, which explains his storyline. What truly resonated with me in this scene was the portrayal of Rip dealing with John’s death – the cumulative impact of grief and powerlessness. Two episodes ago, Lloyd asked, “Are we getting into this fight?” To which Rip replied, “If we can figure out who to fight.” We barely saw Rip in the last episode, so this moment feels significant for his character development. Here, Rip is unsure if he has the strength to inform Jimmy of John’s death while also leading the cowboys under his charge. This uncertainty suggests a deep emotional struggle, and I never questioned the authenticity of these feelings because they seemed very organic. What I found touching was that this scene offered a glimpse into the tender side of Rip’s heart, as he grapples with telling a boy who he feels responsible for about the death of someone who raised them both.

Has there been any discussion about rekindling the paused spinoff of Yellowstone titled The Four Sixes, as mentioned in Sheridan’s 2023 cover story? (Keep in mind that while the Montana ranch in Yellowstone is fictional, the Four Sixes ranch portrayed in the series is filmed at the genuine 6666 Ranch located in Guthrie, Texas, owned by Sheridan.)

At times, the source of news can be a mystery to me. Recently, an advertisement on my Instagram showed up for “1944” featuring Elsa Dutton, who’s portrayed by Isabel May in 1883. It even had music! (Laughs) It seems that viewers are eagerly anticipating these series, and I often wonder where the storyline is originating from. As someone actively involved in creating shows for Taylor, each project absorbs a significant portion of my life. Therefore, we’re deeply engrossed in the world we’re creating. The team I collaborate with has transitioned from Yellowstone to our new series, The Madison, so I know that another show is in the works and Taylor is thrilled about writing it. Yet, I don’t have insight into what’s next. That’s beyond my level of authority.

In this episode, Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley) finds himself in a precarious situation when he’s questioned by the police regarding Sarah’s death. The detective informs Kayce that Jamie falls within the scope of his investigation, and Kayce gives him permission to pursue Jamie, stating that he had brought this upon himself. Upon learning this from Kayce, Beth remains resolute in her quest for vengeance against Jamie. How far is Beth prepared to go to have her way with Jamie?

By the time we reach this stage of the series, it seems no one can predict what will happen next. At the close of the previous episode, each character found themselves at a critical juncture with no obvious way forward. However, in this installment, you’ll notice them carving out their own paths, guided by principles they deem right and just. It appears that Beth is no longer worried about potential repercussions; instead, she’s focused on pursuing justice.

In a turn of events we’ve long anticipated, Kayce acts upon his dreams. He resolves to go to any lengths necessary to safeguard his family, which includes Monica (Kelsey Asbille). This protective measure leads him to confront the hitman responsible for his father’s murder, and even his young daughter, under the barrel of a gun. Will Kayce grapple with the consequences of his actions, or find solace in his decisions?

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice a sense of strategic division that seems inherent when one knows their own course. Yet, let’s not forget, Kayce is a veteran soldier. His career has demanded actions like these, actions that have lingered in his mind for the sake of a greater purpose. I believe this situation is another testament to his past sacrifices for the good.

Kayce informed Monica that his actions are geared towards benefiting their family rather than the ranch. So, the question is: What will be the outcome once Beth discovers his actions?

Oh, you have to tune in next week!

Has he thought this through? Is he committed to whatever blowback he may have to face?

I believe he’s firmly on the course he’s chosen, indeed. Yet, it’s not always easy to perceive the full journey ahead. Often, we’re propelled forward by our instincts and inner compass. Consequently, it remains uncertain if the entire picture is clear to him, but he’s being guided by something deep within him that he feels in his heart and soul is the correct path.

Following his surprise assault, he converses with Mo (Mo Brings Plenty, the Native affairs advisor for the show) regarding the concept of “counting coup,” a respected Native American custom performed on an adversary. Mo explains that by carrying out this act, Kayce’s intentions become clear to his enemy. Could you elaborate on the importance of this practice?

His decision to prioritize his family, to fight for them, and to do so in a manner authentic to his personal background as well as the lineage of his in-laws, gives off an air of inevitability or predetermination.

Amidst all the intense, high-stakes situations, Rip starts implementing Beth’s strategy to preserve part of the ranch. They deliberate on the idea of auctioning off the horses and livestock, and ponder over how Travis (Sheridan) can assist them in this endeavor. The sophistication of their plan to save the ranch is yet to be determined.

It’s unclear if our plan has been completely shaped yet, given that we didn’t anticipate this family tragedy. When a patriarch or matriarch passes away, no one is ever fully ready. The event took us by surprise, and it’s hard to prepare for such occurrences. As a result, everyone seems to be making efforts to feel in control and stay afloat amidst the chaos.

We have only two episodes remaining in the current season. When we first discussed whether this might be the final season of Yellowstone, it was early on in this run. Can you provide any additional insight as to whether the upcoming episodes may give the impression that this popular series is wrapping up for good in two weeks?

I don’t think I can answer that any differently than when we talked about it before. It’s tricky. The deeper you get into the season, the more chess moves have already happened and so it becomes harder to talk about what’s coming. So much care and attention when into this narrative, that the desire to not tip our hats to what is coming is very real.

What’s your sentiment like as your last-directed episode on Yellowstone is now being released?

It hasn’t quite sunk in yet. This is partly because, immediately after wrapping up Yellowstone, we dived into another series, The Madison, with many of the same team members. Despite our deep longing for the original cast, this new production has remained remarkably consistent. I suspect that the realization of finishing will truly hit me around Christmas, when I finally pause and reflect not only on the past year but also the last seven years, and the incredible journey we’ve shared in telling this story. I feel I’m not yet far enough removed from it to fully understand the emotional impact of wrapping up. However, I’m confident that I’ll soon reach that point. I can anticipate a wave of emotions when I do. But for now, we’re still pushing forward and finding it challenging to look back while looking ahead.

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Every Sunday evening at 8 pm, you can catch new episodes of Yellowstone on Paramount Network. Later, at 10 pm, the show will have its linear premiere on CBS. To stream Yellowstone and keep up with our season 5B coverage, follow this link. Stay updated with The Hollywood Reporter’s analysis.

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2024-12-02 08:26