As a die-hard fan of Yellowstone, I must say that Taylor Sheridan’s masterful storytelling never ceases to amaze me. Each episode is like a rollercoaster ride, filled with suspense, heartache, and moments of sheer beauty that leave you yearning for more.
[This story contains spoilers from the second episode of season 5B of Yellowstone.]
Including the most recent installment of “Yellowstone” in the collection of intense clashes between Beth and Jamie Dutton is a must.
The intense family feud portrayed in Taylor Sheridan’s long-running Paramount Network series has delivered some of the most shocking twists, none more so than when viewers learned that as teenagers, Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley) assisted Beth (Kelly Reilly) in obtaining an abortion at a clinic that covertly sterilized patients without their consent. This act of betrayal was unforgivable for Beth, fueling her anger as the series reaches its alleged climax with season 5B.
In the second installment of season 5B, scripted by Sheridan and helmed by Christina Voros, the TV series Yellowstone lived up to expectations as it unfolded the long-awaited confrontation between Jamie and Beth, triggered by the startling revelation of John Dutton’s (portrayed by Kevin Costner) demise. The initial episode had shed light on the fact that Jamie and his girlfriend Sarah Atwood (played by Dawn Olivieri) were involved in a murder-for-hire scheme, orchestrating John’s death to make it appear as a suicide. Though Beth and other characters are not aware of this information at this point, she suspects deep down that Jamie was responsible for their father’s death and sought a private encounter with him to verify her suspicions.
As I was scrolling through Twitter, it struck me as odd how many folks were upset about John Dutton’s demise, even though we all knew Kevin Costner wasn’t returning to the show. There were plenty who were furious that John was killed – and honestly, you should be mad about it. The characters themselves are outraged by his death. In a peculiar twist, this anger is exactly what the storyline aims to evoke. You’re not meant to be at peace with it.
In a fit of anger, Beth strikes Jamie three times on the face and pushes Sarah aside as she exits her brother’s government office in a forceful manner. She then contacts her other brother, Kayce Dutton (played by Luke Grimes), to inform him about the incident. It seems that the brothers are now likely to retaliate against their distant sibling Jamie, who coincidentally serves as Montana’s Attorney General.
In the following segment, Voros offers an exclusive look at the production of the second episode, discussing the intense fight scene between Wes Bentley and Kelly Reilly, delving into Jamie’s motivations and potential chess strategies as he confronts his family, addressing the viewer response to the record-breaking Yellowstone premiere, along with Costner’s reaction, and emphasizing that this series is more than just unraveling the mystery surrounding John Dutton’s death; it’s about much more than that.
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First of all, have you been keeping up with the audience reaction to the Yellowstone premiere?
After watching it, I must admit my curiosity was piqued. The response is as I anticipated. Typically, when a cherished series reaches its final season, viewers tend to express a variety of opinions. Some will adore it till the very end, while others may dislike that it’s ending at all. Given the deep affection many have for this show, different expectations about favorite characters and their conclusions are bound to exist. It’s an arduous task to meet everyone’s ideal resolution for the story. [Editor’s note: Although discussions for a sixth season of Yellowstone are ongoing, it has been announced that season 5B will serve as its conclusion.]
It’s fascinating to observe how many viewers express dismay over John Dutton’s death on Twitter, despite Kevin Costner’s confirmation that he wouldn’t return to the show. It seems people refuse to accept this fact, indicating a desire for a different outcome. In an uncanny twist, this mirrors real life imitating art. Many were enraged by John’s demise – and rightfully so, as per the narrative. Characters in the show are upset about his death too. Therefore, it could be argued that the intention is to make us feel upset, not indifferent. The death of a beloved character like John Dutton is supposed to stir emotions, reflecting the feelings of the characters within the series.
In our recent conversation, I expressed my appreciation for the daring approach taken when telling the story, particularly the immediate handling of [John’s fate]. I’m excited to witness the audience’s reaction as the season progresses, as that’s where things become intricate, layered, and aesthetically pleasing without the initial grand move setting the tone. However, it’s important to note that the storyline is far from concluded. The remainder of the season holds many unpredictable twists, and no one can truly foresee where this new direction will lead us. Contrary to some expectations, the season doesn’t end with John’s demise being revealed; instead, it leaves us wondering about what lies ahead.
Did Kevin Costner express his feelings about the premiere? Yes, he mentioned that he learned his character dies by suicide, and as a result, he hasn’t watched the episode immediately. He mused, “Perhaps it’s a false lead. Who can tell?” So, are you looking forward to see if Kevin Costner will catch up with these final episodes to witness how John Dutton’s legacy unfolds?
I do. I think he will. We really have built a family over the years. As the Duttons are a family, so are the actors playing them. We have built a story together over seven years of filming from start to finish. I would like to think that he would want to know what the resolution is, not just for him, but for everyone.
The episode was the biggest ever in the ratings for the show. What do you attribute to that?
After such a prolonged break due to the strike, there’s been an immense anticipation. Many acquaintances I met were puzzled as they thought it wasn’t airing on Paramount+. However, considering the delayed viewership data like Live+3 and Live+7, I believe the ratings will be significantly higher because some viewers might have taken a day or two to catch up. This isn’t unexpected though, as each season has seen an escalation in viewership compared to the previous one. Given that this is the final season, it doesn’t surprise me that more people are catching up. In fact, during the pandemic, many new viewers discovered the show due to having extra time to explore new content. Consequently, a larger audience followed the plot since they discovered it during that period. Frankly, I would have been taken aback if the trend had been reversed.
I’m eager to delve into the intense conflict scene between Jamie and Beth Dutton (portrayed by Wes Bentley and Kelly Reilly) in this episode. The moment Jamie was taken aback by Beth’s presence in his office, I found myself mirroring that reaction, thinking “Ah, here we go; she’s here!” The series has already revealed John Dutton’s destiny, and now, just two weeks later, we’re witnessing the first encounter between Beth and Jamie. Why are we rushing to this point so soon in the current timeline?
When asked about the writing, it’s challenging for me because I can’t explain how Taylor [Sheridan] weaves his enchantment into these scripts. I don’t know how he creates the intricate, deeply layered stories that they are, given the numerous narratives he is currently handling. He’s a unique talent; it’s a puzzle to me.
In terms of personal perspective, it seems like this method aligns with the approach taken in the premiere. Rushing towards the unavoidable conflicts allows for more time to introduce unexpected elements and complexities. Since viewers are aware that a confrontation between Beth and Jamie is imminent, the focus shifts to what happens next. The intriguing aspect of the season’s development is that by addressing these early questions, it leaves many mysteries open to speculation as the story progresses.
How many times did you film Beth slapping Jamie, and can you talk about the stunt work there?
The stunt team members on our series are exceptional: Jason Rodriguez and Jordan Warrack, who collaborate closely, have been with this cast since the very first season. Their expertise in handling high-action scenes is commendable. From a production perspective, we always ensure that stunt doubles are available to safeguard the actors, but it’s safe to say that approximately 98% of the time, the actors perform the stunts themselves. This blend of having an accomplished stunt crew overseeing the action and the actors taking charge to convincingly portray punches, falls, and blows is something they have mastered over time. Given the physical nature of our show, we’ve pushed the cast hard in terms of their physical abilities, yet each member has proven up to the challenge and often volunteers to take on these demanding tasks.
So that was Wes and Kelly doing the slap stunts?
Yes.
“Was I supposed to bring in a substitute actor for the upcoming scene where my character, Sarah, gets pushed hard by Beth and falls to the ground?”
It seems like we may have performed a scene where she fell to the ground and then inserted a second take for that particular moment. However, I’m not convinced it was necessary. Occasionally, you might use doubles to perform certain actions due to their presence, but it’s not because the main cast didn’t convincingly portray the scene themselves.
In the initial scene, where we see the flashback, it’s a mix of real rattlesnakes, rubber snakes, and a stunt snake named Fred. We even had a stand-in for Cole [Hauser] in case he was uncomfortable with live snakes. However, Cole was game and handled the live snake himself!
On the program, the doubles have been simply remarkable. They’ve skillfully mastered the art of mimicking an actor’s movements, making it appear as if they were actually in the actor’s body. However, more often than not, the actors prefer to perform these stunts themselves.
During season 5A, I had individual conversations with Wes and Kelly about the intensity of their on-screen relationship and the challenges of shooting their confrontation scenes. In these scenes, were they like two boxers staying in their corners? How did they assist each other during filming? Additionally, how much time was spent filming this particular scene?
I can’t recall exactly how much time elapsed. During such intense performances, repetition becomes less desirable. After all, there’s no need for it. When working with Wes and Kelly, they immediately deliver top-notch performance without any warm-up period. They come ready to perform, giving their best each time. Therefore, when we shoot multiple takes with them, it’s mainly about exploring different ideas; slight changes to observe the results. However, they are fully engaged once we say “Action.
Over the course of several years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to perform numerous emotionally charged and confrontational scenes between these characters. In season three, I had the opportunity to portray a flashback scene that sheds light on the reasons behind their complex relationship [as it is later revealed that Jamie helped Beth obtain an abortion, unaware that the clinic performed forced sterilizations without her knowledge] . This relationship holds a special place in my heart. I feel privileged to have been a part of its development since the beginning, and it’s always gratifying when actors are so dedicated to exploring the minutest details of their performances. Their dedication to ground these intense moments in reality prevents them from feeling exaggerated; instead, they are deeply rooted in the years of character development.
In my conversation with Wes prior to this season, he shared that Jamie was troubled even before his father passed away, leaving us wondering about his future direction. In this particular episode, it appears that Jamie lacks a clear purpose or motivation. He seems to be following Sarah’s lead and going against the wishes of John and Beth, but it’s unclear what he truly desires for himself. When he can’t look Beth in the eye or defend his actions, he comes across as surrendering. However, in the subsequent scene, Jamie is fully committed to Sarah. So, one might ask, what does Jamie really want?
It appears to me that at the start of this season, Jamie has seemingly lost everything apart from his reputation. However, when I refer to his name, it’s worth noting that he’s lost both his biological father and the man who raised him, John. So, in essence, he’s only got his good name left, you could say. His father is deceased, and he doesn’t have much of a relationship with his siblings. Sarah is the one he has, but their relationship can be complicated because it’s often unclear who’s manipulating whom, and how much of it is genuine emotion versus strategy. Throughout all this, Jamie has always been resourceful, and in that scene with Beth, even if he were to look up, there wouldn’t seem to be a positive outcome. At that point, the only viable path seems to be facing the situation head-on. Approaching her during her grief and anger isn’t likely to yield favorable results, regardless of how confrontational his approach might be.
What I think is interesting about Wes’ choices is that there’s a way to look at it where you say, “He’s showing his hand; he’s showing his guilt.” Is he? Or is it a chess move to get her out of there? Is being submissive in that moment the quickest way to bring that moment to an end?
As a gamer, I’d rephrase it as: “Then, inside me, I received an update from Beth – she thinks Jamie might’ve been involved in John’s death following their altercation. I bit my lip so hard it bled. Was that part of the script?
It was scripted.
Across his face, there’s a lot happening, prompting Monica (Kelsey Asbille) to express her concern to their son Tate (Breckin Merrill). She urges him to watch over his father closely when he becomes silent. This leaves us wondering: How will Kayce deal with the revelation that Jamie was responsible for John’s death?
As a devoted fan, I’ve always seen Kayce as a warrior at heart. His identity has been deeply rooted in this image since day one, but he’s constantly grappling with the dual concepts of what family truly means for him and where his allegiance lies. Is it possible to protect his wife, son, and uphold the [Dutton] legacy and land? This internal struggle is evident, and in this particular moment, Kayce seems driven by an unadulterated determination and resolve. He’s on a mission – a mission to unearth the source of danger that threatens all aspects of his family. In essence, the initial phase of retribution involves identifying the enemy, right? And in Luke’s captivating portrayal, you can sense an intense concentration, a laser-like focus, as he meticulously scrutinizes every detail to ensure the safety of every version of his family.
In this episode, the flashbacks skillfully depicted the tranquil prelude to a tempest, while beautifully portraying moments between Beth and Rip, as well as Kayce and Monica. I’m left pondering whether Yellowstone will allow our beloved pairs to peacefully journey towards the horizon… Just how concerned should we be for their safety? Could you elaborate on the way this season intertwines both past and present narratives? How quickly are we approaching a point where these two storylines converge?
It seems the flashbacks are effectively emphasizing the high stakes for everyone. They’re making us aware of what we’re fighting for and deepening our attachment to the characters portrayed so compellingly by these gifted actors. Essentially, they’re serving two purposes.
As a gamer, I get where folks are coming from when they’re annoyed by the flashbacks – they’re eager to crack the mystery behind John Dutton’s death and move on. Yet, I believe that’s exactly the creator’s intention. The show is making us pause, immerse ourselves in the gravity of the situation ahead. Remember, it’s not just about John; he’s a crucial piece, but this saga has always been about the land.
For us, the landscape plays a pivotal role in our filming process – it’s almost like the first name on the call sheet. If it’s raining, snowing, or there’s smoke, we can’t shoot that day. It serves as the setting for every scene and character, and it’s what everyone is striving to capture. We have a good idea of John’s story, but we’re still exploring the fate of other elements. I believe Taylor is using these flashbacks to remind us of an idyllic depiction of the world that was on the brink of change. Yes, they had to transport the cattle to Texas, and Beth and Rip were separated by several states. Yet, everything seemed fine. It’s crucial to contrast this peaceful period with our current quest for answers about John’s disappearance – a mystery we aim to solve.
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Every Sunday at 8 PM, I tune in to the Paramount Network for the latest episodes of Yellowstone’s exciting fifth season, part B. For those who can’t catch it live, there’s a replay on CBS at 10 PM. If you want to stay updated with all things Yellowstone, including an exclusive chat with Wes Bentley in week two, make sure to check out THR’s coverage and stream the show accordingly!
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2024-11-18 16:26