‘Yellowstone’: Taylor Sheridan Directs Super-Sized Season Finale (Exclusive)

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As a seasoned gamer of life and television, I can confidently say that the final episode of Yellowstone, directed by Taylor Sheridan himself, has my heart pounding with anticipation. Having followed this captivating series since its inception, I’ve grown accustomed to the intricate narrative weaving that only Mr. Sheridan can masterfully execute.

Taylor Sheridan stepped behind the camera for what may be the final episode of Yellowstone.

It’s been revealed by The Hollywood Reporter that the co-creator and writer of the popular Paramount Network series will direct the last episode of season 5B, which airs this Sunday. This final episode is being billed as a special season finale event and can be seen at 8 p.m. on Paramount Network.

In a departure from the usual, the December 15th episode will be extended, lasting an hour and twenty-six minutes. Entitled “Life Is A Promise,” the summary for the finale written by Sheridan hints at the resolution, “The future of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch is unveiled.

As a passionate storyteller, I’ve had the privilege of directing the entire first season of Yellowstone back in 2018. Since then, I’ve been at the helm for numerous episodes across my Paramount+ universe, including Mayor of Kingstown, the prequel to Yellowstone titled 1883, Lioness, and Landman, which is currently gracing our screens with its debut season. My journey as a writer and director kicked off with the critically acclaimed film Wind River in 2017.

In the fifth season of ‘Yellowstone’, Christina Voros, one of the executive producers, took charge of directing the first four episodes, while Michael Friedman, another executive producer, steered last week’s nearly concluding episode, where Taylor Sheridan demonstrated yet another role he plays on the show: acting.

During the entirety of “Yellowstone”, Travis Wheatley, portrayed by Sheridan, has consistently appeared on screen as a Texas horse trainer. In the latest episode titled “Give the World Away”, we find Travis at his own ranch in Texas, which was actually filmed at the Bosque Ranch owned by Sheridan. This real-life cowboy displayed his riding abilities, along with his poker skills during a game of strip poker, featuring his girlfriend played by Bella Hadid. It is worth noting that Sheridan owns not just one but two ranches in Texas, the other being the Four Sixes Ranch, another filming location for “Yellowstone”.

The journey concludes next week with “Life Is A Promise,” the finale, for our beloved series within the Yellowstone universe. Despite delays due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes and disagreements with star Kevin Costner, leading to his departure from the show, Paramount Network declared that season 5B would be the concluding chapter of Yellowstone. However, there are discussions ongoing between key cast members Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser about potentially continuing the show’s legacy in a sixth season.

Reilly and Hauser are eager to continue working with Sheridan as his writing guides them. By the end of the season, we’ll know if the audience is on board with this journey, as Reilly said to THR. “The decision ultimately lies with them,” he added, “they might choose to conclude the story or continue it, so we’ll see. It needs to feel genuine.

Following the initial disclosure about the destiny of John Dutton, portrayed by Costner, in the season 5B premiere (this is how the show addressed his departure), the phenomenal comeback of Yellowstone has persistently attracted massive viewership as we approach the finale.

As the creator of the “Yellowstone” universe takes up the director’s role for the final chapter, anticipation grows about how this series will conclude and whether its finale might set the stage for more stories to unfold in the future.

Voros shared with THR that he was taken aback by the finale, as he hadn’t anticipated it. He believes that a fitting end for a great tale should be both surprising yet foreseeable, but one doesn’t realize its predictability until it happens. Reflecting on it, everything falls into place. However, prior to reaching that point, it would have been unforeseen. In storytelling, this is the sweet spot where the unexpected and the inevitable meet, and Taylor has managed to achieve this with the finale, he said.

Regardless of the final outcome, the world created by Sheridan in Yellowstone is still moving forward at a rapid pace. Currently in production is spinoff series The Madison featuring Michelle Pfeiffer, while the second season of prequel 1923 returns on Feb 23. Additionally, another prequel spinoff set in 1944 will be developed, following the footsteps of 1883 and 1923, although details are scarce about this upcoming series.

The final episode of Yellowstone’s fifth season will be aired this Sunday at 8 PM on the Paramount Network. Following this, it will also have its premiere on CBS at 10 PM. Here is how you can stream Yellowstone if you prefer.

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2024-12-11 17:25