Editor’s Note: The following article contains spoilers regarding the premiere of the latter half of Season 5 of “Yellowstone.”
CNN
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The destiny of Kevin Costner’s character, John Dutton, has finally been unveiled in “Yellowstone.”
The much-anticipated second installment of Season 5 premiered on Sunday, revealing mere moments into the episode that Dutton, the family’s patriarch, tragically succumbed to injuries inflicted by a gunshot.
Initially, it is presumed that Dutton’s demise results from his own actions, yet as the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that he was the victim of a calculated murder orchestrated by Sarah Atwood (portrayed by Dawn Olivieri), who is romantically entwined with Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley).
In June, Costner publicly disclosed his decision to depart from the series ahead of its latest season.
He announced this via a heartfelt video on Instagram.
“I wanted to inform you that, after an extensive year and a half dedicating myself to ‘Horizon’ and contemplating ‘Yellowstone,’ the beloved series that holds a special place in my heart—and I know in yours—I’ve come to the realization that I will not be able to continue with Season 5b or beyond,” Costner shared.
‘Horizon: An American Saga,’ Costner’s latest venture, was the inaugural installment of a proposed multi-part film series that ultimately struggled to achieve commercial success.
On Monday, Costner appeared on Sirius XM’s “The Michael Smerconish Program”, where he disclosed that he was unaware of the episode’s airing over the weekend, nor the particulars surrounding his character’s fate.
“I actually discovered it this morning,” he remarked.
Costner noted that he has yet to view the episode but has been informed of the circumstances surrounding Dutton’s death, which “doesn’t particularly compel me to rush to watch it.”
“That’s their prerogative,” he stated. “I dedicated five seasons to the show—something I hadn’t anticipated would last that long. There were several occasions when I contemplated potential endings for my character.”
Fans of “Yellowstone” have taken to social media to express their dismay at the departure of Costner’s character and the manner in which he was written out of the series.
Several cast members also shared their sorrow regarding his exit.
“It’s challenging to envision the show without his presence. Yet, that trajectory was always an inherent part of the narrative. The core question was whether these younger characters could sustain the series without him,” remarked Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton, in an interview with The Independent.
“We were all aware that this moment would eventually arrive; we simply didn’t anticipate how or when it would transpire, and clearly, the execution diverged from our expectations,” Grimes added. “What it did succeed in doing, however, was escalating the show’s intensity to a whole new level, propelling everything into disarray.”
“Yellowstone” is broadcast on Paramount and can be accessed for purchase on demand via Prime Video.
Vocabulary List:
- Unveiled /ʌnˈveɪld/ (verb): To reveal or disclose something that was previously hidden or unknown.
- Tragically /ˈtrædʒɪkli/ (adverb): In a very sad or unfortunate way.
- Orchestrated /ˈɔːrkəˌstreɪtɪd/ (verb): To arrange or direct the elements of a situation to produce a desired effect.
- Dismay /dɪsˈmeɪ/ (noun): Concern and distress caused by something unexpected.
- Contemplating /ˈkɒntəmˌpleɪtɪŋ/ (verb): To think deeply or consider something thoughtfully.
- Trajectory /trəˈdʒɛktəri/ (noun): The path followed by a projectile or an object moving under the action of forces.
