This show, especially this episode really makes me think Costner loves Trump and wants to have a show epitomize him. A type of "I do whatever I want no matter the consequences, as long as he profits" attitude.
I get the allure of shows centered around evil people. But even Dexter, a serial killer, had story arches. He lost battles and had to grow and develop. And eventually be help responsible for misdeeds. But Yellowstone has none if that. Which is why it is a boring show. More a drinking game. If a Dutton acts toxic and evil, then take a shot. If they get away with it, then take a drink.
Thoughts on show that fill the rest of character requirements:
I'm not sure if I watch this because good post pandemic tv is as sparse as during the pandemic or it's some sort of guilty pleasure. Like watching a really bad show to laugh
And here is why, I think this
The show unapologetically displays the Dutton family as the Sopranos. Low moral and unethical values towards everyone but the literal few members in the family (but not all family members). Murder is easily accepted and for trivial reasons. They brand human beings in this morbid sense of ownership/solidarity for the worker bees.
I have no idea hy so many people rave about Beth. She is a repulsive human being with zero humanity. Evil comes to mind. Sociopath comes to mind. I have not want d a show to kill off a character so bad since Geoffrey in GOT, but even that show had what this one does not...it had a give and take of power and struggle between people and groups.
The script in nearly every episode is a child's game of "I win". The plots are laughable as their is zero real character development in any character on the show. No lessons. No obstacles...the give and take. It's just an entry if new character...a Dutton has a tantrum and then they win. Zero real world accountability. They use situations like other gravity ti then and characters like tissue paper. Use them and then throw them away for no purpose than Dutton win. It has been a long time since I have seen a show close to as bad as this with so many aspects. I can B rated shiws know to let the main cast struggle for good portions of a season. To show lessons learned. To grow. To change.
And the toxic cowboy up mentality fixes all. Get shot with builders several times over...then just cowboy up and you can just rip out your IV and walk out the hospital, go ride a horse and good in a few days at full health. --or destroy your spine, but cowboy up after doctor says any impact will make you a quadriplegic and then you are suddenly fine. Although ti be honest about that character...he was the ONLY one I router for...and mainly to get away from Duttons...to a ranch's be people who aren't evil.
But route for all characters that have a chance to obliterate the Dutton family. This show has made me not trust Montana as a whole...even though I'm sure most people there are just hard working people. But this show is my only reference and has made me not want to ever go there. And that makes me sad, even though I realize this is a fake depiction. But real world people have swept social media applauding this family. Especially Beth. And that is what scares me.
In contrast, the spin off 1883 was incredible. Shocking that 2 singers did 1000% better than veteran actors in Yellowstone. Supposedly there is another spin off coming. I hope and pray it's like 1883 and not Yellowstone.
