The Dream Is Not Me

I have now watched and paid for the first 7 episodes of season 5 and I a not sure I would have watched it if it was free - the series is marking time and going nowhere , it has morphed from an R rated high octane series into a PG afternoon delight - I can't count the number of series that have grabbed an audience with R rated realism only to fall back to a PG 13 or TV 14 series for kids - some have had excellent writing and stories like Homeland and Outlander ( Until Season 5 ) - but Yellowstone needs a story and not the daily round up of two steers and a bar fight . And the next time I see a gal after sex walking around with a sheet tied around her I am going to throw up.

Show peaked in season 2, 10 points from me, then started to run out of ideas season by season really feel like countdown 10 9 8 7 6.... Politics kills the fun everywhere, it was obvious. At least i want to see the governer doing some business while vultures are all over the place, use that force to create some havoc here and there, instigate other ranches, just dont close your eyes for whats coming.

Fast forwarding many parts as i know nothing importants gonna happen. The newly introduced character using her charms to turn Jamie again, my god how original.

We are watching the slow and inevitable death of the ranch so far and its not dramatic, suspenseful, interesting just booooriiinnngggg.

There are shows my husband and I watch together like Succession, White Lotus and Yellowstone unfortunately I cannot handle another minute of this boring ridiculous crap. This show is so awful now I don't know how it still has any ratings or sponsors. Beth is ridiculous with her crying and fighting. Too much Rip!! John Dutton has done nothing for Montana as Governor..where's his secret service protection?? Why does he not have to meet with the state politicians regarding legislation? Why is Jamie turning into a cartoon character villain with jet black hair and an evil giggle. What happened to his baby and girlfriend?? Why is Casey so boring and why is his wife even more annoying this season? Why has Piper Perabo continued to look dirty for an entire season? Why is her face still puffy and red but Beth is back to old wounds from her bombing?

This show is awful!! No more for me. The Masked Singer is more enjoyable.

At this point Yellowstone is a fine-tuned machine. Different parts of story moving along smoothly, each part capable of piquing your interest depending on which characters you're most invested in.

This one has exceptionally memorable writing, especially towards the end. Summer's talk with John was thought provoking. It is definitely something Taylor himself cares about and the words coming out of Summer are Taylor's way of presenting us a road for all who really care about these issues, no matter on which side they are.

I am personally going back and rewatching that part and I suggest you do too. A reasonable voice like this is what we all can use these days.

"The Dream Is Not Me," the seventh episode of Yellowstone's fifth season, directed by Stephen Kay, marks a pivotal midpoint in the series' latest chapter, deftly blending intimate family revelations, political intrigue, and mounting external pressures. The episode offers a richer emotional landscape and significant narrative progression as it explores themes of loyalty, legacy, and survival against the unforgiving backdrop of Montana's ranching life.

Opening with a flashback revealing a formative and violent moment in a young Rip's life, the episode intricately weaves past and present. The brutal confrontation with Rowdy highlights Rip's fierce loyalty to the Yellowstone ranch and Beth, while laying foundational insights into Rip's complex character. This sequence enriches the narrative by illuminating how deeply the past informs the characters' present-day identities and decisions.

In the present day, Jamie's arc takes center stage with his increasing alliance with Sarah Atwood, who advocates transforming Yellowstone's future toward tourism and away from traditional ranching. Jamie's conflicted emotions toward his foster father John, his struggle for acceptance, and his willingness to challenge the family legacy lay bare intense familial tensions and political maneuvering. Wes Bentley's nuanced performance offers a window into Jamie's psyche, portraying ambition mixed with deep-seated resentment and vulnerability.

The episode also explores the gathering at the ranch, a traditional and physically demanding cattle roundup that serves as both a metaphor and a proving ground for the family's enduring bonds. John's reverence for this seasonally cyclical ritual captures his connection to the land and to heritage, while his growing public relationship with Summer Higgins indicates a personal evolution set against mounting public scrutiny. Kevin Costner and Piper Perabo's interactions add freshness and warmth to the developing romance subplot.

Beth's role unfolds with her characteristic sharp wit and steely resolve, particularly through her confrontations with Summer and her reflections on familial pain and endurance. Kelly Reilly's performance remains a striking balance of vulnerability and ferocity, reflecting Beth's layered persona shaped by trauma and love.

Monica's continued healing journey and complex integration within the Dutton family provide emotional heft. Her candid dialogues with Beth and her protective nature toward Tate highlight ongoing themes of belonging and cultural identity. The inclusion of Indigenous leadership and spirituality sustains the show's meaningful cultural grounding.

Directorially, Stephen Kay orchestrates a compelling visual and emotional rhythm, contrasting expansive Montana landscapes and intimate character interactions. The cinematography captures both the natural grandeur and the intimate tensions of ranch life with precision, and the episode's pacing balances slow-building emotional beats with bursts of narrative tension.

Thematically, "The Dream Is Not Me" delves into fractured identity, contested legacy, and the tenuous nature of power both within the family and the wider socio-political environment. The title suggests a reckoning with personal aspirations versus imposed destinies, reflecting the characters' struggles to reconcile who they are with who they are expected to be.

While some critics have noted the episode's careful pacing and character-driven focus contrast with earlier action-centered entries, these elements enrich narrative depth and set the stage for consequential events in the latter half of the season.

"The Dream Is Not Me" stands as a thoughtful and evocative installment that encapsulates Yellowstone's neo-Western strengths-emotional complexity, richly drawn characters, and a keen sense of place and tradition. Under Stephen Kay's assured direction and powered by a compelling ensemble, the episode challenges viewers to ponder questions of identity, loyalty, and the ever-changing landscape of legacy and survival.