It seems as if the mainYellowstonestory has finally come to a close, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t moreTaylor Sheridanmaterial worth exploring. In fact, with thenews of a new spin-off sequel, withCole HauserandKelly Reillyreprising their roles as Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler, the door for further continuations remains open. Given how the neo-Western drama ended, there’s one Yellowstone Universe spin-off idea that we hope Paramount and Sheridan opt to pursue further, even if it’s simply a limited event: What’s next for the people ofthe Broken Rock Indian Reservation?
‘Yellowstone’ Could Pivot to the New Stewards of the Land
Withan ending that many of us saw comingall the way backin the prequel series1883, Taylor Sheridan’s decision to endYellowstonebyreturning the bulk of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch over to the people of Broken Rockwas a controversial one. After having vowed to take John Dutton’s (Kevin Costner) land way back in the first season, Chief Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) purchased it from Beth and Kayce (Luke Grimes), and any trace of the Yellowstone brand was thus removed. Whether you liked this ending or not, there’s no denying that there’s a new story now to be told. Characters like Mo (Moses Brings Plenty), who brings traditional Indigenous values and culture toYellowstone, have been fan favorites for years, and it’s time that the Paramount Network drama finally leans into that.
We’ve seen what it looks like when the Dutton family honors the land. We’ve seen how they arrived on it in1883, and how they fought to preserve and build it into what it is today (per1923,the upcoming1944, andall thoseJosh Lucasflashbacks). In the 21st century, we’ve even seen the final years of the ranch and how John and his children fought to keep it out of the hands of those who would develop it. But if the people of Broken Rock are now set on restoring the land to its proper significance, and have effectively annexed it into the reservation, what exactly does that look like?How will Rainwater implement these changes, and will there be others who wish to stop them?Will Governor Steven Rawlings (Gareth Williams) attempt to fight Rainwater regarding the future of a Rhode Island-sized piece of land in Montana? Will Market Equities try to buy the reservation out? Beth and Rip may have moved on from Paradise Valley, but that doesn’t mean everyone else has.
Considering that Kayce and Monica (Kelsey Asbille) have also remained at the Duttons' east camp, having put a new home of their own together, maybe they too could factor into Rainwater’s plans. We’ve seenMonica fight to protect the women of the Rezin the past, but maybe now,she could use her teaching abilities for a different cause, one at the heart of the very land her husband’s ancestors once protected. Early on in the series, Kayce and Monica’s son, Tate (Brecken Merrill), was seen as a branch between these two peoples. A Broken Rock-centric continuation may just lean further into that.
‘Yellowstone’ Season 5 Finale Recap: Who Makes It Out Alive as the Duttons Take Their Final Bow (For Now)?
The Dutton saga is over, at least for the moment. Here’s how it all ends.
‘Yellowstone’ Often Neglected Its Indigenous Cast (Though the Prequels Didn’t)
We’ve noted before thatYellowstonehas always had a problem highlighting its Indigenous cast,particularly Gil Birmingham, who needed something more interesting to do than simply stand around and wax his frustrations. In Season 5 Part 2 alone, we had not one, but two scenes with Rainwater and Mo gazing at the oil pipeline noting that they “need to do something” about it before any action is finally taken in the super-sized Season 5 finale.While the prequel shows,1883and1923, do a far better job highlighting the Native stories woven into the Dutton narrative,the flagship show never tackled much on the Rez. Compared to other neo-Westerns likeLongmire,Dark Winds,or evenNetflix’s latest drama,Territory,Yellowstoneoften missed the mark.
Buta Broken Rock-based continuation could change that. Much like howTaylor Sheridan’s directorial debut,Wind River,tackled the harshness of the titular reservation, so too could this franchise if Paramount were interested. Characters like Thomas Rainwater, Monica Dutton, and Mo all have serious potential within the greaterYellowstonestory, and it’s about time for them to finally get to see the spotlight. Some of us aren’t quite ready to give up on the Dutton Ranch just yet, and even if the ranch itself no longer exists, the land is a major player in the Yellowstone universe, a character in itself that pushes the narrative forward. If that story is to continue, this is how.
Yellowstone
A ranching family in Montana faces off against others encroaching on their land.
Yellowstone(Seasons 1-5A) is available for streaming on Peacock.
Watch on Peacock
