Taylor Sheridan’s New Yellowstone Show Just Called Out Kevin Costner’s John Dutton

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The following article contains spoilers for Dutton Ranch season 1, episode 2, “Earn Another Day”.

In Yellowstone, John Dutton III was depicted as the classic, strong-willed leader of a Western family. Even though times had changed, he was determined to preserve his family’s land and traditions, and he wouldn’t hesitate to break the law or use harsh methods to do so. The show didn’t present John as a perfect man, but it suggested that his actions were justified given the circumstances and the need for a tough, uncompromising approach to protect what was his.

The departure of John Dutton (following Kevin Costner’s exit) significantly impacted Yellowstone. Without him fighting to protect the ranch, the show’s characters and storyline lost their strength, ultimately leading to a lackluster series finale.

With John Dutton gone, Beth and Rip are now navigating life without him, and their new show, Dutton Ranch, makes them reconsider his choices. While John was alive, Beth always fiercely supported him and never questioned his difficult life. Now that he’s passed away, she finds herself constantly wondering if all his struggles were truly worth it, and she shares these thoughts with Rip in the premiere episode of Dutton Ranch.

I loved the second episode, “Earn Another Day”! It was packed with little nods to the original Yellowstone, like a mention of Walker and a really touching moment when Rip hired Zachariah. It reminded me so much of how he brought Walker into the fold, and it really hit me that these weren’t just fun references – they were a beautiful way to honor Rip’s former boss and the father figure he lost.

Unlike John Dutton, Rip Puts Cowboy Work Over Legacy At Dutton Ranch

As a critic, I’ve seen plenty of stories about second chances, but ‘Yellowstone’ presents a particularly brutal take on the idea. The show posits that for ex-convicts, a stable job and a roof over their heads at the Yellowstone Ranch feels like hitting the jackpot. But it quickly becomes clear that working for John Dutton isn’t about simple employment. He demands absolute loyalty – a lifelong commitment – and marks his employees, literally, with the Yellowstone brand. It’s a shocking, almost medieval practice that ensures these men, while given a new life, are never truly free. It’s less a redemption story and more a fascinating look at control and ownership.

Zachariah accepted a job with Rip after a very short and blunt interview, and everyone wondered if he’d be branded. But as soon as they got back to the ranch, it was clear that wasn’t going to happen. Rip put Zachariah to work right away, with only a warning from Azul that Rip doesn’t tolerate incompetence.

I’ve been thinking about John and Rip, and it’s really struck me how different they are. John always seemed to be chasing something more than just being a cowboy – he was obsessed with his family’s history and what he’d be remembered for. It actually held him back from fully embracing the life he claimed to want. But Rip? Now that he’s free from being John’s right-hand man, it’s so clear he just wants the simple things: honest work, a hard day’s pay, and that’s enough for him. He doesn’t care about building a legacy, and honestly, that makes him the real cowboy.

The peaceful feeling also reaches Rip’s ranch hands, something the guys at John’s bunkhouse never quite experienced despite their close bond. In one of the most heartwarming scenes of the series so far, Zachariah, newly released from prison, looks up at the Texas stars and quietly says, “Yeah.” He doesn’t have a mansion or vast property; all he has is a simple bunk in the barn. But in that moment, Zachariah feels more content than John Dutton ever has.

Beth & Rip Could Use Some Of John Dutton’s Ruthlessness

Beth and Rip’s peaceful life has a downside, and they might be in danger if they don’t prepare to defend themselves. Although they aren’t poised to take over the Dutton Ranch, Beulah Jackson, the owner of a massive Texas ranch, certainly sees them as a threat and has already targeted them as enemies.

Beth has managed to find ways around Beulah’s attempts to blackmail her, but Beulah is still watching her closely. Beulah is currently dealing with the problems caused by Rob-Will and trying to restore order to her bunkhouse, but she hasn’t forgotten Beth and recognizes her as a potential problem, as demonstrated by her investigation into John Dutton’s past.

The show makes it clear that Beulah intends to relentlessly pursue control of Dutton Ranch. Beth’s current tactics, like the operation in San Antonio, won’t be enough. Eventually, she’ll need to resort to the same ruthless methods she used when her father was alive. While John Dutton was a harsh man, his strategies worked, and that tough approach will undoubtedly continue at Dutton Ranch.

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2026-05-16 02:39