Taylor Sheridan’s Redemption Arc: Crafting Character Deaths in ‘Yellowstone’ and ‘Landman’
In the realm of television storytelling, character deaths often serve as pivotal moments that can either resonate deeply with audiences or leave them feeling unsatisfied. This dichotomy has recently been highlighted following Kevin Costner’s abrupt exit from the hit series Yellowstone, which has sparked discussions about the show’s finale and its impact on the audience’s perception of its narrative. With the introduction of Sheridan’s new project, Landman, viewers are hopeful he may deliver more fulfilling character arcs and conclusions.
Kevin Costner’s Disappointing Departure from Yellowstone
Kevin Costner’s character, John Dutton, was the heart of Yellowstone. However, following creative differences between Costner and series creator Taylor Sheridan, John’s story met an abrupt end in season 5. Costner’s departure forced Sheridan to navigate a delicate plot resolution without his lead actor, resulting in an anticlimactic ending to a beloved character’s journey. John’s demise came in the form of an unceremonious assassination while he slept, which many believed contradicted years of character development where John fought fiercely to protect his family and land.
Critics have pointed out that John’s unexpected death lacked the necessary buildup and emotional resonance. Viewers were left feeling that the show fell short of providing a heroic and meaningful farewell for John Dutton, as the narrative had to compensate for the unforeseen loss of its central figure. The pacing and suddenness of the plot shift left his character arc feeling unfinished and unworthy of its long-standing audience investment.
A Second Chance with Landman
In contrast to the missteps experienced in Yellowstone, Sheridan appears poised to deliver a more satisfying narrative experience in his upcoming series, Landman. The show centers on Monty Miller, played by Jon Hamm, whose character’s health has been a critical concern throughout the first season. Unlike John Dutton’s sudden and underwhelming end, Monty’s potential demise appears to be a culmination of carefully constructed narrative threads that have been developing over time.
As revealed in Landman‘s ninth episode, Monty is in critical condition from heart complications – a concern that has been woven into the story fabric. If this storyline leads to Monty’s death, it may grant the series the opportunity to craft an emotionally resonant and well-earned farewell that Yellowstone failed to achieve with John Dutton. As one source noted, Landman “created a situation where even the death of a major star’s character felt natural and earned, which is what Yellowstone should have done with John.”
The Future of Sheridan’s Franchises
Landman has already hinted at its potential to expand into a franchise that could rival the success of Yellowstone. With a star-studded cast including Billie Bob Thornton and Demi Moore, alongside Hamm, the series presents numerous intriguing characters and narratives ripe for exploration. The show’s focus on the oil industry and its socio-economic ramifications forms a unique backdrop that could easily translate into multiple seasons, similar to the sprawling saga of ranching depicted in Yellowstone.
Taylor Sheridan’s evolution as a writer is visible in this new project, where he has gained valuable experience from his time in television. This ensures that character developments and plot resolutions are more thoughtfully planned and executed, avoiding the pitfalls that plagued the conclusion of Yellowstone.
Conclusion
The significant contrast between John Dutton’s demise in Yellowstone and the potential death of Monty in Landman exemplifies a critical shift in Sheridan’s storytelling approach. As audiences await the official conclusion of Landman, scheduled to premiere on November 17, 2024, there is a newfound optimism among fans that Sheridan may be ready to rectify the narrative shortcomings of his previous series and deliver a character-driven drama that honors its characters’ struggles and triumphs. This evolution in storytelling could have lasting implications for Sheridan’s legacy and the future of his television enterprises.
