A Divisive Finale: Fans Turn on Creator Taylor Sheridan
In the realm of popular shows, the aftermath of a series finale often breeds discord among fans in the vast online landscape. Each fan carries their unique set of expectations for how the story should culminate, while the creative forces behind the scenes strive to mold their narrative in accordance with their own artistic vision. However, in the wake of the turbulent conclusion to "Yellowstone," the blame finds its target in the figure of creator Taylor Sheridan.
The fervent fanbase meticulously cultivated by Sheridan found itself at a crossroads following the termination of Season 5A, as news surfaced that Kevin Costner, the star of the show, would not be returning. Reasoning that his creative pursuits beckoned him elsewhere, Costner’s departure left the scripts for the final episodes of "Yellowstone" lingering in a state of perpetual unreadiness. Consequently, Sheridan found himself compelled to bid farewell to the cherished patriarch of the series.
The repercussions of this decision reverberated throughout the fan community, with many finding it a bitter pill to swallow. Their vexation might have dissipated had Season 5B succeeded in delivering a gratifying resolution. Alas, fans contend that the manner in which the finale unfolded mirrors the shortcomings of the entire season, characterized by rushed storylines and substantial narrative threads left dangling in the wind. A prevailing sentiment among fans implicates Sheridan’s quest for on-screen presence as a contributing factor to this unsatisfactory denouement.
Sheridan’s portrayal of horse trainer Travis Wheatley on "Yellowstone" assumed a central role in the unfolding drama, a presence felt in numerous episodes leading up to Season 5. However, his conspicuous appearance in the penultimate episode struck a dissonant chord within the audience. A peculiar sequence ensues as Wheatley coerces Beth into a mock game of strip poker, eventually prompting Rip to recount a poignant tale extolling Wheatley’s virtues. This bizarre interlude left many viewers perplexed, to say the least.
The disgruntlement towards Sheridan culminated in a wave of disparagement unleashed upon the finale of "Yellowstone" by disappointed fans. One viewer expressed their disillusionment, lamenting, "#YellowstoneTV finale was a letdown that never should’ve come to pass, as Sheridan dismantled the premier TV series and shoehorned his wooden, verbose persona into the final act." Another critique echoed this sentiment, condemning Sheridan for manipulating the entire season to serve as a promotional platform for himself and a prospective spin-off venture.
Amidst the turbulent aftermath of the finale, the narrative was punctuated by an exceptional performance from Kelly Reilly, lauded by fans as one of the standout performances of the year on television. Beth’s vindictive arc reaches a climax as she exacts retribution on Jamie, orchestrating his demise and framing him for a series of heinous transgressions. While justice may remain elusive, Beth’s resolute fulfillment of her promise suffices to satiate her thirst for vengeance.
As fans grapple with their disenchantment towards Sheridan, a ray of hope emerges in the form of an impending spin-off featuring the indomitable duo of Beth and Rip. This prospect offers a glimmer of possibility for unfolding the unresolved narrative threads left dangling in the aftermath of "Yellowstone"’s final curtain call. Though the complete ensemble may not reconvene, the promise of familiar faces gracing the Paramount Network in due time permeates the realm of possibility.
