Yellowstone

'Lolita' is a 1955 novel written by Russian-American novelist Vladimir Nabokov. Nabokov set out to write a beautiful piece of literature but on a subject that was immoral and deplorable. The reader is thrown into a state of cognitive dissonance. It's great novel but....but.....

'Yellowstone' has a similar effect. Viewers are presented with a stunning aesthetic and seduced by the cowboy myth. But the family at the centre of the story are ultimately corrupt, vile murderers. Yet we are expected to sympathise and cheer them on. It's not unlike another popular series, 'Succession', but on horseback. However, while the family in 'Succession' are more clearly ugly, the Duttons and their entourage are held up as a shining example of America as 'the land of the free and the home of the brave'. It's a terrifically manipulative series.

Yellowstone was one of the best shows on tv from when it originally came on in 2018 right up to the ending in 2024. It was the #1 show on cable for all 5 seasons it was on (really it was 6 seasons because they broke season 5 into 2 parts). It's hard to explain just how good this show really is. The acting, writing, directing, cinematography, production, etc, are all incredible. It's exactly what you expect from a Taylor Sheridan show since just about everything he does is terrific. The acting was as good as anything on tv. Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly, Hassie Harrison, Kelsey Asbille, Wes Bentley and the rest of the cast all deserve recognition for the incredible job they do season after season, episode after episode. It's one of the rare shows where almost every season is just as good as the others. I can't recommend this show enough, just go watch it for yourself.

This series has been on since 2018 but now is the first time I have watched any of it. Last night I completed the first episode of the first season, it runs right near 90 minutes. As to introduce the Dutton family we see they have powerful influence in their valley but are fending off "attacks." One from developers who want to put up condos. Another from the neighboring Native reservation looking to get some of their land back plus some livestock. To help deal with all that and the sprawling size of his ranch Dutton (played authentically by 60-something Kevin Costner) has several grown Cowboy sons and a helicopter with a dedicated pilot.

The reason I watched episode one of season one (on Peacock streaming) was to get the feel for the Dutton family because I am currently watching the ten episodes of the more recent Taylor Sheridan program "1883" which is the prequel of sorts. It was (fictionally) in 1883 that the Dutton family from Tennessee joined a larger group to wagon train from Fort Worth Texas to "somewhere in the West". They must have stopped when they reached Montana.

Again it is all fiction but if we look at the ages of the men, and the fact that Costner was born in 1955, his character would probably be the great, great grandson of the Dutton patriarch (played by Tim McGraw) in "1883". E.g. With sons born about 1875, 1900, 1925, and the 1950s.

"Yellowstone" is a really fine series, the actors are all first-rate, the cinematography and sound are excellent. It just ins't the kind of program I could get invested in and continue to watch. It is hard to find characters with redeeming qualities and I really don't long-term enjoy programs which constantly focus on arguments and fights, and often killing. Now in my 70s I prefer to spend time watching "pleasant" stories.

NB - "1883" is a really fine and interesting series, how it authentically depicts the great hardship of pulling up roots and traveling through unknown territories to try to find a new life in a new place.

Yellowstone is a solidly written drama - great characters, well-crafted - that draws it's tone from a few different modern-day masterpieces.

It has the feel and cinematography of Longmire, the plotting and grim outlook of The Sopranos, and the dramatic dynamics of shows like 'Dynasty' or any of the other network dramas similar to that.

Much respect must go to Costner and Cole Hauser - these guys bring it 100%.

I did not expect to get drawn in to this show like I did. It's well worth your time.

We have always liked Herr Costner's Western output,(...I think 'Open Range' with the peerless Robert Duval is one of the Greatest ever...),and this series is one of his best, although, I suppose his Family, with all their various issues, probably have more screen time...no bad thing as they are all, uniformly brilliant with the 'Cherry on Top of the Cake', Kelly Reilly as his mercurial, combative daughter'Beth' chewing up the scenery every time she's centre stage. Everyone else are superb too, though. We have just finished Season 4 and loved it especially all the proper Cowboy 'stuff' with incredible scenes of competition Horse riding, Rodeo riding and the like...Wonderful stuff. Cannot wait to see how the superb series ends. Bravo to All involved...Yee Hah!!!........ .......Was a bit rushed doing this review, last night, so I didn't even get to mention other great characters like the excellent Native American contingent, uniformly dignified and charismatic and the 2nd 'Cherry on the Cake'.... Cole Hausers 'Rip' who my wife tagged straight away...she loves hunky, rugged men hence...er...me,(..Hee hee..).