Yellowstone

The show started off fantastic. A patriarch (Kevin Costner) and his four kids live on a sprawling ranch in Montana, fighting to protect their land and way of life. Of course, there's plenty of personal drama as well. The first season was pure gold-gripping, intense, and well-written.

However, like many shows, it declined over time. I was especially disappointed by the lack of character growth. Some characters became so over-the-top that it was almost comical. Beth was always angry, Monica was always crying, and Kayce was the golden boy, while Jamie made all the wrong choices and was universally hated.

That said, it was still a great show, with stunning cinematography and plenty of gripping moments. I truly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone.

(Review is only for the first two seasons)

I came into this show not expecting to like it but the storyline, acting, and cinematography is superb. Basically it's Mafia Wars in Montana with intermittent giant doses of testosterone (cowboys with guns on horses while fishing)! Costner is a master actor as lead of the Duttons. The show is at its finest when it shows the chessboard moves the Duttons and their enemies engage in.

The show gets gummed early in the second season but starts rolling again midway through. Kelsey Asbille is the weakest link as Monica and plays a poor hand badly, the storyline jettisons awkwardly out and the acting just misses the mark.

I think Cole Hauser as Rip may be the strongest acting (sans Costner himself) and looked forward to all the scenes Rip was in. Thomas Rainwater is great too. The storyline hums and the scenery is beautiful.

Just as Cormac McCarthy's "All The Pretty Horses" was a little more raw and brutal than the title suggests, this show strikes in a similar vein. Highly recommend and wish I didn't wait so long to watch it.

Kelly Reilly owns every scene she is in. She must have really enjoyed playing this part because she just dominates. Everyone. Watching her with Kevin Costner & you can see he loves acting with her. The best part IMHO is they have not made Kelly Reilly's character a girl boss who beats up 300lb giants that you see with the MCU.

The character uses her brains to outsmart every men or women opponent.

I am enjoying the series which is Kevin Costner's tribute to modern day cowboys & their keeping hold of traditional values against a backdrop of city developers who just want to make a load of money.

If you are like me and watch things on Netflix, here's something I wish Netflix had told me before I started watching: it does not have the 5th season, and it is very unlikely it will acquire the rights in the future. You'll get drawn in with season 1-4, and then find yourself thinking: wait, this is it? Where's the rest?? Nothing is resolved, nothing is wrapped up.

Well, you'll have to go somewhere else for the rest. Where that is depends on where you live.

As for the series itself, there is very little to say that hasn't already been said. Yes, seasons after 1 & 2 are not as good, but it's not such big change as to lose my interest. Certainly good enough foe me to wish I could see season 5.

The wife and I have watched since season 1. We stopped when all the bickering started in season 4, and then binged the final season after it was over. I was worried that Sheridan was going to blow the ending, but I felt it was well done. We get closure, we know where everyone is headed, and many of the fears we had for some characters are laid to rest. Very well done. Finally, someone knows how to end a series.

I didn't blame Costner for wanting to end on a high note. This was SO much better than dragging it out. Season 4 was proof that it was time.

Be aware that there's lots of sex, alcohol and language abuse, but it is tolerable. I'd definitely suggest this show!