FAREWELL TO AN ERA

On June 20, 2018 a new era started for TV drama.  That is the date that Taylor Sheridan’s “Yellowstone” first aired.  I didn’t catch on at first, but soon enough I was hooked.  Six years later, December 15, 2024, the era has ended.   I know, I know, there was “1883” and there is “1923” and according to rumor, there will be another spin off with Rip and Beth.  And while each of the others can/could stand on their own, “Yellowstone” gives all the others a depth and context they could not possibly have on their own. 

Now I will admit that I am totally biased.  I rank “Yellowstone” among the top 3 TV dramas of all time.  The acting, the story line, the authenticity….I can’t name any other show that comes even close.  I have friends who are not anywhere hooked as I am.  One would not watch the show because she hated Beth.  Another would not watch because she considered all the characters evil.  My husband, who in his youth did do some ranching out west, said the show reminded him of “Dallas” (I can’t see that at all.)  So, within my circle of friends, as far as I know, I stand alone.  That’s fine, I will not back down, this show is totally awesome in my book.

Why you ask?  First off, I love Beth.  Yes, she was fierce.  A character strength you rarely see in female characters.  She protected her family, her heritage, her ranch with every fiber in her.  She was a genius when it came to business.  My favorite scene of all her scenes came in the next to last episode when she figures out what her brother, Kayce, is trying to tell her about saving the ranch.  As she walks away from the conversation, you see it finally dawn on her, what they can do to save themselves and the ranch.  Her acting was brilliant. 

I love Rip.  If only all of the females of the world could have a man like Rip who could love as he loves Beth.  He accepts and loves her just as she is, with all her flaws and is there for her, no matter what.  He never tries to reel her in, never tries to shut her down (except of course when she is on her way to Jamie’s house) he just sees the strength that is hers and thrives in it. 

I could say just as much about John, Kayce, Monica, Jamie, Tate, Carter, Lloyd and on and on, but Beth and Rip were the spine of the show, in my opinion. 

I don’t understand all the criticisms of Taylor Sheridan.  The folks who criticize his brief appearances …what’s the big deal?  They were brief, they were few and he wrote his character in in a way that worked, in my opinion.  Some have criticized how slowly new seasons came out and how many different projects he has going on at any one time.  What???  A guy who is super productive and brilliant, yeah, let’s complain about that. 

I loved that all the actors went through his cowboy school and learned how to ride horses, how to drive buckwagons, how to herd cattle…. whatever it took to make them as authentic as possible.  You go Taylor!!!

So, am I going to miss “Yellowstone”, you betcha!!  And yes, I sure do hope there is a Rip and Beth spinoff in the making….hopefully in my lifetime!!!!