In the rugged world of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone, where familial loyalty collides with ruthless ambition and territorial disputes, not every character is created equal. Some have more screen time, and others have compelling character arcs. But one character that seemingly missed the biggest opportunity appears to be Kayce Dutton.
Portrayed by Luke Grimes, Kayce is often seen as the lone Dutton family member worth rooting for amid the chaos orchestrated by his father, John Dutton and siblings. However, despite his character’s potential, Taylor Sheridan’s writing occasionally failed to fully utilize Kayce’s arc, leaving fans questioning whether justice is truly served to this pivotal figure.
Kayce Dutton’s Narrative Arc is Packed with Complexities
Focused primarily on Kevin Costner’s John Dutton and his children, Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone flawlessly navigated through tumultuous family dynamics and competitive landscapes. Amid his Western show’s intriguing backdrop, the creator also created iconic characters, each of whom is known for their compelling arc and significance to the storyline.
But surprisingly, as Yellowstone prepares for its final outing, which is set to decide the fate of the characters, fans come to a realization about how one particular Dutton’s potential was never completely utilized in the show. Starting a commentary thread on Reddit, fans point out how Kayce Dutton, who emerged as a beacon of hope and integrity within the tumultuous world of the Duttons, never had a proper character execution.
As a former Navy SEAL turned ranch hand, Luke Grimes’s character Kayce embodies a dichotomy of strength and vulnerability, who simultaneously feels overwhelmed with his desire to uphold his family’s legacy while forging his own path. The character’s internal conflict feels tangible, making him relatable and endearing to viewers who seek a moral center within the turbulent Dutton dynasty.
However, despite Kayce’s compelling backstory and potential for growth, that could offer him a scope for better representation, audiences highlight how the character’s arc has not always been met with consistency or importance.
Fans Criticize Taylor Sheridan’s Alleged Disservice to Kayce
Following the Reddit thread concerning Kayce’s lack of character development, criticisms emerged regarding Taylor Sheridan‘s handling of his character arc. Despite the creator’s adeptness in crafting gritty narratives and complex roles, fans took to social media to call out Sheridan for his questionable portrayal of Luke Grimes’s character.
Citing how despite terrible character edge and writing, Kayce emerged as a fan-favorite Dutton, netizens hinted at the potential that the character held. Amid the argument surrounding Kayce’s lack of character development, his son Tate, and wife Monica, also drew mixed reviews.
Considering how Brecken Merrill’s character, Tate, is understandably portrayed as a child in earlier seasons, fans tried justifying the limited depth of his character. But when it comes to Kelsey Asbille as Monica, netizens blatantly called her out for her lackluster portrayal, described by some as underwhelming or uninspired.
However, in the end, the conversation once again boiled down to Taylor Sheridan’s treatment and portrayal of Kayce Dutton, which revealed a notable flaw in consistency and execution. Despite being a compelling force amidst the chaos of Yellowstone, as Kayce lacked proper execution, fans came to the conclusion that justice was not served for the pivotal role within the Dutton family saga.
Yellowstone is available on Paramount+.
