While we can’t wait to relish the drama of Yellowstone Dutton Ranch this November, viewers of the cherished show are gearing up for a furious ride into the highly anticipated second half of Season 5, which will see the Dutton legacy venture into the turbulent world of Montana politics.
Of course, we haven’t predicted that John Dutton’s ascent to the governor’s chair (in Season 5’s first half) would be just one piece of the puzzle, as we also witnessed a tapestry of personal challenges unraveling alongside. Indeed, the season plunged headfirst into a profound personal tragedy for Kayce and Monica Dutton.
Certainly, Yellowstone knows how to lasso its viewers’ attention. But wait, even Taylor Sheridan’s masterful stroke of drama couldn’t steer fans clear of criticism—especially when it comes to the harrowing scene featuring Monica’s perilous journey during her labor, culminating in a catastrophic loss.
Yellowstone: Fans’ Displeasure with This Monica Dutton Scene
In the wild world of Yellowstone, where drama runs deep like the roots of an ancient tree, viewers were taken on an emotional rollercoaster in the first part of Season 5. The focus shifted from John Dutton’s political ambitions to a heart-wrenching tragedy that befell Kayce and Monica Dutton.
Known for her tenacity and resolve, Monica Dutton (played by Wind River star Kelsey Asbille) faced a tragic loss when she was involved in a catastrophic car crash while in labor. Her baby didn’t survive, leaving viewers appalled & saddened by the turn of events.
That being said, there is a major flaw that makes this scene appear even more ridiculous. She had to drive herself to the hospital while she was in labor. Monica was in excruciating pain and under a lot of stress when she was involved in a car accident on a rural highway, which ultimately claimed her kid’s life.
Sure, the character suffered a wretched loss, but criticism quickly arose regarding the writing and portrayal of this pivotal moment in the show. On forums like Reddit, viewers didn’t hold back in expressing their frustration with what they perceived as a contrived and poorly executed plot twist. One viewer described the scene as “infuriating”, labeling it “horribly written for dramatic purposes”.
It seems even Taylor Sheridan’s dramatic flair couldn’t convince viewers of the authenticity of Monica’s tragic storyline. Despite the backlash, the cast of Yellowstone has spoken out about the impact of this event on their characters.
Yellowstone Stars Discussed Monica Dutton’s Tragic Loss Scene
Kelsey Asbille shared that her character’s loss has shaken Monica to her core, challenging her beliefs about motherhood, marriage, and community. Monica, who has always strived to be a pillar of strength for those around her, will now grapple with grief and loss in a way she never imagined. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the actress, 32, confessed:
It’s such a tragic loss and you really see Monica at her rock bottom. Throughout the show, she just wants to be a good mother, a good wife. A good person to her community, as well. And this really shakes her beliefs with all of that.
On the other hand, her on-screen husband, Luke Grimes (who plays Kayce Dutton) emphasized the silver lining in this dark cloud, noting that tragedy has a way of bringing people closer together. To quote him:
They’ve chosen to lean on each other; they’re dealing with a common pain together. This season really tees up where this show is probably going to go and what could go wrong, and what they’re going to have to do to deal with it.
According to how things are going on the show, fans can expect to see the Dutton family facing novel challenges in the episodes to come.
And as the saying goes, “it’s always darkest before dawn”—a sentiment that rings true for the characters of Yellowstone as they face their toughest trials yet. The second part of Yellowstone Season 5 will air on November 10, 2024.
Yellowstone is available for streaming on Paramount+.
