The drama of Yellowstone, which chronicles one family’s struggle to preserve their legacy—a ranch in the heart of Paradise Valley, Montana—has enraptured viewers for years. Over the course of the previous five seasons, the Dutton family has proven that they are willing to do whatever it takes to protect their property from opponents of all hues.
But have you ever found yourself enchanted by the moral fortitude of the Duttons in 1883 and 1923, only to be left wondering, “What on earth happened to these paragons of virtue by the time Yellowstone rolls around?” Well, you’re certainly not alone in this thought.
As Taylor Sheridan gears up to helm 1944, another eagerly anticipated spin-off, he stands on the cusp of an opportunity to bridge the gap and clarify the murky waters of the Duttons’ moral compass.
Taylor Sheridan’s Challenge: Resolving the Glaring Plot Hole Across His Yellowstone Franchise
As fans of the hit TV series Yellowstone and its spin-off shows 1883 and 1923 can attest, there is a glaring inconsistency when it comes to the portrayal of the Dutton family. In the prequels, the family is shown as morally upright, hardworking individuals who place family above all else.
However, when we transition to the modern-day Duttons in Yellowstone, we see a family that is divided, dejected, entitled, and conniving. One fan via Reddit aptly sums up this inconsistency, stating:
I watched 1883 and 1923 before watching Yellowstone. The portrayal of the family is so positive in the prequels: they’re morally righteous, upstanding, hardworking folk that place family first. Then I started watching Yellowstone and yikes…My love affair with the Dutton family has been interrupted by Yellowstone.
So, what exactly happened to the Dutton family between the events of the prequels and Yellowstone? This is a question that many fans have been asking, and Taylor Sheridan, the creator of the shows, desperately needs to address this variance in order to maintain credibility & continuity within the Yellowstone universe.
It has been known that Sheridan is working on another Yellowstone spin-off, 1944. This presents an opportunity for him to delve into the events that led to the downfall of the Dutton family’s morals and values. Fans are eagerly anticipating this new installment in the hopes that it will provide clarity and closure to the evolving narrative of the Dutton family.
Another Reddit user (@Bobozett) offers a compelling theory on the evolution of the Dutton family’s values across generations, stating:
John Dutton possesses the same love of the land that both James and Jacob possessed. He is also as ruthless as they are. In fact, from James to Jacob, you can see certain developments which lead to how modern-day Duttons operate.
This theory suggests that the ruthlessness and determination to protect their land have been a consistent trait throughout the generations of Duttons. The modern-day Duttons may not be considered good people, but they are portrayed as ones who will do whatever it takes to secure what is rightfully theirs.
1944: Crafting the Next Chapter of the Dutton Dynasty’s History
Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner and created by prolific TV shows creator Taylor Sheridan, is set to conclude after the second half of Season 5 premieres later this year. Silver linings abound, though: it is now official that fans will be able to witness a new chapter in the Dutton dynasty’s history with the release of the spinoff 1944. Chris McCarthy, CEO of Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios, said (via Mens Health)
On the heels of 1883 and 1923’s success, our new planned spinoffs, 1944 and 2024, will take audiences on a thrilling, new and unexpected journey with the complex and compelling storytelling that has become a hallmark of the franchise and has helped turn it into a worldwide cultural phenomenon – thanks to the creative mastermind of Taylor Sheridan.
Whether the new show (1944) will center on a new generation of Duttons or bring back characters from 1923 is still up in the air. There will not be any more Sheridan projects available until November, when the final batch of episodes from the main Yellowstone series will be released.
Yellowstone is streaming on Peacock.
