Warning: This article discusses major plot points from Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 14, titled “Life Is A Promise.”
The upcoming series The Madison, set in the expanding universe of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone, has the potential to explore a crucial aspect of John Dutton’s legacy. As Season 5, Part 2 begins, viewers are confronted with the shocking news of John Dutton’s death. This pivotal moment clarifies how the departure of Kevin Costner from the show is incorporated into its storyline. Initial evidence suggested John’s demise was self-inflicted; however, thanks to Kayce Dutton’s (played by Luke Grimes) astute investigative work, it was revealed post-Episode 11 that foul play was involved in John’s death.
The Madison: Montana’s Landscape After John Dutton’s Passing
John Dutton, portrayed by Costner, was Montana’s governor at the time of his death. Although he never sought the governor’s office, his passing casts a long shadow over his achievements, particularly his stewardship of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Beth (played by Kelly Reilly) emphasizes that while John was a father to her and Kayce, he represented something far greater to the residents of Montana. This complexity is something that The Madison can effectively showcase.
John Dutton III: Montana’s Governor and His Impact
In The Madison, Michelle Pfeiffer assumes the role of Stacy Clyburn, head of the Clyburn family, carving a path of her own in the same universe as the Duttons. Notably, the show is expected to explore the immediate aftermath of John Dutton’s death, diving into how Montana’s society copes with the loss of its leader. With the state reeling from this significant turn of events, the Clyburn family will navigate a landscape that is fraught with emotional and political turmoil.
The Necessity of Acknowledging John Dutton’s Death in The Madison
Reflecting on a Governor’s Death
While it is unlikely that The Madison will spend an extensive amount of time on the implications of John Dutton’s murder, the subject will undoubtedly linger in the background. I anticipate that discussions surrounding John’s death will be woven into character interaction within the show. For instance, during a visit to a local store, a character might glimpse a newspaper headline about John, sparking brief yet poignant dialogue that underscores the gravity of the situation. The enormity of John’s murder will resonate throughout the state, especially as ongoing investigations further unfold.
Given the controversial nature of his death and the investigation that follows, The Madison would be remiss to sidestep this narrative thread completely. Following the conclusion of Season 5, the ramifications of John’s murder will still loom large. Though key revelations may be reserved for the flagship series’ spinoffs focusing on Beth and Rip (Cole Hauser), The Madison stands ready to explore angles and subplots the main series has yet to address. Additionally, Stacy Clyburn’s character can provide fresh perspectives on John’s sudden disappearance from the political landscape of Montana.