Perhaps it is time for Taylor Sheridan to heed the calls of Yellowstone fans and give this character development he so sorely needs!
Taylor Sheridan & John Linson’s Yellowstone, with five seasons under its belt, stands tall as a titan of television, winning audiences’ hearts & becoming the talk of the town. With that said, you may be wondering if the series’ meteoric rise to popularity has peaked, or if its zenith is yet to come.
Well, despite its acclaimed status, the loyal fandom of the Paramount Network’s crown jewel has not shied away from stirring the pot with their candid critiques. With the anticipation building for the second half of Season 5, set to grace our screens in November of this year, fans have not held their horses in dissecting the show’s twists & turns—especially in the case of Jamie Dutton (portrayed by Wes Bentley).
Viewers claim that Yellowstone has let one of its best characters, Jamie, go unfulfilled. Even Kelly Reilly, who embodies the indomitable Beth Dutton, peeled back layers in a candid talk with Entertainment Tonight, hinting at the poignant possibility that her on-screen brother, Jamie, might be poised for a slice of redemption.
Fans Think Jamie Dutton Got a Raw Deal in Yellowstone?
Throughout its robust five seasons, Yellowstone has not just ridden the wave of popularity, no doubt. Yet, while viewers have devoured the intricate drama spun by the show, they’ve simultaneously become increasingly outspoken about their opinions—both praise & criticism—especially amidst the long wait for the second half of Season 5.
The focal point of much of this critique is Jamie Dutton, portrayed by Wes Bentley. Yellowstone fans have grown weary of Jamie’s constant inner turmoil and lack of growth throughout the series. They feel that Taylor Sheridan has wasted the potential of this character by keeping him stuck in a perpetual state of moral ambiguity.
Several viewers have taken to Reddit to express their frustration over the matter. The outcry centers around Jamie’s perceived ineffectuality and selfish actions. For example, one fan poignantly mentioned that Bentley’s character acts either to please John or in a “reaction to something Beth” has done to him.
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Moreover, critics often convene to dissect crucial moments, such as Jamie’s decision regarding Beth’s pregnancy. Hindsight, as clear as day, allows fans to project different outcomes, suggesting alternative actions Jamie might have taken. Could he have told their father or taken Beth to a clinic and hoped their name remained under the radar? Well, the ‘what ifs’ are endless.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow when wondering that Jamie, genuinely believed he was doing what was best—shielding his sister and the family name, which John Dutton values above all else.
Kelly Reilly’s Surprising Analysis of Jamie Dutton’s Character
Aspects of Jamie Dutton’s journey might strike fans as one step forward, two steps back, but that’s precisely where the river meets the road in Yellowstone. The show’s essence lies in its raw portrayal of a family whose bonds are as much a chain as they are a lifeline.
But Kelly Reilly, who steps into the cowboy boots of the indomitable Beth Dutton, has shared in an Entertainment Tonight interview that Jamie might well deserve a nugget of redemption. To quote her:
They’re so filled with pain, so they’re pretty brutal. It’s hard to talk about it honestly, because when I’m playing her I’m full in… and then I watch it and I don’t even remember doing some of the scenes. I feel really bad for Jamie sometimes.
It seems that even Reilly, who has a deep understanding of the complexities of her character’s relationship with Jamie, has come to acknowledge this truth. According to what she said, we can assume that fans have a valid point in feeling frustrated with the lack of development of Wes Bentley’s character.
And, so, as the clock ticks down to November 2024, fans continue to chew the fat, dissecting and debating Jamie’s every move. Perhaps, just perhaps, Taylor Sheridan has something up his sleeve—a twist in the tale that would offer Jamie Dutton, the redemption arc that even Kelly Reilly hints he might deserve.
The second part of Yellowstone Season 5 will air on November 10, 2024.