Eden Brolin, who portrayed Mia, Jimmy’s love interest in Yellowstone, has departed the series. Is there still a chance for her character to return?
They say, “What goes around comes around,” and in the wild west of Yellowstone, that rings especially true. Characters are constantly strutting in and out of the Duttons’ lives like it’s a country dance hall. Just when we thought we could kick back and enjoy the chaos, Season 5 Part 2 is gearing up to toss us some curveballs!
Now, let’s get straight to the point: will Eden Brolin return as Mia? The daughter of Hollywood heavyweight Josh Brolin has been a familiar face since Season 3, leaving her mark as Jimmy Hurdstrom’s (Jefferson White) love interest after they crossed paths at a rodeo.
So, what’s the latest buzz on Mia’s potential comeback? It’s the burning question on everyone’s lips. While some fan-favorite characters are set to ride off into the sunset, the chatter around Mia’s return has taken center stage.
Let’s check out these three compelling reasons why her return could shake things up in Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2.
1. Unfinished Business with Jimmy
Eden Brolin’s Mia’s on-and-off-again romance with Jimmy, played by the charming Jefferson White, was the talk of the town during Seasons 3 and 4. Their relationship wrapped up in a whirlwind of drama—remember hospital fights and Jimmy quickly moving on to Emily (Kathryn Kelly).
Yet, Mia’s role in Jimmy’s journey was paramount, as she pushed him to chase his rodeo dreams, even if it meant butting heads with John Dutton. Her reappearance could test Jimmy’s newfound stability, especially now that he’s engaged to Emily.
Mia’s influence on Jimmy was not entirely negative—she encouraged him to pursue what he loved, even when it conflicted with John Dutton’s wishes. This conflict mirrored the broader theme of the show: the battle between personal aspirations and loyalty to the Dutton empire. Seeing Mia confront Jimmy again could reignite these themes, offering a new dimension to his character’s development.
2. Mia’s Redemption Arc
Mia was quite the negative force in Jimmy’s life, proving to be an extremely toxic partner. Fearing he might lose her, the latter jumped back into the rodeo against his doctor’s advice, which landed him back in the hospital.
As a result, John Dutton sent Jimmy to the 6666 Ranch in Texas to train and become a better cowboy. When Jefferson White’s character asked Mia to join him there, she declined, prompting him to move on and leave her behind in Montana. Eventually, Jimmy settled at the 6666 Ranch and got engaged to Emily.
When he returned to Yellowstone in the Season 4 finale, Mia was furious to see him with someone new and ended up in a fistfight with Emily. Since Emily is a vet, she quickly overpowered Mia, marking the last time we see her in Yellowstone.
Although Mia was often seen as a toxic influence, Eden Brolin gave her enough depth to make her relatable. She wasn’t just an easy antagonist; she embodied the challenges of chasing one’s dreams while dealing with complicated relationships. Her attempts to manipulate Jimmy stemmed from her desire to see him succeed in rodeo, a passion he shared, even if it came with significant personal costs.
If Mia was to return, it could pave the way for a redemption arc. She might come back as a more mature version of herself, acknowledging the consequences of her past actions and seeking to make amends. This could allow Brolin’s character to move beyond the ‘bad influence’ label and provide closure to her storyline.
Ergo, in a series as intricate as Yellowstone, where even flawed characters have a chance at redemption, Mia deserves the opportunity to reveal a different side of herself.
3. Ties to the 6666 Ranch Spin-off
Another compelling reason for Mia’s possible return could tie into the upcoming Yellowstone spin-off focused on the 6666 Ranch. With Jimmy’s journey in Texas becoming a key part of the Yellowstone saga, Mia’s role could fit like a glove, especially considering her rodeo roots and history with him.
Plus, given that Jimmy is firmly planted in Texas, Mia’s return to Yellowstone seems unlikely. However, there are whispers that Jimmy will next appear in the Yellowstone spin-off 6666. Even Jefferson White isn’t in the loop about what Taylor Sheridan has planned. “I wish I knew,” the former remarked in an exclusive interview with Looper in 2022.
I think you won’t be surprised to hear that they don’t tell me anything, and it’s mostly my job just to try to hold on to the bucking bronco at any given moment. Anytime I try to guess what [‘Yellowstone’ creator] Taylor Sheridan’s going to do, what he actually does is much better, and more surprising, and cooler, and more interesting than what I would’ve guessed.
If Eden Brolin were to appear in Season 5 Part 2, her storyline could serve as a bridge to the 6666 spin-off, reintroducing her to fans as part of the broader Yellowstone universe.
“She gets what she wants. If she sets her mind to something, she’s going to get it. That’s just the way that it is,” Brolin told Parade when discussing her character’s future in 2020.
While there’s no official word yet on Eden Brolin’s return as Mia in Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2, her character’s comeback could add some thrilling twists to the storyline. Whether it’s tying up loose ends with Jimmy, pursuing a redemption arc, or linking to the 6666 Ranch spin-off, her return would undoubtedly crank up the drama that fans love.
Yellowstone Season 5’s second part will be available on November 10, 2024.