Another season of the Taylor Sheridan (Hell or High Water) helmed-western drama Yellowstone kicked off last week, and while the Dutton family is facing a new set of challenges, the Paramount Network has to be thrilled with the success of its flagship series. With 4.2 million viewers tuning in Sunday, the series premiere saw a 76% increase over last year’s premiere, and became the most watched cable premiere of 2020. A well-deserved accolade for a show that has been quality from the start.
Yellowstone is an intense drama with both political and violent elements that thrives in combining riveting storylines with strong performances from its cast. The comparison to the Godfather is a simple one to make, as both focus on a family trying to survive and maintain their way of life while the world changes around them. It’s no knock on Sicily to say that the filming locations of Montana and Utah provide the series with a backdrop that few productions could ever rival. Those landscapes continue to be the show’s biggest star, which is saying a lot when Kevin Costner is on set.
The events of the Yellowstone Season 3 Premiere take place shortly after the violent conclusion of last year’s explosive finale. This is evidenced by the still healing bruises to Beth’s (Kelly Reilly, Sherlock Holmes) face, and the nightmares suffered by Tate (Brecken Merrill, We All Got Up to Dance ) following his harrowing ordeal. The investigation into what transpired leads to a significant and surprising restructure of power which is certain to bring unintended consequences.
While the episode titled, “You’re the Indian Now” was predictably slower paced than most, it allowed time for the dust to settle a bit, and allowed the audience to see where everyone stands. The title derives from a conversation that a thankful Monica (Kelsey Asbille, Teen Wolf) has with John (Kevin Costner, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit). She draws parallels between the struggles that he’s facing in protecting his land, to those that her people had long before him — a topic that she later lashes out at her students for ignoring.
Though short on action, the Yellowstone Season 3 Premiere still had some important and intense dialogue, and more of that romance between Beth and Rip (Cole Hauser, Good Will Hunting) that fans have come to love so much. Reilly continues to be mesmerizing in her role and her charm is on display during an exchange she has buying whiskey. Ultimately John puts more trust in Beth than anyone, even Kayce (Luke Grimes, Magnificent Seven), and it’s because of her, that her brother Jamie (Wes Bentley, Hunger Games) is put back into an important position within the family dynamic. Largely the episode focuses on new construction on the other side of the ranch, so that the Dutton’s and their cowboys can keep a better eye on their land as new threats take the place of the Beck brothers.
Speaking of new threats, Josh Holloway (LOST) joins the cast this season, and we see him appear to be innocently fly fishing before having a colorful exchange with Beth as they debate whether or not he’s trespassing. Undoubtedly, he will play a major role, although his intentions are unclear thus far. Clearer are the intentions of Ellis Steele (John Emmet Tracy, Batwoman), a representative for a property management group which has purchased Dan Jenkins’ property, and serving as a rival for not only the Dutton’s but also to Rainwater’s (Gil Birmingham, Twilight: Breaking Dawn) plans. He has a less than amicable introduction to all parties, and appears to know exactly how to play the game.
The Yellowstone Season 3 Premiere might cram a few too many on the nose ideologies into its runtime, including a line from Lloyd (Forrie J. Smith, 2 Guns) where he asks John, “Who’s gonna feed this world when there’s none of us left?” while they stare into the vast mountain landscape — but perhaps can be forgiven when it’s the point of all they are doing. More direct lines like that or Monica’s speech ultimately aren’t the biggest takeaway after you are treated to John and Tate bonding by a campfire through a conversation about their nightmares. It’s another moment where you can see his character’s compassion and love of his family, especially in regards to someone like Tate whom he certainly hopes can carry on the Dutton legacy in more than just name.
Surely the slower pacing of the premiere is simply laying the groundwork for the next fight that everyone knows is coming, and anyone frustrated by it will get what they tuned in for shortly. Until then, they should appreciate the writing and character development that makes you care what happens to the Dutton family and cowboys on Yellowstone ranch, because the sun might be setting over those gorgeous landscapes for some of them.
