Cole Hauser, a hidden gem in Hollywood’s treasure chest, may have flown under the radar for a good decade, but has anyone really taken the time to appraise the facets of his career? From his breakout role in 1992’s School Ties to his magnetic draw in Yellowstone, it’s evident this actor carries a Midas touch, albeit one that’s been somewhat veiled from the A-list spotlight.
His acting journey continued through the ebbs and flows of Hollywood, where he plunged into the depths of genre classics like Pitch Black and took the wheel in action-packed 2 Fast 2 Furious. Despite a stint in the movies, Hauser has firmly established himself as the fan-favorite ranch foreman Rip Wheeler in Taylor Sheridan’s acclaimed Western TV show.
We must admit that his role, despite some noted plot holes and a swirling debate on Sheridan’s writing finesse, has enamored audiences to the point of clamoring for a remedy—a sharper focus from the writer & a well-deserved spotlight on Rip’s character arc.
Yellowstone: Taylor Sheridan Lost His Edge with Rip Wheeler?
There’s nothing quite like a good ole Western drama to keep us hooked, and Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone has certainly delivered on that front. While Kevin Costner’s departure may have made a bunch of headlines, it’s the rough relationship between Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Rip (Cole Hauser) that has us on the edge of our seats.
As this beloved modern-day Western barrels toward its conclusion, the fate of this dynamic duo is set to be the linchpin of the final episodes.
In the upcoming final act, the drama is sure to be turned up to eleven. Season 5 (part 1) kicked off with a bang: John Dutton’s inauguration as Governor of Montana and his decision to appoint Beth as chief of staff set the stage for a high-stakes game of political chess.
Beth, with her no-holds-barred approach, finds herself in the thick of the action, juggling brawls, exploring alternatives to ranch life, and uncovering a dark family secret. Meanwhile, Rip Wheeler finds himself in hot waters with law enforcement over some missing wolves. As tensions reach a boil ing point, Part 2 of Season 5 is shaping up to be a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions.
However, not all the glitter is gold. Fans have been grumbling about the perceived dip in quality surrounding Rip’s character, despite Hauser’s dedicated performance. Reddit has become a sounding board for those who believe the show’s writing has missed the mark. The early seasons were praised for their subtle storytelling and complex character development.
Yet, some episodes have seen fans grumbling about plot holes and lackluster dialogue. For instance, a once-thought-provoking moment where John and Rip discuss a cowhand’s murder is left to the audience’s imagination—a tactic that some hailed as brilliant. In contrast, Rip’s blunt threat to Walker in a later episode felt like a damp squib, lacking the depth and intrigue of earlier scenes.
This has led to a broader discussion about whether Sheridan’s creative well has run dry. Fans have been quick to point out that the writing quality seemed to take a nosedive around “episode six of the first season”, raising questions about potential changes behind the scenes.
Less is More: The Urgent Need for Taylor Sheridan to Return to Yellowstone
As we all know, Taylor Sheridan’s plate has been overflowing, with his attention spread thin across multiple projects—from Mayor of Kingstown to Special Ops: Lioness & The Madison.
While some of his new ventures have had their share of hits and misses, Tulsa King has been a standout success. This has sparked a debate about whether Sheridan’s focus on too many irons in the fire is to blame for the drop in quality. As they say, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too,” and it seems the writer is struggling with the balance between quantity and quality.
As Yellowstone nears its final call, the remedy for the show’s creative woes might lie in Sheridan sharpening his focus on the beloved ranching saga that first brought him acclaim. Fans and critics alike are hoping that by zeroing in on Yellowstone, Sheridan can recapture the magic that made the show a hit.
As we eagerly await the second part of season 5, the anticipation is appreciable. Can Sheridan find his way back to the edge, ensuring Yellowstone’s legacy doesn’t fade into the sunset? Let’s see!
Yellowstone Season 5’s second part will air on November 10, 2024.