With the Yellowstone finale on the way, it is worth considering how prequels like 1883 will impact the show’s future. First released in 2018, Taylor Sheridan’s hit show has taken the nation by storm. With the Dutton family constantly warring with the surrounding families to ensure complete domination over the economic output of the state of Montana, the political intrigue and familial drama have been the secret behind the show’s success.
After Kevin Costner left the show between season 5, part 1 and part 2, however, the secret behind the show’s conclusion has been shrouded in mystery. The Dutton family will inevitably devolve into further infighting, of course, but the details of their fighting are nothing more than a secret left on a cliffhanger. The actual direction of the drama is not entirely a question, however, as 1883 may have revealed the last true secrets of Yellowstone.
1883’s Harrowing Revelation
As a Yellowstone prequel, it falls to 1883 to foreshadow many of the themes and narratives that the show’s original finale will finally reveal. 1883 was set up in 1923, but its primary responsibility was to build on the show that launched Sheridan’s beloved and well-respected series. It showcases the very beginning of the Dutton rise to power, as the family settles in the land that would someday become John Dutton III’s iconic Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. In taking that role, it can occasionally delve somewhat too deeply into setting up the finale. One hint made the conclusion stunningly obvious.
Near the end of the original prequel, the Crow elder, Spotted Eagle, met with James Dutton to explain the terms of his stay. Ominously, Spotted Eagle explained that the native people would “rise up and take it back from you” while emphasizing that it would all happen after “seven generations”. The Duttons would know extreme success and earn wealth and influence, but it would come crumbling down when the indigenous inhabitants returned to take the land back from the settlers. The eerie promise brought a swift agreement from James, who proclaimed, “In seven generations, you can have it.” His short-sighted confirmation may bring a horrible end to his descendants, who have now come to rely on the power that the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch brought them.
Beth Dutton Hinted at the Destruction of the Duttons
Spotted Eagle and James are not the only ones who hinted at the coming Dutton collapse. The whole of Yellowstone’s cast confirmed that the reclamation is likely to come soon. The Ranch is already being referred to as the Seven-Generation Ranch, largely because Tate Dutton is seemingly a member of the seventh generation of the family. Beth even confirmed that seven generations of Duttons have ruled, bringing Spotted Eagle’s prophecy closer to fulfillment. Tate, the son of Kayce and Monica Dutton could very well oversee the collapse of the Dutton family if Jamie and Beth’s endless feuding does not destroy their empire.
The reclamation does not necessarily need to mark a collapse, however. Because his mother is an Indigenous woman, Tate taking control of his family home could fulfill Spotted Eagle’s promise. He could take back the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch for the neighboring tribes, ending over a century of fighting and disagreements. Considering that Tate’s uncle Lee Dutton was killed because of the tension between the Duttons and the Indigenous inhabitants of neighboring areas, Tate could attempt to broker peace by offering land to promote friendship.
Unfortunately, as comforting as that possibility would be, it is unlikely to ever become reality. Tate could very well turn on the Duttons, but it will not happen in a friendly manner. Spotted Eagle insisted that the Native people would “rise up and take it back”. That phrasing does not imply a peaceful transfer of land. Actively rising up against the Duttons likely means a bloody conflict, especially given how bloodthirsty and cutthroat every member of the family can be. With only one half of a season left of the show, there would also need to be a massive time skip to give Tate the influence he needs to actively abandon the farm without sparking a fight. It could happen, but it is extremely unlikely.
The Dutton Family Is Hanging On a Ledge
The Duttons do not need any special to provoke a conflict, of course. Even without outside influences like the Indigenous community, they have been at their own throats and ready to bite. Jamie and Beth, alone, have enough bad blood between them to tear the entire family apart. They have left numerous unresolved questions about the future of their relationship, the Ranch, and the survival of the Dutton family line. With just a few short episodes until the show ends, they have little space to resolve their hatred without destroying the family name. Check out just some of the storylines that have not yet been resolved after the Yellowstone season 5 midseason finale:
- Beth and Jamie’s bitter rivalry.
- John’s unsteady place as the family’s patriarch and as the state’s Governor.
- Kaycee and Monica’s decision to stay or to leave the ranch forever.
- The status of the Broken Rock reservation.
With so much left to explore, it will not take much to see the Broken Rock Indian Reservation finally swallow the ranch. The show began with the concept of cattle escaping from the Dutton ranch and running directly to the reservation. Considering that, it would be a fitting end to see the family’s hold finally collapse as the lands return to the original inhabitants. Spotted Eagle’s promise would be fulfilled, the fighting would finally come to an end, and John Dutton’s legacy would collapse before his eyes.
Every mistake that the Duttons made could come back to haunt them if Spotted Eagle is right. Their infighting has distracted them for years and has alienated Kayce, Monica, and Tate. With Tate having little reason to truly put his faith in the Duttons, it may fall to him to refuse his paternal family’s tragic legacy and, instead, to offer reparations to his mother’s community. The Black Rock Indian Reservation has not been without its political faults, as Thomas Rainwater has proven to be a corrupt and manipulative man. Still, it has not shown quite the same level of blatant cruelty as Jamie and Beth have shown each other, which will undoubtedly contribute to the Dutton collapse.
Yellowstone’s Ending Is Coming Sooner Than Expected
While Yellowstone has undoubtedly remained a popular project — having secured the adoration of critics and audiences alike — the show was unable to survive to see its complete plan. Alleged disputes over scheduling between Yellowstone’s producers and leading man Kevin Costner caused a rift in the production. Costner exited the show prematurely, choosing instead to focus on his Horizon: An American Saga movie series. Costner has hinted at showing an interest in returning to the franchise, but he later revealed that he has no intention of reappearing.
Without Costner, the future of the show was left in doubt. Still, Sheridan and the rest of the cast and crew were forced to move on with the series. Yellowstone season 5, part 2 is expected to premiere on November 10. There have been rumors that the show may continue even without Costner, though season 6 remains publicly unconfirmed. With seven generations of Duttons already in existence, the Yellowstone cast will be hard-pressed to push to an eighth generation, should the family survive that long. The ending has already been heavily foreshadowed and is unlikely to change too drastically even without Costner’s involvement.