Yellowstone is over, but Dutton Ranch’s next move will shock you!

 

Dutton Ranch” — which began airing on Paramount+ May 15 — has already taken its top perch on the Sheridan-verse pedestal, brushing elbows with his many other highly respected series, bolstered by strong streaming numbers and a classic Western setup.

Within its first week, the new installment brought in 12.9 million global views, becoming Paramount’s biggest original series launch to date. Now, having released four episodes as of June 2, the show is nearly halfway through its opening season, set to conclude at episode 9 on July 3.

Thus far, the response to “Dutton Ranch” has been largely positive, keeping fans returning week after week for each episode drop.

But we do wonder whether its viewership numbers are driven by its close resemblance to its predecessor “Yellowstone” — just set at a new location — or if it really does offer a fresh plot viewers are champing at the bit to watch.

And before you come at us with those roasting pitchforks and unholstered pistols, let us clear the air by saying this is no dig at Taylor Sheridan — as the guy has built an impressive empire upon great casting and writing.

But we are curious to see how Sheridan will balance the influence of “Yellowstone” while avoiding repeating what some view as exhausted plotlines as “Dutton Ranch” progresses.

Currently in the spin-off, there are only three returning characters from “Yellowstone”: Beth Dutton, played by Kelly Reilly; Rip Wheeler, played by Cole Hauser; and Carter, the couple’s adopted son, portrayed by Finn Little. The core plotline of “Dutton Ranch” follows the trio’s relocation to Rio Paloma — a fictional town in South Texas — to rebuild their ranching empire after leaving Montana at the end of “Yellowstone.”

A massive ranching operation called 10 Petal Ranch, however, already exists in their new settlement. And its matriarch — Beulah Jackson, portrayed by Annette Bening — provides all the gritty, built-in rivalry Sheridan’s shows thrive on.

Folks are also saying that Carter’s love interest in the show — Beulah’s granddaughter Oreana Jackson — follows the star-crossed lovers dynamic Sheridan has used in the past, specifically in Rip and Beth, who were also brought together through tension and circumstance.

Combined with a similar pacing and dialogue style to “Yellowstone” right out of the gate — and Rip and Beth remaining the series’ central anchors — there’s some concern that “Dutton Ranch” could end up a carbon copy of its originator.

Of course, we certainly don’t claim pop culture infallibility. We’ve been wrong before, just like every cowboy who ever mistook a dust cloud for a stampede. We’ll hedge this hunch with a declaration that Sheridan again hits it out of the park.

But one thing that seems clear at this early stage is that the themes of power struggle and family loyalty remain the appeal across all of Sheridan’s franchises — and will likely fuel what “Dutton Ranch” needs to go the distance, same plot or not.

Post Views: 175