Other characters were reduced to stringent roles, especially in Yellowstone season 5, part 2, as the character’s connections to the show’s heartbeat suffered after John Dutton III’s death. Taylor Sheridan’s ignorance of vital Yellowstone characters didn’t go unnoticed, with the argument that the franchise’s most outstanding characters deserved better. Ignored players were previously at the center of the plot as they supported John Dutton, and their place in the narrative faltered after his exit.
5. Jamie
Wes Bentley
Jamie Dutton was barely shown in the final episodes of the series, with criticism that Wes Bentley deserved better in Yellowstone season 5. Despite the neo-Western story building the conflict between the siblings from the earliest moments of Yellowstone season 1, Jamie and Beth’s showdown occurred briefly in the final episode. In retrospect, the siblings only had two proper scenes together in season 5, part 2. Jamie is present when Beth threatens him and when she carries through with it.
Jamie only appears a handful of times to discuss his career, such as when he consults his son’s mother, Christina (Katherine Cunningham), about how to reverse his political downfall.
4. Tate
Brecken Merrill
Despite his connection to the Yellowstone 1883 prophecy, Tate’s lack of utilization in Yellowstone season 5 makes sense because John Dutton’s death drastically affected his grandson. Throughout all five seasons of Yellowstone, Tate has the most interesting stories when he is alongside John III. For instance, when Tate is kidnapped from the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch to punish the family, the seventh-generation Dutton is shown moments before having a fun evening with his grandpa.
Yellowstone failed to highlight Tate’s important place in the Dutton family tree, which was integral to understanding the Dutton Ranch’s final fate.
3. Rip
Cole Hauser
While he has some good moments in the final season, one could argue that Rip Wheeler was underutilized in Yellowstone season 5, especially after John III’s death. Rip took care of John’s most essential dirty work and is consistently at his side to make critical decisions. After Costner’s exit, Rip lost his most important role as John’s right hand. Moreover, Rip’s friendship with Taylor Sheridan’s divisive Yellowstone character, Travis Wheatley, is a strained replacement for his connection to John.
Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe is continuing to grow with the announcement of a spinoff that centers on Beth and Rip.
2. Monica
Kelsey Asbille
After her son’s horrific death in the Yellowstone season 5 premiere and the resolution she seeks with her husband, Mo Brings Plenty, and Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham), Monica’s role tapers off in the outing. A lackluster conclusion follows Monica’s robust story in the first half of season 5. While what happens with Kayce’s story and his freedom is profound, Monica doesn’t get a proper ending outside of her husband. Like Tate, many of Monica’s stories in Yellowstone season 5, part 2, are anchored to Kayce.
Monica (and Tate, for that matter) could have joined at the end of Yellowstone when her people reclaimed the ranch, representing her importance to both parties.
1. Gator
Gabriel Guilbeau
Last but certainly not least, we barely hear from Gabriel Guilbeau’s talented chef, “Gator,” in the final episodes of Yellowstone season 5. Most notably, Gator doesn’t attend John Dutton III’s funeral in the Yellowstone finale, despite being at the ranch to cook everyone a proper meal afterward. While Gator explains his absence by saying he doesn’t like goodbyes, we don’t get to watch Gator process the massive changes in his life or explain what comes next, regardless of attending John III’s ceremony.
Considering their bond in Taylor Sheridan’s show, it’s a shame that Yellowstone season 5 didn’t include this character in John Dutton III’s funeral.
