Yellowstone, the popular drama series that follows the powerful Dutton family and their sprawling Montana ranch, is known for many things: breathtaking landscapes, high-stakes business deals, and a whole lot of family drama. But one thing that stands out time and time again is the surprising number of murders that take place on what is supposedly a ranching show. Yes, you read that right—a show about cattle and land has more bloodshed than most crime thrillers.
So, why does Yellowstone, a show set on a ranch, seem to have a murder rate higher than your average crime drama? Let’s take a closer look at how the series has become as much about dead bodies as it is about the Dutton family legacy.
1. The Dutton Family’s Ruthless Reputation
At the core of Yellowstone is John Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family, played by Kevin Costner. He runs the largest contiguous ranch in the United States—the Yellowstone Ranch—and he’s known for making tough decisions to protect his land. But what makes John Dutton different from most other ranch owners is his willingness to go to extreme lengths to protect his property and family.
Throughout the series, John repeatedly demonstrates that he’s willing to kill (or have someone killed) to keep control of the land. Whether it’s to eliminate rivals or protect his family’s interests, violence is often the solution on Yellowstone. Murder isn’t just a byproduct of the plot—it’s often a driving force behind the Dutton family’s power struggles.
2. The Duttons Aren’t Afraid to Get Their Hands Dirty
From the very first season, we see that the Duttons have no qualms about crossing the line into murderous territory. John Dutton himself has been involved in several deaths, from confronting land thieves to eliminating anyone who poses a threat to his family’s legacy.
One of the most shocking deaths occurs early on when John’s son, Kayce Dutton, has to make a difficult decision. Kayce, who serves as a “head of security” for the ranch, finds himself involved in a deadly encounter with a group of intruders. It’s clear that the Dutton family isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty, even if it means taking lives.
But the Duttons aren’t the only ones involved in the bloody business—Rip Wheeler, John’s loyal ranch hand, is often tasked with carrying out the more grisly work. Rip’s character is steeped in violence and brutality, making him a key player when it comes to the dark side of the ranching world.
3. Political Power Struggles Fueling Murderous Conflict
While the Dutton family might be the primary focus of the show, there are several outside forces constantly threatening the ranch’s stability. These political power struggles often lead to dangerous confrontations and, unsurprisingly, more murders.
Take Market Equities, the corporation aiming to take over Dutton land for development, as a prime example. The rivalry between the Duttons and this powerful company sparks numerous violent confrontations, culminating in deadly outcomes. When millions of dollars are on the line, it’s not uncommon for someone to end up dead—especially if they’re standing in the way of the Duttons’ control over their land.
Similarly, there are frequent clashes with Native American tribes, government officials, and other landowners, all of which lead to bloody confrontations. The show expertly ties in murder with the themes of land ownership, family loyalty, and power, making it clear that in Yellowstone, violence is an unfortunate but necessary tool in the game of survival.
4. Revenge: A Motive for Murder in Yellowstone
Revenge is a classic motive for murder in many shows, but on Yellowstone, it’s more than just a plot device—it’s an entire theme. The Dutton family has been wronged time and again, and as a result, they’re constantly seeking payback.
One of the most compelling revenge-driven storylines involves Beth Dutton, John’s fiery daughter. Beth has a vendetta against the people who wronged her in the past, and she’s not afraid to kill or have people killed to get even. Her thirst for vengeance often leads her down a dark path, and we see how her complicated past fuels some of the bloodier moments on the show.
Rip Wheeler, too, has a significant amount of revenge-driven violence in his backstory. His past is filled with tragedy, and much of his loyalty to the Duttons stems from his desire to right the wrongs that have been done to him.
5. A Show About Power, Money, and Death
It’s clear that Yellowstone is more than just a ranching drama—it’s a show about power, money, and the lengths people will go to in order to maintain control. Whether it’s eliminating threats, seeking revenge, or securing land for the future, murder is often the most direct and effective solution to the Duttons’ problems.
The ranch serves as the backdrop for the show, but it’s the constant battle for power and survival that really takes center stage. This battle doesn’t just involve negotiations and deals—it often spills over into murderous violence. The show makes it clear that when stakes are high, death is never far behind.
6. The Thrills of Yellowstone Are Built on Bloodshed
What makes Yellowstone so thrilling to watch is the constant tension between survival and violence. Each episode leaves us wondering who’s going to be the next casualty in this ruthless world. The murders on Yellowstone are not random—they are part of the larger narrative about family, loyalty, and revenge.
As much as we love the picturesque ranch and the slow-moving plotlines about land deals, the underlying violence always manages to steal the show. Whether it’s a quick kill or a more drawn-out conflict, the amount of murder on this show is shockingly high—and that’s exactly what keeps us coming back for more.
7. Why Does Yellowstone Have So Much Murder?
So, why all the murder? Why is a show about ranching and family so steeped in violence? The answer lies in the show’s themes of power, survival, and legacy. The Duttons’ land is their everything, and they will stop at nothing to protect it, even if it means resorting to murder.
In many ways, the excessive bloodshed in Yellowstone mirrors the cutthroat nature of real estate, business, and politics, where winning is often the only thing that matters. Murder isn’t just a random act of violence—it’s a tool for survival in a world where power is everything.
Conclusion: Murder is Just Part of the Yellowstone Landscape
At the end of the day, the constant violence and murder in Yellowstone are what make it more than just another family drama set on a ranch. These brutal acts serve as the foundation of the show’s most intense storylines. From family betrayals to corporate greed, murder is woven into the very fabric of Yellowstone, and it helps to create the high-stakes drama that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
If you’re watching Yellowstone, don’t expect just scenic views of Montana’s ranches. Expect gunfights, betrayals, and murder in nearly every episode. In the world of the Dutton family, the only way to survive is to kill or be killed. And in that world, it seems like murder is just part of the landscape.
5 Unique FAQs
1. Why does Yellowstone have so much murder?
Murder is often used in Yellowstone as a way for the Dutton family to protect their land, maintain power, and get revenge on enemies.
2. Is murder a central theme of Yellowstone?
Yes, murder plays a significant role in the show’s exploration of power, survival, and family loyalty, making it more than just a ranch drama.
3. Does John Dutton kill anyone on the show?
Yes, John Dutton is involved in several murders throughout the series, particularly to protect his family and their land.
4. What role does revenge play in the violence of Yellowstone?
Revenge is a key motivator for many characters, including Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler, and drives much of the series’ violent acts.
5. Is Yellowstone more about land or violence?
While land is a central theme, Yellowstone is equally about the violence and power struggles that come with owning and protecting it.
