Yellowstone has kept audiences captivated with its high-stakes drama, beautiful landscapes, and unforgettable characters. From the Dutton family at the center of it all to the complicated web of secondary characters that fill out the narrative, the show has always excelled at weaving a rich tapestry of personalities. However, with so many characters to explore, it’s inevitable that some are sidelined in favor of more prominent storylines.
In Yellowstone Season 5, while some characters saw their arcs develop, others were significantly underused or barely featured. These characters, who have the potential to add depth to the storyline, seemed to fade into the background, which was a missed opportunity for the series. In this article, we’ll take a look at five characters in Yellowstone Season 5 who were underutilized and deserved much more screen time.
1. Monica Dutton: A Strong Character with Little to Do
Monica’s Struggles Deserved More Focus
Monica Dutton, played by Kelsey Asbille, has always been a character with a rich backstory. As the wife of Kayce Dutton and mother to their son Tate, Monica is deeply connected to the land and the Native American heritage she represents. She’s been through a lot, from her struggles with her family’s traditional values to her role in the Dutton family’s complex dynamics.
In Season 5, however, Monica’s character was largely underused. After a dramatic Season 4 that saw her confront serious emotional and physical trauma, fans hoped to see her return with more depth and focus. Unfortunately, much of Monica’s storyline this season felt rushed or overshadowed by other plotlines. With such an important role in the Dutton family and as a character with a unique perspective, Monica deserved more exploration, especially as she grapples with her identity and place within the larger narrative.
What Monica Could Have Contributed
Monica’s experiences as a mother, wife, and indigenous woman living in the shadow of the Dutton legacy are rich with emotional complexity. A deeper dive into her perspective on family, culture, and the challenges she faces would have added a lot to the season. Fans would have loved to see her not just as Kayce’s supportive wife but as an individual character with her own journey and growth.
2. Jamie Dutton: A Villain in the Shadows
The Underused Complex Antagonist
Jamie Dutton, portrayed by Wes Bentley, is one of the most complex and conflicted characters in Yellowstone. His internal struggles, from his strained relationship with his father, John Dutton, to his moral dilemmas as a politician, have always made him a fascinating character. In the early seasons, Jamie was a key player, struggling to carve out his own identity within the powerful Dutton family.
However, in Yellowstone Season 5, Jamie’s character took a backseat. His presence was felt, but his role was more subdued than in previous seasons. After the dramatic events of Season 4, where Jamie made a morally questionable decision regarding his biological father, many fans expected Jamie to take a more active role in Season 5—whether that meant reconciling with his family or diving deeper into his political ambitions.
The Potential for a Powerful Arc
Given Jamie’s complex motivations and the unresolved issues within his family, Season 5 could have explored his emotional turmoil more thoroughly. His relationships with both John and Beth have always been strained, and seeing him navigate these tensions would have given his character more depth. Whether Jamie is scheming to take control of the ranch or trying to win back his family’s trust, there was definitely room for more of his story to be explored.
3. Teeter: A Fan-Favorite With Untapped Potential
Teeter’s Wild Personality Was Underutilized
Teeter, played by Jennifer Landon, became a fan favorite almost immediately for her fierce attitude and no-nonsense demeanor. She brought much-needed comic relief to the sometimes-heavy drama of Yellowstone, and her unique personality made her stand out in the ranch’s rough-and-tumble environment.
In Season 5, however, Teeter’s character was largely sidelined. While she still had some fun moments, her storyline felt minimal compared to other seasons, and her potential for more impactful interactions was largely ignored. Teeter had already proven she could be a strong and entertaining presence on the show, but Season 5 failed to give her the narrative focus that many fans expected.
What Teeter Could Have Contributed
Teeter’s backstory, personality, and dynamic with other characters like Rip and the rest of the cowboys had so much untapped potential. She could have played a bigger role in the unfolding drama of the ranch, whether through her involvement in major conflicts or her interactions with the family. A deeper exploration of her background, motivations, and relationships would have added a lot of value to Season 5.
4. Walker: A Cowboy With a Story Yet to Be Told
Walker’s Underdeveloped Arc
Walker (played by Ryan Bingham) has always been a somewhat mysterious character. Initially introduced as a member of the cowboy crew, Walker has had his moments, including a complicated relationship with Rip and his stint as a musician. However, despite his intriguing backstory, Walker’s role in Yellowstone Season 5 was underplayed.
Walker’s presence was still felt on the ranch, but the show missed the opportunity to expand on his past, motivations, and emotional conflicts. His history as a musician, his strained relationship with Rip, and his potential for growth were all aspects that could have been explored more fully in the season.
The Missed Opportunity for Walker’s Growth
Walker’s character could have been used as a way to explore themes of redemption, identity, and belonging. As a cowboy with a passion for music and a past that’s not entirely clear, his character could have been developed into a more central figure with deeper ties to the ranch. Whether through conflict, romance, or personal growth, Walker deserved more time in the spotlight in Season 5.
5. Lloyd: The Loyal Cowboy Who Deserved More Screen Time
Lloyd’s Loyalty Was Overlooked in Season 5
Lloyd (portrayed by Forrie J. Smith) is one of the most loyal and seasoned characters on the ranch. As a long-time cowboy and trusted figure on the Dutton family’s property, Lloyd is often seen as a pillar of strength and wisdom. While Season 5 did give Lloyd some moments, it felt like the writers missed a chance to explore his character more deeply.
Lloyd’s loyalty to the Duttons, his past struggles, and his role within the cowboy crew could have been better explored, especially as he navigates the changing dynamics at the ranch. His relationship with Rip and the younger cowboys provides plenty of room for growth and tension, but unfortunately, his character was pushed to the sidelines in favor of more dramatic storylines.
Why Lloyd Deserved More in Season 5
Lloyd’s years of experience and his commitment to the ranch make him a valuable character. With so much wisdom and emotional depth, his role in the season could have been expanded. Whether it was through mentorship, conflict, or a deeper look into his personal history, Lloyd’s character had a lot of potential that wasn’t fully realized in Season 5.
Conclusion: The Missed Potential of Yellowstone Season 5
While Yellowstone Season 5 delivered many intense and compelling storylines, there were several characters who were underused and deserving of more screen time. Monica, Jamie, Teeter, Walker, and Lloyd each have unique qualities and potential that could have been explored further, adding richness and complexity to the show. Hopefully, in future seasons, these characters will be given the attention they deserve, as their stories have the power to deepen the overall narrative and engage fans in new and exciting ways.
FAQs
1. Why was Monica Dutton underused in Yellowstone Season 5?
Monica’s character, despite her rich backstory, was sidelined in Season 5, with her personal struggles and complex emotions given less focus than in previous seasons.
2. What happened to Jamie Dutton in Season 5?
Jamie’s character was more subdued in Season 5. While his presence was felt, his personal struggles and political ambitions were not as heavily explored.
3. What role did Teeter play in Season 5?
Teeter had a minimal role in Season 5, which disappointed many fans who enjoyed her strong and entertaining personality in previous seasons.
4. How was Walker’s character underused in Yellowstone Season 5?
Walker’s backstory and unique dynamic with Rip were not explored as much as fans hoped. He had the potential for growth, but his arc was largely overlooked in this season.
5. What could Lloyd’s character have contributed to Yellowstone Season 5?
Lloyd’s character could have been given more depth, exploring his loyalty, wisdom, and relationships with other characters. His role as a seasoned cowboy was not fully realized in Season 5.
