If you’re a fan of Yellowstone, you know the show is known for its breathtaking landscapes, gripping drama, and standout performances from its star-studded cast. However, one actor’s talent remained mostly underutilized throughout the series—Josh Lucas. Despite his impressive career and solid performance as a younger version of Kevin Costner’s John Dutton, Yellowstone never truly tapped into his full potential. Season 5 presented a golden opportunity for the show to finally give Lucas the spotlight he deserves.
In this article, we’ll explore why Josh Lucas’s character was underdeveloped, why Season 5 was the perfect time for him to shine, and how the show missed a major opportunity by not giving him more to work with.
Josh Lucas as Young John Dutton: A Brief Overview
Before we dive into the missed opportunities, let’s take a moment to appreciate Josh Lucas’s portrayal of the younger version of John Dutton. His role in Yellowstone’s flashbacks is crucial, as it helps explain the Dutton family’s complicated legacy and provides more insight into John’s past.
The Importance of Young John Dutton’s Character
- Emotional Backstory: The younger John Dutton’s character shows his emotional evolution, providing context for his present-day decisions.
- Legacy of the Dutton Family: Josh Lucas’s portrayal gives fans a closer look at the family dynamics and what made John Dutton the man he is today.
Despite these strong foundations, his role was never fully fleshed out, and the true depth of his character remained somewhat unexplored.
Why Josh Lucas’s Character Deserved More in Season 5
Season 5 of Yellowstone was a turning point in the series. The show was at its peak, and the stakes were higher than ever. With major characters like Rip Wheeler, Beth Dutton, and Jamie Dutton constantly battling personal and familial demons, it seemed like the perfect time to bring more depth to the backstory of the Dutton family—especially Young John Dutton.
Season 5: A Time of Change
- High Stakes: With tensions rising and the future of the Dutton ranch hanging in the balance, the audience needed more context to understand John’s character’s evolution.
- More Flashbacks: Season 5 could have explored more of the past with Josh Lucas’s character, showcasing John’s early years of shaping the ranch into what it is today.
Despite the abundance of narrative potential, the show failed to make full use of Josh Lucas’s talents.
Josh Lucas’s Untapped Potential: What Could Have Been
The absence of Josh Lucas from major plotlines in Yellowstone has left many fans wondering what could have been. Let’s look at some key areas where the show missed the mark by not giving him more screen time.
1. Flashbacks That Expanded the Dutton Legacy
One of the best ways to understand John Dutton’s choices in the present is to see his motivations from the past. Yellowstone had the perfect opportunity to delve into his younger years with Josh Lucas, exploring the relationships, decisions, and sacrifices that shaped him. Imagine flashbacks that detailed his complex bond with his father, or more intimate moments with his siblings.
- Missed Opportunity: More flashbacks that deepened the Dutton family dynamics and the legacy of their ranch would have provided crucial context for viewers.
2. The Chance to Explore Young John’s Vulnerability
John Dutton is a character known for his tough exterior, but showing more of his emotional vulnerabilities could have been incredibly impactful. As a younger man, John must have faced his own internal struggles while working to maintain control of the ranch and protect his family. Josh Lucas had the acting chops to show this side of the character.
- Missed Opportunity: Allowing Young John to express vulnerability, especially in the face of loss, would have added another layer to his character.
3. Complex Relationships with Key Characters
The relationships between John and other pivotal characters in his life—such as his siblings or romantic interests—were another area that could have been explored in more depth. By expanding on how John interacted with others before becoming the patriarch of the Dutton family, Josh Lucas’s performance could have provided more emotional complexity to these relationships.
- Missed Opportunity: A deeper look at Young John’s relationships would have allowed viewers to understand why he became so fiercely protective of his family.
The Rise of Other Characters: Why Josh Lucas Took a Backseat
While Josh Lucas’s character had undeniable potential, the rise of other characters in Yellowstone’s complex narrative made it harder for him to maintain a central role. With powerful performances from Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, and Cole Hauser, there simply wasn’t enough screen time to explore every character in detail. However, the Dutton family’s history remained an integral part of the show, and it’s clear that the story could have benefited from more focus on Young John.
The Dutton Family Drama
- Jamie Dutton’s Journey: Jamie’s ongoing struggle with his father’s legacy was a key storyline in Season 5, but more could have been done to link his struggles with the flashbacks involving Young John.
- Beth and Rip’s Power Struggles: Beth’s complicated relationship with her father and Rip’s loyalty to John could have been contrasted with Young John’s experiences to create a more powerful emotional arc.
Season 5: A Missed Opportunity for Josh Lucas’s Character
The absence of Josh Lucas from Season 5 left many fans scratching their heads. Season 5 was the perfect opportunity to give his character more screen time, especially with the intense familial and power struggles that the show was exploring. By diving deeper into Young John Dutton’s past, we could have gotten a clearer picture of how he became the man we see today.
The Dutton Family’s Legacy Was Key in Season 5
- Understanding John Dutton’s Past: With the rising tensions in the present-day Yellowstone, understanding John’s origins would have given viewers more insight into his leadership and decision-making.
- Expanding on Key Themes: Themes of power, loyalty, and sacrifice are central to the Yellowstone universe, and diving deeper into Young John’s story would have added more emotional weight.
Why Season 5 Could Have Been a Game-Changer for Josh Lucas
With the Dutton family facing major external and internal threats in Season 5, this was the perfect time for Josh Lucas to step up. Flashbacks detailing John Dutton’s rise, his struggles, and the choices he made could have been the key to unlocking the full emotional depth of the series.
The Need for More Flashbacks
Flashbacks have been an important part of Yellowstone, providing crucial context for characters’ actions. Josh Lucas’s portrayal of Young John could have given us deeper insight into his life during the formative years of the ranch.
Conclusion: What Could Have Been
As we reflect on Yellowstone Season 5, it’s clear that Josh Lucas’s role could have been more substantial. With a narrative built around the Dutton family’s legacy, it’s a shame that the younger John Dutton wasn’t given more opportunities to shine. In the end, it was a missed chance for both the character and the actor to explore a more nuanced portrayal.
By expanding Josh Lucas’s role, Yellowstone could have not only enriched its storytelling but also given fans a more complete view of one of TV’s most iconic families. With the show continuing to explore the Duttons’ complicated legacy, let’s hope future seasons take full advantage of the immense potential that Josh Lucas brings to the table.
