The highly-anticipated series finale of Yellowstone is on its way, and although behind-the-scenes drama involving Kevin Costner has been the central story plaguing the upcoming final set of episodes, one star is confident in the finale’s ability to have a lasting impact. The Paramount Network neo-Western drama television series, created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, centers around the Dutton family, owners of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch in Montana. Even though Yellowstone season 1 received poor reviews and ratings, the show managed to turn things around and became one of the most popular series on television.
Costner has starred as John Dutton III since Yellowstone’s pilot, but he left the Paramount Network series between season 5, part 1, and season 5, part 2. Given his character’s significance in the neo-Western drama and the critical acclaim the actor has garnered from playing John Dutton, Costner’s exit from Yellowstone was quite shocking. The reasons behind Costner’s departure included scheduling conflicts and disagreements between the actor and the producers. The show must go on, though, and the cast and crew will try to give Yellowstone the best ending it could have without Costner.
“Best Series Finale In History” Will Be Very Difficult For Yellowstone Season 5 Without Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner’s Return In Yellowstone Season 5 Is Uncertain (But Unlikely)
During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Ian Bohen, who plays Ryan in Yellowstone, boldly proclaimed that the series finale of the neo-Western drama will be among the best television finales in history. This is a strong declaration to make in and of itself, but knowing that Kevin Costner probably won’t be in the last episode makes the statement even more daring. Bohen said:
“The fans are going to get the [best] conclusion that could possibly be written. Everything will land in a way that is perfectly set. A lot of shows just kind of finish … and they don’t satisfy you. This will be completed in a way that it will make sense. I don’t know that any show has finished this strongly ever. We’re expecting to have the best series finale in history. Overconfident maybe, but I think that’s what it’s going to be. We thank everyone for their patience … It’ll be worth the wait, I promise.”
Bohen is, perhaps, setting fans’ expectations too high, especially since Costner’s involvement in the Yellowstone series finale is murky.Costner previously revealed he wishes to return in Yellowstone season 5, but Taylor Sheridan has reportedly already finished writing the ending with the mindset that John Dutton wouldn’t appear. So, even though Costner is open to reprising his role and giving closure to his character, his return likely won’t happen, making Bohen’s “best series finale in history” declaration doubtful. This achievement is difficult to reach for any show, and more so for Yellowstone because it’s adjusting to losing its main star.
Aside from the fact that Kevin Costner isn’t expected to return in the series finale, Yellowstone’s upcoming spin-offs make Ian Bohen’s statement far-fetched. The last episode will assumingly set up the franchise’s future as it expands with numerous more shows. Consequently, it will be hard for the final hour to resolve all the storylines and give closure to every element in the neo-Western drama. Only time will tell if Bohen’s declaration is true, but the odds are not in Yellowstone’s favor.
