Kevin Costner's exit from Yellowstone season 5 part 2 has puzzled viewers. The intense drama made the writers of Yellowstone think of an intriguing exit for the character John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner. The writers designed a dramatic yet poignant storyline for his exit in the ninth Yellowstone season 5 part 2 episode.
John Dutton is the patriarch of the Dutton family and the owner of the largest ranch in the United States. His character dies in the premiere of Yellowstone season 5 part 2. Therefore, explaining his exit required a narrative that could resonate with fans while maintaining the show’s dramatic tension.
Note: The article is speculative and contains spoilers.
Did John Dutton kill himself in Yellowstone season 5 part 2?
No, John Dutton was murdered in Yellowstone season 5 part 2. The season starts with an open jolt: a lifeless body is found in the governor's mansion. The corresponding circumstances may have suggested it as a case of suicide because of his pressure politics and personal fights. Nevertheless, the unfolding plot suggested otherwise.
The investigation is quickly overturned by the investigators who found evidence to suggest foul play. It is revealed that the actual antagonist in the series is Sarah Atwood. At the end of the episode, it is discovered that she is the killer. Her strategic action to kill John Dutton only makes this character intriguing and sets up further possibilities that she will explore.
It has complicated the storyline further with the interjection of her character, making her integral in bringing about John's downfall. John's death sets off a series of events, ultimately creating a massive curve of events that makes the entire audience keep their feet on their toes at all times.
John Dutton's death is a defining moment in Yellowstone season 5 part 2. It is not merely a way to get through Costner's exit from the show but to catalyze a wider narrative shift that touches all the main characters.
How did Kevin Costner react to his character's death in Yellowstone season 5 part 2?
Kevin Costner was quite surprised by his character John Dutton's death in Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2. He revealed in an interview on SiriusXM's The Michael Smerconish Program on November 12, 2024, that he didn't know his character's fate would be revealed in the episode that aired on November 10, 2024.
Costner admitted that he had heard rumors about John Dutton's death but didn't realize it was going to be part of the episode until after it aired. He shared that he was taken aback by the news, saying,
"I mean, I've been seeing ads with my face all over the place, and I'm thinking, 'Gee, I'm not in that one.' I'm not in this season."
He also mentioned that he didn't rush to watch the episode, as he heard it involved a suicide, which didn't make him eager to see it. Despite the shock, Costner expressed confidence in the show's writers, acknowledging that they are smart and capable of figuring things out.
Costner also mentioned that he had come up with two possible endings for John Dutton earlier in the show's run, but neither involved suicide.
Impact on the Dutton Family and the show's future
John Dutton's death in Yellowstone season 5 part 2 affected both the Dutton family members and the future aspects of this show. It is a seismic event within the Yellowstone universe. It is a power vacuum within the family and the bigger community. Beth, known for her fiery loyalty and sharp intellect, comes to the forefront as she is determined to find out what happened behind her father's death.
Her existing tension with Jamie is well-escalated, and their power plays become more contentious and antagonistic as rumors fly around. Kayce, who has always struggled with his dual identity as a family man and a warrior, finds himself at a crossroads.
John’s death forces him to re-evaluate his priorities and his place within the Dutton legacy. The character’s journey becomes one of seeking balance and justice while honoring his father’s memory. This major plot development now makes the series' future hinge on this direction.
Without John Dutton, the remaining Dutton family members would still have to protect their lands and inheritance. This drama engages a new aspect of power plays within the family circle and their external threat interactions. The new narrative ensures a changing Yellowstone, bringing in new storylines and conflicts.
Yellowstone season 5, part 2 returned on November 10, airing on the Paramount Network and CBS.