As Yellowstone gallops toward its final sunset, fans can’t help but feel the sting—not just from emotional goodbyes, but from a string of missteps that dulled the show’s once-blazing fire. Once praised for its gritty Western storytelling and powerhouse performances, the final season has left many viewers scratching their heads and longing for the show’s golden days. Here are the 10 biggest blunders that dragged down the last ride of the Dutton dynasty:
- Pacing Problems – Long-winded side plots dragged, while major events felt rushed or glossed over.
- Character Abandonment – Fan-favorite characters disappeared or were underused with no explanation.
- Beth vs. Jamie Overload – The never-ending feud lost its bite and felt recycled, not riveting.
- Political Plot Fatigue – The governor storyline became more lecture than drama.
- Rip & Beth’s Arc Stalled – Their once-electric relationship turned stagnant and repetitive.
- Forced New Faces – Too many late-game characters took screen time from the core cast.
- Montana or Bust? – The lack of stakes made the ranch drama feel more melodrama than meaningful.
- Teasers Without Payoff – Big setups (like the train station) led nowhere or lacked resolution.
- Plot Armor Problems – Characters survived impossible odds too often, killing suspense.
- Series Exit Strategy Misfire – With behind-the-scenes drama looming, the season felt more like a patch-up job than a proper send-off.
Whether you’re Team Dutton or just a die-hard Taylor Sheridan fan, there’s no denying the final chapter of Yellowstone left much to be desired. Here’s hoping the spin-offs bring back the grit and glory that made Yellowstone a modern Western classic.