I’m overdue for watching this one, but Taylor Sheridan never fails to deliver on the quality of writing if his other works are any indication (Mayor of Kingstown especially).
I’m having more trouble sympathising with the characters this time, unlike in 1883 and 1923 where I liked everyone (that we were supposed to like). I don’t mind a villain protagonist, I’d just be more on board if Jamie didn’t get such a raw deal…
If I recall, Yellowstone was more about drama instead of portraying likeable characters specifically because they were tired of safe television where all the characters were likeable.
Having watched mayor of kingstown even with the characters being consistently amoral they still ended up without a coherent sense of time between seasons, so you have events that should transpire over days taking place over the course of seasons and events that should transpire over the course of seasons taking days.
But the man has put together content creation to the tune of about 200 hour long episodes over the course of 8 years. Even if you dont’ like one of his series chances are one of them might be more your speed, he’s even got a soft fantasy series coming out
It started out with a strong first season I think. I forget how much happens, feels like 3 seasons in one. Once it sorta pans off Casey to John though it kinda grinds to a halt. Sheridan self inserted, there was a buncha montages for no reason, then the last season… Don’t get me started.
Still think 1923 was Sheridan’s best, and Tulsa King Seasons 2-3 are his absolute worst. the Ending of 1923 was absolutely fantastic.
I’m just glad I discovered BB and BCS to show me shows can end on epic notes.
How far into the series are you? Because imo there is nothing redeemable about him. Sure, there’s moments early on where you kind of warm up to him but then he reminds you why you hate him, especially once you find out what he did to Beth.
Maybe you have the same problem I did where sometimes you forgot you’re supposed to hate him because you like the actor so much.
I’m more talking about how he gets treated like crap by John despite building his entire life around defending the family (at John’s request, and let’s be honest, practically order). It’s not about good or evil – the Dutton family is most certainly evil 
– just a lack of appreciation on the family’s part that rubs me the wrong way a bit. Maybe Beth’s accusations that he “only cares about himself and how the world sees him” will prove themselves further in season 3 onward though…
Also, Rip is awesome, and the character development between him and Jimmy is heartwarming. I love a story where someone starts out the rookie everyone dunks on and the boss abuses and goes on to grow into a respected equal. I also have a lot of respect for… of all people, Thomas Rainwater.
Best character in the franchise though? Spencer. Best villain? Probably Donald Whitfield.
There’s a couple reasons John treats Jaime like crap. One I won’t spoil for you but the other should be apparent by now. Jaime only protects the family and ranch for selfish/political reasons. He doesn’t want the Dutton name to be tarnished because that would end his career and protecting the ranch protects his worth, his inheritance.
I don’t want to say much more about Jaime’s feelings about the ranch past that initial view of it because I don’t remember which event happens in which season.
I wouldn’t call John and Beth evil. I think “morally gray” describes them better. Jerks. They’re definitely jerks. They’re jerks that see Jamie for what he is. Kayce is a blind idiot.
Btw you can pretty much ignore the crybaby trio (Kayce, Tate, Monica.) They cry for 6 seasons. I just summed up their story arc. You’re welcome.
You should be finding out pretty soon why Beth’s hatred is deeper and more justified.