Key Takeaways:
– Yellowstone has captivated fans with riveting drama, complex characters and exploring themes such as power, loyalty, and survival.
– Despite its popularity, fans indicate prequels, 1883 and 1923, offer a fresh take on the Dutton family and are better for their “positive” reason.
– The shift from morally ambiguous characters in Yellowstone to principled in the prequels offered fans a new perspective.
– Kevin Costner, star of Yellowstone, stated the focus on the prequels affected the quality of the parent show’s script.
The Rise of Yellowstone and its Prequels
Yellowstone, a drama series focusing on the trials and tribulations of the Dutton family and their massive American ranch, has spurred excitement and interest amongst viewers. Spearheaded by Kevin Costner’s compelling portrayal of John Dutton, Yellowstone gives an insightful look into power, survival, and the preservation of legacy. Along with this, the series welcomed prequels such as the 1883 and 1923 that took viewers back to the Dutton family roots. However, despite the roaring success of the parent series, fans argue that the prequels are much more appealing for a unique reason.
The Difference in Perspective: Yellowstone vs Prequels
Yellowstone delivers a narrative of the ruthless modern Duttons maintaining their legacy against all odds, while the prequels offer a glimpse into their origins. The dynamic difference between the present-day Duttons in Yellowstone and their ancestors in the prequels is striking. In the latter, the Duttons are portrayed as resilient and principled folk, in contrast to their morally ambiguous modern counterparts.
The 1883 prequel showcases James and Margaret Dutton striving hard to build a legacy for their family. Simultaneously, the 1923 prequel takes viewers through Jacob and Cara Dutton’s historical struggles during the Great Depression. These prequels depict the ancestors with more moral righteousness, contrasting John Dutton’s unscrupulous tactics in Yellowstone.
Fans’ Reaction to the Difference
Fans have come forward with theories explaining the drastic change in the character dynamics between the prequels and Yellowstone. According to one viewer on Reddit, the shift from upright, hardworking ancestors to divided, despondent, and conniving descendants starkly paints the current Duttons as anti-heroes.
Other fans concur that the change in times and the evolving threats and challenges justify the moral differences among Duttons over generations. The modern threats like land developers and political conflicts have shaped John Dutton’s personality differently from his predecessors.
Tension behind the Scenes
Whilst fans raved about the prequels, Kevin Costner, the lead of Yellowstone, observed that the spin-offs could have negatively impacted the parent series. According to him, the focus on prequels may have led the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, to neglect Yellowstone’s script.
In defense, Sheridan attributes Costner’s focus on other projects as the reason behind Yellowstone’s issues. The star’s other pursuits distracted him from fully committing to the show, resulting in its shortcomings.
Watch the Prequels and Yellowstone Weigh In
Despite the off-stage dynamics, the compelling narratives and intriguing characters are worth a watch. You can catch Yellowstone and its praised prequels in streaming platforms such as Peacock, FuboTV, Paramount Network, and Netflix.
Conclusively, the Yellowstone franchise has given viewers a unique ride into a family’s legacy over generations ingrained with power, survival, and changing morals. Yet, it’s the distinctiveness of the prequels that fans applaud, preferring the morally strong Dutton ancestors over their present-day kin.