1st Place, Review
2024-25, Division 1, News Writing
By Jenny Pepaj
The Talon
Rochester HS
Although there have been many shows and films that have been awarded “Best Series” or “Top Watch” there is no show that deserves the title like Yellowstone does. A show not only full of mystery and adventure but also with speckles of romance throughout the show, bound to keep any type of film lover interested. Yellowstone has captivated audiences since its premier in 2018 on the Paramount network. Starring Kevin Costner as John Dutton, the head of the largest and most powerful ranch in the U.S, the series explores themes of family loyalty, power, and preserving tradition in the face of modernity. At the heart of the story, it’s the Dutton family’s fight to protect their ranch from threats like land developers, rival ranches, and even from their own family members.
One of the show’s standout features, and also a reason I chose to watch it, is the absolutely breathtaking visuals. Set in the jagged landscapes of Montana, Yellowstone showcases beautifully wide-open plains, mountain ranges, valleys, fields, and everything you would imagine a powerful, western, ranch to have. The setting plays a large part of the story, adding depth and beauty to the already captivating series.
Nevertheless, the show revolves around the Duttons’ struggles to maintain not only their land, but also their legacy. John Dutton is a very strong-willed leader who is prepared to do anything to protect his ranch that he has been building the legacy of his whole life. Each of his children also play a very important and unique role in the family drama: Beth (Kelly Reilly) is a very sharp and dominant business woman with an unfortunately troubled past, Kayce (Luke Grimes) is a former soldier (who can’t seem to stay out of trouble) is still trying to find his place while also making amends with his family, Jaime (Wes Bentley) is an ambitious politician but also very conflicted and Lee, along with their mother, is just dead. Yellowstone reflects themes of loyalty, power, and sacrifice, keeping the viewers hooked with unpredictable twists and intense conflicts.
The show is so amazing because of its strong characters and dramatic storytelling. Not only are the performances by Costner and Reilly powerful and memorable, but the way the audience would never get bored with all of the plot twists and cliff hangers, is what makes the show all the better. I just loved the loyalty dynamic of the show and how Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, the producers, made the show out to be. However, the series did feel overly dramatic at times. There were some scenes that felt far-fetched and exaggerated that made me want to skip some (very few) scenes, but despite this, the emotion and tension keeps the audience engaged.
Over time since its premier in 2018, Yellowstone has become an absolute cultural phenomenon, sparking ideas and conversations about loyalty, tradition, land and the changing American west. Its mix of drama, action, and beautiful visuals makes it a must watch for people who love Westerns and family sagas. If you’re looking for an aesthetically pleasing high stakes drama series, Yellowstone is one hundred percent, without a doubt, the show for you and worth the watch.