I have to admit I was so late jumping on the Yellowstone train. I'm talking years late. I just began watching Yellowstone two months ago. If I had realized it was created by Taylor Sheridan I likely would have begun watching sooner. If you don't know about Sheridan's writing style he is "allergic to exposition," as he calls it. Expository writing is very comprehensive. It's dialogue designed to make sure the audience is entirely up to speed. For me, I brace myself when a character asks a question that I know will lead to an extensive explanation. It slows down the progress of the film or show, and, most often, the audience doesn't need it.
Sheridan likes to focus on his characters and his Yellowstone characters are my favorite, and season four has been my best-loved as far as character growth. These characters have all greatly evolved since it's first season. One of the things I appreciate about binge watching television is being able to watch these shifts in the characters.
Beth, while overtly crude and tough, has had moments to show she's not always hard. Truthfully, Beth has some wonderful tenderness, but the world she lives in does not allow her to be. Kayce, while delving deeper into his father's world, a world in season one he was extremely reluctant about, is finding his footing. He's still doing what he can to keep his family together. Is pleasing Monica possible while he continues working for Yellowstone Ranch's interest? Monica is one I haven't noticed progression in character, but a regression. She is back to wanting to distance herself from John Dutton and the Yellowstone Ranch. Jamie's character is interesting. He's capable of doing what needs to be done, we saw that when he killed Sarah Nguyen. He is finally coming into his own this season. But as always it seems to be for his own interests, while believing he's doing it to please John Dutton. Jimmy's transformation this season is by far the most obvious growth. He comes out at the end almost a different character. All the Yellowstone characters have grown and changed throughout the seasons and where they end up at the end of season four is incredible.
The actors who portray these amazing characters that Sheridan has created are nothing short of phenomenal. The scenes between most of these actors require an incredible amount of trust and respect, and you can tell that all of these actors have trust and respect for one another. They have chemistry with each other that could have broken the realism of the show. Each of them find ways to make their characters likable and relatable, while they also find ways to make you feel empathy for them.
I focused on the characters primarily because they are what would make or break the show. Where the plot may like complexity, and the dialogue lacks exposition the characters themselves are incredibly intricate.
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