Taylor Sheridan’s Worst ‘Yellowstone’ Mistake Had Nothing to Do With Kevin Costner, but It Ruined the Franchise’s Best Prequel
Taylor Sheridan had built a TV empire with Yellowstone and its gripping spin-offs like 1883 and 1923. But while the Kevin Costner exit grabbed all the headlines, the real blow to the franchise came from a forgotten detail—a prophecy that was never fulfilled.
The Heart of Yellowstone Was Built on a Prophecy
In 1883, James Dutton (played by Tim McGraw) is told by a Native American named Spotted Eagle that the Yellowstone land would one day return to his people—but only after seven generations of Duttons lived there.
That scene wasn’t just a throwaway moment. It was deep. It gave 1883 purpose. It gave Yellowstone a sense of destiny.
But Sheridan? He forgot. Or worse, ignored it.
Yellowstone Season 5 Completely Ignored 1883’s Prophecy
Instead of carrying that legacy forward, Yellowstone Season 5 delivered a rushed, disconnected ending. Kayce Dutton gave up the ranch—just like that. No prophecy, no confrontation, no fulfillment. And here’s the thing: Kayce wasn’t even the seventh generation. That honor goes to Tate, his son.
Let’s break it down:
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1st Generation: James Dutton
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2nd: Spencer Dutton
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3rd: John Dutton Sr.
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4th: John Dutton III (Kevin Costner)
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5th: Kayce Dutton
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6th: Tate Dutton
Tate is the seventh generation. Not Kayce. The entire prophecy setup? Ignored.
A Missed Opportunity for an Epic Conclusion
Instead of tying the entire Yellowstone universe into a neat, emotional circle, Sheridan’s finale felt like a rush job. The promise that 1883 made was the one thing that could have given Yellowstone a satisfying end.
It wasn’t about Costner leaving or the drama around his contract. It was about a prophecy that was supposed to shape the entire future of the Duttons. That’s what fans had been waiting for.
When Costner Left, the Wheels Fell Off
Sure, the Kevin Costner drama made things worse. His exit was messy. John Dutton’s death? Abrupt and barely emotional. But the real damage had already been done.
The writing became sloppy, side characters got lazy arcs, and female leads felt more like fillers than fierce forces. By Season 5, Yellowstone had lost its magic. The Costner drama just exposed the cracks already there.
Conclusion: The Prophecy That Never Was
The saddest part? Sheridan had all the right ingredients. A powerful prophecy. A rich family legacy. Generations of grit and sacrifice. But by skipping over one crucial detail, he didn’t just fumble the Yellowstone finale—he weakened the impact of 1883, arguably the best story he’s ever told.
So no, Sheridan’s biggest Yellowstone mistake wasn’t Kevin Costner. It was forgetting the one thing that gave the franchise its soul.
FAQs
1. Why was the prophecy in 1883 so important to Yellowstone?
It connected the Dutton family legacy across generations and gave the series a long-term arc that deserved closure.
2. Who is the seventh generation of Duttons?
Tate Dutton, the son of Kayce and Monica, is the seventh generation as per the timeline set by Sheridan.
3. Did Taylor Sheridan ever address the prophecy mistake?
As of now, Sheridan hasn’t made any public comment about skipping the prophecy arc in the finale.
4. Was Yellowstone affected by Kevin Costner’s exit?
Yes, Costner’s exit added to the chaos, but many believe the show was already suffering from lazy writing and unresolved plots.
5. Will the prophecy be addressed in a future spin-off?
There’s a chance Sheridan could revisit it in 1923 Season 2 or another sequel, but nothing official has been announced.