The Dutton Ranch Review - Paramount+

After six years, one of the best serial dramas to appear on television screens for millions of viewers came to an end in December 2024. Much to the fans’ dismay, after five seasons, the award-winning series Yellowstone officially ended. But as fans came to appreciate, the Duttons were survivalists. Now, two years later, Keilly Reilly and Cole Hauser reprise their roles as Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler in a new series -- The Dutton Ranch. People say that when that hot burning flame is extinguished, it is hard to recapture. In comparison, it is certainly not Yellowstone, but with new characters and the addition of two acting legends, the nine-part Paramount+ series captures the feeling and nostalgia Taylor Sheridan masterfully created, which forced fans to tune in Sunday nights at 8 pm.

After leaving Yellowstone, Rip and Beth purchase 7,000 acres outside of Dillon, Montana. Unfortunately, all their land is destroyed by wildfire caused by a lightning strike. The cost of rebuilding in Montana was too much, so they decided to buy property in Paloma, Texas. But lightning strikes again when a sick cow they bought at an auction infects their cattle, forcing them to destroy the herd. They come up with a plan to work for the competition to learn as much as they can, but it puts everything in jeopardy, including their most cherished asset – their family.

Rip and Beth headline the show. To put it more distinctly, they are the show. The strong bond of deep comprehension and trusting one another is the heart and soul of the show. Beth showing up for Rip in those rare but cultivated tender moments, and Rip showing up for Beth in those not-so-tender moments when some “head needs to roll” as her protector, continues their relationship from Yellowstone. And just like in season 2, “Resurrection Day”, their bond is unmatched in any circumstance.

Annette Benning brings her versatility to adapt to any role as Beulah, the ranch matriarch of the 10 Petal ranch. At the same time, Ed Harris delivers his grit and subtlety as Everett, a Navy Vietnam Veteran and the town’s veterinarian. They are strong complements to Beth and Rip as complex characters with a multitude of layers to unfold. Beulah and Everett have an entangled bond spanning over decades that started as teenagers but never could come completely to fruition because of circumstances that were not completely within their control.

The relationship between Carter (Fin Little), Beth and Rip’s adopted son, and Benning’s granddaughter, Oreana (Natalie Alyn Lind), has promise. This must have been the way Beth and Rip’s romance started when they were teenagers. Oreana is just as fierce and free as Beth, rebellious “to a tee”, and Carter tries to find his way in the life of a cowboy (but really a ranch hand). His sense of loss and not belonging is hard for him to overcome, but he has a tender heart and is loyal to a fault.

The Dutton Ranch captures familiar themes of survival, resilience, and rebuilding love and relationships that fans came to love in its predecessor, Yellowstone; instead of a cast consisting of Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Wes Bentley, and Jefferson White, The Dutton Ranch stars Reilly, Hauser, Harris, and Benning. The main cast is formidable, if not better. The other cast members need a bit of seasoning to increase the show's dynamic, but certainly time will be its problem solver. With its incredible writing and storylines, the show has long-term potential. Like Yellowstone, The Dutton Ranch relies on stunning cinematography and authentic western appeal, encompassing hard-hitting ranching and cowboy culture. Lastly, the sensationalism keeps audiences wanting more.