While we can’t wait to see the drama unfold at Yellowstone Dutton Ranch in November, viewers of the popular series are already gearing up for a fast-paced ride into the highly anticipated second half of Season 5, where the Dutton legacy will enter the turbulent world of Montana politics.
Of course, we didn’t predict that John Dutton’s rise to the governorship (in the first half of Season 5) would be just one piece of the puzzle, as we witnessed a number of personal challenges at the same time. In fact, the season plunged headlong into a deep personal tragedy for Kayce and Monica Dutton.
Surely, Yellowstone knows how to hold its viewers’ attention. But wait, even Taylor Sheridan’s masterful dramatic ingenuity couldn’t save fans from criticism – especially when it comes to the harrowing scene depicting Monica’s perilous journey during her labor, which culminates in a catastrophic loss.
Yellowstone: Fans’ displeasure over this Monica Dutton scene
In the wild world of Yellowstonewhere the drama runs as deep as the roots of an ancient tree, viewers were taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride in the first part of season 5. The focus shifted from John Dutton’s political ambitions to a heartbreaking tragedy that befell Kayce and Monica Dutton.
Monica Dutton (played by Wind River Star Kelsey Asbille) suffered a tragic loss when she was involved in a catastrophic car accident while in labor. Her baby did not survive, and viewers were horrified and saddened by the turn of events.
However, there is one major mistake that makes this scene even more ridiculous. She had to drive herself to the hospital while she was in labor. Monica was in excruciating pain and under a lot of stress when she was involved in a car accident on a country road that ultimately killed her child.
Sure, the character suffered a miserable loss, but criticism was quick to mount over the script and the portrayal of this pivotal moment in the series. On forums like Reddit, viewers did not hold back in expressing their frustration at what they perceived as a contrived and poorly executed plot twist. One viewer described the scene as “annoying“, with the label “terribly written for dramatic purposes.”
It seems that even Taylor Sheridan’s dramatic talent could not convince viewers of the authenticity of Monica’s tragic story. Despite the backlash, the cast of Yellowstone has spoken about the impact this event has had on her character.
Yellowstone Stars discussed Monica Dutton’s tragic loss scene
Kelsey Asbille shared that the loss of her character has left Monica deeply shaken and challenged her views on motherhood, marriage and community. Monica, who has always strived to be a support to those around her, will now have to deal with grief and loss in ways she never imagined. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the 32-year-old actress confessed:
It’s such a tragic loss and you really see Monica at her lowest point. Throughout the show, all she wants to do is be a good mother, a good wife. And also a good person for her community. And all of this really shakes her beliefs.
Her husband Luke Grimes (who plays Kayce Dutton), on the other hand, emphasized the silver lining in this dark cloud, noting that tragedy can bring people closer together. To quote him:
They’ve chosen to support each other; they’re struggling together with a shared pain. This season clearly shows where the show is likely to go, what could go wrong, and what they need to do to deal with it.
Based on the current state of the series, fans can expect the Dutton family to face new challenges in the coming episodes.
And as the saying goes: “The darkness is always greatest before sunrise”—a feeling that is reflected in the characters of Yellowstone while they face their toughest tests yet. The second part of Yellowstone Season 5 will air on November 10, 2024.
Yellowstone is available to stream on Paramount+.
