Warning: Major spoilers for Yellowstone season 5 episode 9 “Desire Is All You Need”
Yellowstone Reveals John Dutton’s Fate, and Fans Are Divided
The fate of Kevin Costner’s iconic character, John Dutton, has finally been revealed in Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2, and the outcome has sparked intense reactions. Costner’s departure, initially announced in May 2023, shocked fans as he left the series to focus on his four-part Western project, Horizon. With Costner confirmed not to return, the series addressed Dutton’s absence by depicting his offscreen death, reportedly by suicide.
This decision has stirred controversy among fans, not so much due to Dutton’s death but rather the way it was portrayed. Many took to social media to express their disappointment with the storyline choice. Costner himself shared his thoughts on The Michael Smerconish Program on SiriusXM, commenting that the way Dutton’s death was handled “…doesn’t make me want to rush to go see it.”
John Dutton’s Shocking Death in Yellowstone Sparks Major Controversy Among Fans
Yellowstone’s recent episode, “Desire Is All You Need,” wasted no time revealing the fate of Kevin Costner’s John Dutton, and fans have been quick to respond. In a scene that left viewers reeling, Dutton’s children, Beth and Kayce, find his body, with the initial evidence suggesting suicide. However, as the story unfolds, it’s revealed that John was actually murdered, orchestrated by Jamie’s lover and lawyer, Sarah Atwood, who arranged the death with a mysterious group. This plot twist has sparked debate, as many fans struggled with the portrayal of Dutton’s demise and the shocking conspiracy behind it.
Beth, ever suspicious, quickly challenges the suicide narrative, and the episode soon confirms her instincts. With his death presented as the “cleanest” option for those plotting against him, John’s murder will fuel Beth, Kayce, and Rip’s resolve to take Jamie down once and for all. The divisive twist has polarized fans, with many expressing disappointment over the portrayal of such an iconic character’s final moments, while others anticipate the fierce consequences to come.
