9 Yellowstone Characters Who Deserve More Screen Time
Underappreciated Gems of the Dutton Saga
Yellowstone has captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of the Dutton family's struggle to maintain control of their expansive ranch. The show's ensemble cast brings depth and complexity to the Montana wilderness, creating a rich tapestry of characters that viewers have grown to love.
While the main storylines focus on key players, several supporting characters have left audiences wanting more. These underutilized personalities add color and nuance to the Yellowstone universe, often stealing scenes despite limited screen time. Their potential for further development and exploration has sparked discussions among fans about which characters deserve a larger spotlight in future episodes.
1) Rip Wheeler
Rip Wheeler, portrayed by Cole Hauser, is a fan-favorite character on Yellowstone who deserves more screen time. As the loyal enforcer and ranch foreman for the Dutton family, Rip embodies the rugged spirit of the American West.
His complex character blends unwavering dedication with a violent past, making him integral to the show's exploration of loyalty, family, and the harsh realities of ranch life. Rip's relationship with Beth Dutton adds depth to his storyline and showcases his softer side.
With John Dutton's absence, Rip is poised to take on a more prominent leadership role at the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. This shift presents an opportunity to delve deeper into Rip's character and explore how he handles increased responsibilities.
Fans are eager to see more of Rip's backstory and witness his growth as a character. His unique blend of toughness and loyalty makes him a compelling figure worthy of additional focus in future episodes or potential spin-offs.
As Yellowstone continues to evolve, giving Rip Wheeler more screen time would undoubtedly satisfy viewers and enrich the show's narrative landscape.
2) Tate Dutton
Tate Dutton, the youngest member of the Dutton family, has emerged as a compelling character in Yellowstone. As the son of Kayce and Monica Dutton, Tate represents the future of the Dutton legacy.
Despite his young age, Tate has already faced numerous challenges and traumatic experiences. These events have shaped his character and demonstrated his resilience.
Tate's unique position as both a Dutton and a member of the Native American community offers a fresh perspective on the show's central conflicts. His dual heritage provides an opportunity to explore complex cultural dynamics.
Increased screen time for Tate could allow for a deeper exploration of his growth and development. As he matures, his role in the family and on the ranch could become more significant.
Tate's relationships with his parents, grandparents, and extended family members offer rich storytelling potential. More focus on these interactions could provide insight into the Dutton family dynamics.
Given his importance to the Dutton legacy, Tate's character deserves more attention in future episodes. His storylines could offer a glimpse into the future of the Yellowstone ranch and its surrounding community.
3) Mo Brings Plenty
Mo Brings Plenty has become a fan favorite on Yellowstone, playing Thomas Rainwater's driver and right-hand man. His calm demeanor and quiet wisdom have made him stand out among the show's characters.
Despite his popularity, Mo often takes a backseat to the main cast. Many viewers feel he deserves more screen time to further explore his background and role within the Broken Rock Reservation.
As a skilled horseman and tribal member, Mo brings authenticity to the series' portrayal of Native American culture. His presence adds depth to storylines involving the reservation and its conflicts with other factions.
Mo's character also serves as a bridge between the traditional ways of his people and the modern world. This unique perspective could be further developed with additional scenes and dialogue.
Fans appreciate Mo's loyalty, intelligence, and spiritual connection to the land. Giving him more prominent storylines would allow the show to delve deeper into these aspects of his character.
With his growing popularity, there have been discussions about potentially featuring Mo in a Yellowstone spin-off series. This would provide an opportunity to fully showcase his character's potential.
4) Jimmy Hurdstrom
Jimmy Hurdstrom has been a fan favorite since his introduction to Yellowstone. His journey from troubled youth to capable ranch hand has captivated viewers.
Despite his popularity, Jimmy's screen time has been limited in recent seasons. Fans have expressed disappointment at his reduced role, especially after his move to the 6666 Ranch.
Jimmy's character development and relationships with other cowboys provide entertaining and often humorous moments. His interactions offer a lighter contrast to the show's more intense storylines.
There's potential for Jimmy to have a larger role in upcoming episodes. His experiences at the 6666 Ranch could bring fresh perspectives to the main plot.
Viewers are eager to see more of Jimmy's growth and how his time away from the Yellowstone has shaped him. Increased screen time for Jimmy would satisfy fans and add depth to the show's narrative.
5) Avery
Avery, portrayed by Tanaya Beatty, made a memorable impression during her brief stint on Yellowstone. As a former stripper turned ranch hand, she brought a unique perspective to the Dutton compound.
Avery's character arc began at the end of season 1 and continued into season 2. Her transition from city life to the demanding world of ranching showcased her adaptability and determination.
Fans have expressed interest in seeing more of Avery's story unfold. Her background and experiences could provide a fresh viewpoint on life at the ranch and the challenges faced by newcomers to the Dutton's world.
Avery's potential romantic connection with Jimmy and her interactions with other ranch hands added an intriguing dynamic to the show. More screen time could explore these relationships and her integration into the tight-knit ranch community.
Given her limited appearances, there's ample opportunity to delve deeper into Avery's character. Her past, motivations, and future aspirations could be explored, adding depth to her role within the Yellowstone universe.
6) Ryan
Ryan, portrayed by Ian Bohen, is a skilled ranch hand on the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Despite his competence and loyalty, he often finds himself on the sidelines of major storylines.
Many fans believe Ryan deserves more screen time to showcase his character's potential. His rugged good looks and cowboy charm have made him a favorite among viewers.
Ryan's backstory and personal life remain largely unexplored. Giving him more focus could provide insight into his motivations and deepen audience connection.
As a member of the bunkhouse crew, Ryan has been involved in several key moments. However, his role could be expanded to highlight his contributions to the ranch's operations.
Fans appreciate Ryan's reliability and steadfast nature. More screen time would allow for further development of his relationships with other characters and exploration of his role within the ranch hierarchy.
7) Colby
Colby, portrayed by Denim Richards, has been a recurring character on Yellowstone since the first season. As one of the ranch hands at the Dutton ranch, he's shown loyalty and dedication to the family's operations.
Colby's friendship with fellow ranch hand Teeter has been a source of entertainment for viewers. Their dynamic adds a touch of lightheartedness to the often intense drama of the show.
Despite being present in many scenes, Colby's character hasn't received as much focus as some of the other ranch hands. Fans have expressed interest in seeing more of his backstory and personal development.
Colby's skills as a cowboy and his role in protecting the ranch could be explored further. His interactions with other characters, particularly the Dutton family members, could provide interesting storylines.
Given Denim Richards' acting abilities, giving Colby more screen time could allow for a deeper exploration of his character. This could potentially reveal new facets of life on the Yellowstone ranch from a different perspective.
8) Teeter
Teeter, portrayed by Jennifer Landon, is a standout character on Yellowstone who deserves more screen time. Her tough-as-nails attitude and distinctive West Texas drawl make her a memorable presence on the ranch.
As one of the few female ranch hands, Teeter brings a unique perspective to the bunkhouse dynamics. Her no-nonsense approach and work ethic have earned her respect among her male counterparts.
Teeter's relationship with Colby adds depth to her character, showing a softer side beneath her rough exterior. This dynamic could be further explored with additional screen time.
In the Season 5 finale, Teeter secured a job with Travis, potentially setting her up for a role in the 6666 spinoff. This development suggests there's more to her story that could be told.
Expanding Teeter's screen time would allow for a deeper exploration of her background and motivations. It would also provide opportunities to showcase her skills and contributions to the ranch operations.
9) Lynelle Perry
Lynelle Perry, the former Governor of Montana turned Senator, is a character who deserves more screen time in Yellowstone. As John Dutton's political ally and occasional romantic interest, she brings a unique dynamic to the show.
Perry's portrayal as a competent and reasonable politician sets her apart from stereotypical depictions of female politicians in television. Her ability to navigate the complex world of Montana politics adds depth to the series' narrative.
Despite her important role in the state's governance, Perry's appearances have been limited. Expanding her screen time could provide valuable insights into the political machinations that affect the Dutton ranch and Montana as a whole.
Perry's relationship with John Dutton offers potential for compelling storylines. Their shared history and mutual respect create opportunities for exploring the intersection of personal and political interests.
As a senator, Perry's influence extends beyond Montana's borders. Giving her character more focus could broaden the show's scope and introduce new conflicts and alliances on a national level.
Character Development
Character development is crucial in "Yellowstone" for creating compelling storylines and engaging viewers. The show's complex characters drive the narrative forward through their evolving personalities and relationships.
Importance of Backstory
A character's backstory provides essential context for their motivations and actions. In "Yellowstone," John Dutton's history as a rancher and landowner shapes his fierce determination to protect his family's legacy. Beth Dutton's troubled past influences her ruthless business tactics and complex relationships.
Backstories also create emotional connections between characters and viewers. Rip Wheeler's journey from orphaned ranch hand to trusted family member resonates with audiences.
Screen Time and Story Arc
Balanced screen time allows characters to grow and change over the course of the series. Kayce Dutton's arc from estranged son to potential ranch heir showcases significant character development.
Limited screen time can hinder a character's growth. Jimmy Hurdstrom's potential for a more substantial storyline was constrained by his reduced presence in later seasons.
Character arcs intersect with major plot points, creating dramatic tension. Monica Dutton's struggle between her Native American heritage and her place in the Dutton family adds depth to the show's exploration of cultural conflicts.
Impact on Plot
Giving certain Yellowstone characters more screen time could significantly reshape the show's narrative. Additional focus on underutilized characters has the potential to deepen storylines and introduce compelling new plot threads.
Enhancing Narrative Depth
Increased screen time for secondary characters can add layers to existing storylines. For example, exploring Jimmy's journey at the 6666 ranch provides insight into a different side of the ranching world. This expansion enriches the show's overall narrative by offering diverse perspectives on the challenges faced in the modern West.
More focus on characters like Monica or Rainwater could delve deeper into Native American issues, adding complexity to land disputes central to the show's plot. Extra time dedicated to Jamie's internal conflicts could further complicate the Dutton family dynamics.
Driving Subplots Forward
Additional screen time allows underutilized characters to develop their own compelling subplots. Characters like Lloyd or Teeter could spearhead engaging storylines within the bunkhouse, showcasing the day-to-day ranch operations often overshadowed by larger conflicts.
Expanding roles for Beth's adversaries in the corporate world might intensify the business-related drama. More scenes featuring Governor Perry could highlight the political maneuvering behind land deals and conservation efforts.
These character-driven subplots can intersect with main storylines in unexpected ways, creating fresh narrative opportunities and keeping viewers engaged throughout the season.
