15/12
A Montana ranching family faces off against other ranchers encroaching on their land. Forty J. Smith, who plays Lloyd, is a seasoned rodeo veteran. John Dutton (Kevin Costner) frequently "forgets" his Montanan accent and drifts back into his usual SoCal speaking voice. Featured on WatchMojo: Top 10 Summer TV Shows Not on Your Radar (2018) Kevin Costner is the patriarch presiding over a dynastic ranch the size of some countries. Resort developers, tribal rights, and the Montana state government all interfere with his way of life. Reminiscent of Rock Hudson in "Giant", he tries to hold on to the old ways."Yellowstone" It builds quickly from a small introduction, but its story unfolds at the natural pace of a desert day, pausing for tribal customs, cowboy traditions, and political intrigue. It’s a far-flung enterprise that rests on the seams between law and justice, family and friendship. Costner seems to fill his character’s shoes naturally. He’s a world-weary man who has seen too much, often lies. The land and family are his lifeblood. He hears footsteps coming his way, but he can only fulfill his unusual role with loyalty. While some of the actions are a little confusing due to the lack of explanation, it feels authentic to the viewer. A slice of life peeking into another world. I hope the resolution of this story includes an emotional payoff that pays off in its breadth and attention to its details. Update 7/20/18: After four episodes, this series has a strong tone and a relentless rhythm. We learn the fullness of each story from the beginning to the end. I’m raising my rating to "9".