Dutton Ranch, a spin-off of the popular series Yellowstone, is a disappointing addition to the Sheridanverse. While it attempts to capture the essence of the original show, it falls short in delivering the same level of excitement and intrigue. The series follows Beth and Rip as they navigate the challenges of building a new life in Rio Paloma, Texas, after their ranch in Montana goes up in flames. However, the lack of immediate stakes and the slow pace of the plot make it difficult for viewers to invest in the story.
One of the main issues with Dutton Ranch is its inability to match the intensity and drama of Yellowstone. The original show was at its best when the conflict facing the Duttons was bigger than the ranch itself. In Dutton Ranch, the stakes are not as high, and the tension is not as palpable. This is partly due to the fact that Rip and Beth no longer have the weight of the Yellowstone legacy behind them, and they rely on the name recognition tied to the Dutton family.
The characters in Dutton Ranch are also not as compelling as those in Yellowstone. Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser reprise their roles as Beth and Rip, and they are as good as ever. However, the new additions to the cast, such as Annette Bening and Ed Harris, do not quite live up to the standards set by the original show. Bening plays Beulah Jackson, a formidable matriarch who is on par with Kevin Costner's John Dutton, but she is not given much to do.
The writing of Dutton Ranch is also a cause for concern. The series is created by Chad Feehan, who has written for Sheridan's Lawmen: Bass Reeves, as well as the series Ray Donovan and Banshee. However, the writing team for Dutton Ranch does not have the same level of expertise as Sheridan's other shows. The plot moves fairly slowly, and the lack of levity in the series makes it hard to watch at times.
In my opinion, Dutton Ranch is a disappointment. While it has some strong episodes, it does not have anything that jumps out to grab you in the same way that Tulsa King or Landman do. The series is fine, but it is not anything special. I want to like this series, but it is not quite there yet. Still, it is way better than the rote and formulaic Marshals. Dutton Ranch premieres with two episodes on May 15th on Paramount+, and while it may have some fans, it is unlikely to match the success of its predecessor.
