UPDATE: Fans are expressing outrage over the latest episode of Yellowstone, titled ‘Give The World Away’, which aired as part of Season 5. The episode has been heavily criticized for prioritizing creator Taylor Sheridan‘s character, Travis Wheatley, over the show’s main storylines. Viewers are reacting swiftly, with the episode currently holding a disappointing 7.1 rating on IMDb, starkly lower than the series average of 8.6.
The backlash comes just days after the episode’s release, as loyal fans feel their expectations were not met. Instead of delving into pivotal conflicts, such as the escalating feud between Beth and Jamie Dutton, the episode focuses on Wheatley, who has appeared sporadically throughout the series. Critics argue that the episode serves as a self-indulgent showcase for Sheridan, diverting attention away from the established narrative and character development.
Viewers were particularly put off by scenes featuring Wheatley, including a cringe-worthy strip poker scene with his girlfriend, model Bella Hadid. The perception is that these moments feel forced, suggesting a potential backdoor pilot for a Wheatley-centric spin-off instead of serving the show’s core narrative. This misalignment in storytelling has ignited debate among fans, especially given the episode’s placement as the penultimate one before the season finale.
As the series approaches its climax, many are left wondering why Sheridan chose to step into such a significant acting role. Critics are questioning whether his talents would be better utilized behind the camera, where he has consistently excelled as a writer and director.
Despite this misstep, Sheridan’s influence on television remains strong. He has successfully created other series like Landman and Tulsa King, both of which have garnered substantial viewership. Additionally, he is expanding the Yellowstone universe with upcoming projects such as Y: Marshals and a series focusing on Beth and Rip, keeping fans engaged with new content.
In a significant career shift, Sheridan recently signed a lucrative deal with Universal, severing ties with Paramount. This move signals a pivotal moment in his career as he prepares for a major film project, co-writing the script for Call of Duty. As he navigates this new chapter, fans hope he will maintain focus on his strengths in writing and directing rather than taking on central acting roles that detract from the show’s overall quality.
With the series finale fast approaching, viewers are eager to see how the remaining storylines will unfold and whether Sheridan can restore balance and narrative integrity in the episodes to come.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops, and share your thoughts on the latest episode of Yellowstone.
