Why Fans Are Up In Arms About "Yellowstone" Creator Taylor Sheridan's On-Screen Choices

From Bella Hadid’s Casting To Strip Poker Scenes — Is Sheridan’s Ego Upstaging the Show?

The latest Yellowstone episode stirred significant controversy, primarily for the involvement of its creator, Taylor Sheridan. Sheridan's character, Travis, took center stage, but the backlash wasn’t just about screen time. Fans were particularly irked by two major elements: the casting of supermodel Bella Hadid as his character’s girlfriend and a series of strip poker scenes that some felt were self-indulgent.

In the episode, Travis, known for his horse-handling skills, is shown engaging in a strip poker game with Beth Dutton, played by Kelly Reilly. The scenes led many fans to accuse Sheridan of "showboating" and using the show as a vehicle for his own screen presence. The addition of Bella Hadid, portraying Travis's much younger girlfriend, fueled further criticism, with viewers questioning the authenticity and purpose of the subplot.

Beth's on-screen skepticism mirrored audience sentiments. Her character calls Travis "misogynistic" and "condescending," underscoring the discomfort some viewers felt with the pairing. Hadid's character defends Travis’s prowess, saying, "You ever seen him ride before?" — a nod to Sheridan's real-life equestrian skills, but one that didn’t sit well with everyone.

While some viewers praised Sheridan for his creative genius, others felt his role overshadowed the core story, especially in what should be a crucial lead-up to the finale. Comments on social media ranged from disappointed critiques to outright frustration. One user noted, "15 minutes of story wasted watching Taylor Sheridan showboat on his own show." Another called it a "weird flex" for the creator to center the penultimate episode on his character.

However, Sheridan still has his defenders. Supporters argue that his involvement remains true to the gritty, rugged essence of Yellowstone. They applaud his skill in crafting an interconnected narrative universe, dubbed the “Sheridan-verse,” encompassing shows like 1883 and 1923.

The controversy reflects a broader trend: audiences are quick to critique when creative decisions seem self-serving. With Yellowstone’s future uncertain, fans hope the series finale — or a possible spinoff — refocuses on the Dutton family’s legacy rather than Sheridan’s on-screen persona. Or maybe people should be less sensitive.  I enjoyed it as his character brings more comedy.

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Source: Fox News

Photo Credit: Paramount+