13/10

Smith, who plays Lloyd, is a veteran of the rodeo world

A family of ranchers in Montana face off against others who encroach on their land. Forry J. John Dutton (Kevin Costner) often seems to “forget” his Montanan accent and reverts to the SoCal speaking voice he usually uses.

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Kevin Costner is a patriarch who runs a dynastic ranch the size of several states. His lifestyle is influenced by resort developers, tribal rights, and the authority of the state of Montana. Reminiscent of Rock Hudson in “Giant,” he tries to stick to the old ways.

The land and family are his lifeblood

“Yellowstone” moves quickly with little introduction, yet its story unravels at the natural pace of a desert day, sticking to tribal rituals, cowboy conventions, and political machinations. Costner seems to be a distant venture, caught between law and justice, family and friendship. He is a world-weary man who has seen too much and lied too often.

Update 07/20/18: After four episodes, this series has a strong voice and a steady rhythm

He can hear footsteps approaching him, but he can only perform his role out of habit as much as loyalty. While some of the action is a little confusing due to the lack of explanation, it feels natural, as if the viewer is getting a real slice of life, a glimpse into another world. I hope the resolution of this saga includes an emotional payoff that justifies its breadth and attention to detail.

I raise my rating to a “9”

We learn the fullness of each story, from the roots to the fruit.