The Rule of Five Hundred

Taylor Sheridan failed to give equal time/emphasis (perhaps an impossible task?) to his disparate plot lines in this segment. The lion's share of dramatic impact comes in the Native American story, where ultraviolence drives home the evil of the three priests against them. These are not merely bad apples, but Sheridan makes it clear in the dialogue that their missionary zeal and racism are key factors.

But the other scenes are rather dull: especially the kid-gloves arrest and treatment of the evil sheepherder, the gratuitous (poor excuse for pay-cable soft porn) sex scenes, and the brief romantic interludes for Ford & Mirren's kids. Result is an indigestible mix of dullness, detracting from the power of the bigoted priests scenes.

I hate to compare this to 1883 but they asked for it, being written about the same family by the same creator. There is no comparison. Most of these characters are not as likeable. The Indian torture was done with no tie-in to why we are going to care about her. Having said that, Aminah is saving the day. Is anyone not rooting for her? And I couldn't be more disappointed in the gratuitous sex scenes with Timothy Dalton. We get it. His character is ruthless. That added nothing! Then there is Alex. OMG! I want her to drown or at least shut up! I don't wish her on Aunt Cara, they have enough to worry about. Can we get a prequel to 1883? I'm more interested in them.

The Rainwater scenes just breaks hearts. I'm not crying, you're crying. I never thought I'd get pleasure watching the harming of a priest, but as postmodernists posit, justice is subjective.

The episode starts strong with Banner Creighton and companions flash stripes to show why this show is on Paramount+PLUS, though the tail-end (get it?) does not end as pleasantly as foreshadowed.

Harrison Ford's Jacob Dutton delivers a rousing monolog-argument that not only explains the Dutton clan creed and modus operandi but a real takeaway exposition to how politics CAN NOT be served at a Dutton dining table. If you were to watch all of Sheridan's Yellowstone cowboy-verse, Jake spills the proverbial beans. *Spoiler* (?)

And...let's be clear, Spencer Dutton climbed out of a Hemingway novel to star in this show. A laconic American hunter falls in love, abroad, amidst the fallout of war. I freaking love it. Taylor Sheridan just channeling Papa Hemingway in script and worldview, I tune in every week to live vicariously in these scenes.

(also add, reviewers spouting 1883 is far better than 1923? Apples and oranges, friends.)

Never been much of a fan of Sheridan's writing. His villains are too broad and predictable. His heroes are too honorable and predictable.

I gave this one a shot for Helen Mirren.

It was mildly watchable, with more than the occasional eye roll at the ridiculousness of dialogues and villainous villainy of the baddies.

But this episode is just way under any standard I have set for myself as a viewer.

Between the Princess and the Hunter paperback novel we have to suffer for half the show, and the over the top mustache twirling of the Villain in Chief (now with obligatory literal sadism to boot), not to mention the making a mockery of the pain many Native American children suffered at the hand of the government, by piling up ridiculous violent scenes like some tragic Jenga, I just can't keep watching and I'll be skipping the rest of the show entirely.

All is good except the whipping of the working girls. Absolutely no point in it except to gain ratings. Sad to see the horrible treatment of the native Indians but I suppose it may serve as a reality check of how they were really treated. Much more darker series then Yellowstone and 1883. Hope the writing and the story line doesn't go off track. Can only hope it's doesn't get even darker or you may lose audience. All of which is great acting all around. Want to see something that doesn't depress me. Beautiful scenery and costume. Will watch at least this season so far. Just not sure what audience the writers are catering to in episode 7 & 8.