Yellowstone

For several years now my brother has been encouraging me to watch the compelling Yellowstone series. I hadn't had time to watch it, but now I do! I have binge watched 4 complete seasons and am caught up with the rest of the watching world with Season 5. It is a strange departure for me to watch so much television. (I am still getting my book club books read, and I have read 152 books (49 novels) and counting for the year so I don't think I am cheating my reading life!)

I always marvel at the good that technology changes have brought about and the ability to watch what would be several years of television in a few short weeks (if you don't occupy yourself in other ways!) is awesome. I do have to allot myself only so many hours in the day to watch for fear of my brain turning to mush! Not to worry though. Our laundry has been taken care of, and my family has been fed!

What has held my attention so much by this series? I guess since I have been able to watch episodes back to back, I compare it to reading a book. It certainly would be a page turner! Although there is considerable violence and rather harsh language, I understand the underlying drive the characters follow... protecting family and protecting the land (Yellowstone Dutton Ranch). The cowboy and Native American struggles are brought up in a much more contemporary light. I appreciate the attempts made toward civility among both groups as they try to make each other see the other's point of view. I also appreciate the education viewers obtains as life on the ranch is depicted from cattle drives to branding and then some. The view of animal rights protectors is not lost on me as their views are also considered in the show. One thing that viewers should keep in my mind is that many cattle ranchers keep folks in our country fed. It seems like one crazy, tough job I wouldn't want to do myself. (Being a backyard farmer is tough enough!) There are so many points to consider for sure and that is just the working of the ranch!

Many other topics are dealt with in this series: death, grief, guilt, family secrets that eat at people from the inside, second chances, and even some crazy love stories. I am always fascinated by.how the writers orchestrate all the magic we get to enjoy. Storytelling is difficult as it is, so telling the story through live actors is a whole other challenge the creator of the show, Taylor Sheridan, (and anyone else that may help write the episodes) does so well.

If the beauty of Montana intrigues you or ranch life piques your interest, I recommend you watch the series. I apologize in advance for your own language being influenced (or not!) by the Duttons and those around them. I also recommend that you balance your time. Don't sit watching television all day! Get out in the fresh air, enjoy your other interests and most especially your family! Cheers to writing that brings us incredible stories.