With its first three episodes back following that lengthy hiatus, "Yellowstone" not only killed off John Dutton, but did so in a way that was free from the involvement of former star Kevin Costner, who exited the western drama over scheduling issues and more. Rare is the TV show that successfully pulls off a permanent character exit without the star on board, and it remains to be seen whether "Yellowstone" will nail the landing.

For now, though, fans are pretty much witnessing Taylor Sheridan treating the Dutton family patriarch as a narrative punching bag, with each episode whittling away at John’s proud, stoic and seemingly eternal influence. I’m not griping about it, mind you, as I’m as interested to see what plays out between the siblings as I am shocked that this is how it’s all happening.