Yellowstone fans were left stunned at the start of Season 5B when the premiere episode suggested that John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, had died by suicide. However, the truth was far more sinister, revealed in episode 11 titled Three Fifty-Three. It was in this episode that viewers learned John Dutton was, in fact, assassinated. His killers staged the scene to make it appear as though he had taken his own life, leaving behind a chilling twist.
Director Christina Voros spoke to THR about the importance of showing the details of John Dutton’s death, explaining that it was not something that could be conveyed through simple exposition. “It’s not something that you could pull off in exposition,” she said. “It wouldn’t make sense. I also think the violation would not be felt the same way.”
Voros elaborated on the terror that John Dutton would have felt in his final moments, explaining the chilling violation of someone breaking into his home, overpowering him, and staging his death as a suicide. “There’s something terrifying about people breaking into your home and putting you in a chokehold, and then murdering you and framing it as suicide,” she explained. “There’s no way that could resonate unless you saw it.”
The director noted that this moment was crucial not only because it showed the brutal nature of his death but also because it was the last moment fans would experience with John Dutton. The character, known for his boldness, bravery, and strength, was taken off guard when he thought he was safe, creating a gut-wrenching sense of betrayal and tragedy. “It’s supposed to be infuriating,” Voros stated. “The violation of that person being taken off guard is meant to be a shocking, painful experience.”
The emotional weight of the moment was not only felt by John Dutton but also by his family, as Beth and Kayce work to solve the mystery surrounding his death. While they attempt to uncover the truth, the audience is left to witness firsthand the devastating final moments of a character who had been a pillar of strength throughout the series.
In the end, the revelation of John Dutton’s assassination—and the disturbing way in which it was framed—adds a haunting layer to the show’s storyline, leaving fans with more questions and a deeper sense of loss for one of Yellowstone’s most iconic characters.
