The latest episode of “Yellowstone,” created by Taylor Sheridan, has sparked a wave of criticism following the appearance of supermodel Bella Hadid. The episode, titled “Give the World Away,” features Hadid in a guest role as Sadie, the girlfriend of Travis Wheatley, a character portrayed by Sheridan himself. This unexpected casting has raised eyebrows, as it seems to serve both as a self-indulgent move by Sheridan and a commentary on the show’s increasingly problematic themes.
In this particular episode, Hadid’s character meets Kelly Reilly’s Beth Dutton at the front door, raising questions about the show’s direction. After leading Beth into an environment filled with smoke and half-naked women engaged in strip poker, the episode utilizes this scene to showcase stereotypes about masculinity, as Travis exhibits arrogance that seems to be both celebrated and critiqued within the same breath—an unusual choice for a show that once focused on profound narratives concerning the American West.
While some may interpret Sheridan’s self-casting as a reflection of self-awareness, there is a strong argument to be made that it primarily reinforces toxic masculinity. Lines of dialogue that highlight his character’s condescending and misogynistic traits—only to have those qualities brushed aside in favor of traditional notions of male power—suggest a troubling trend. The depiction of Beth needing Travis’s assistance, and the subsequent strip poker scene, reduces her character to a mere prop in a long-standing male power fantasy.
As “Yellowstone” moves forward, this recent episode signals a departure from the show’s original strengths and themes, veering into territory that is more about personal ego than meaningful storytelling. The concern now is whether supporting characters like Sadie will unintentionally become entangled in this problematic narrative web.
Despite the current disappointment among fans, there remains hope that the series can reclaim its more profound themes and storytelling finesse. As the show approaches its final episodes, there may still be an opportunity for character development and re-establishing strong female narratives that fans once cherished.
In summary, as “Yellowstone” grapples with its identity in the wake of significant changes, it is crucial for the creators to remember the heart of the series: authentic storytelling that respects its characters and audience.