It Seems Like Yellowstone is Dead Set On Making Monica Suffer
Why is Taylor Sheridan, the creator of Yellowstone, dead set on making Monica Dutton suffer? The Native American character, played by Kelsey Asbille, has undergone some serious trauma while existing along with the Dutton clan and it's not getting any better.
In fact, the new season of Yellowstone has been particularly cruel to Monica. The fourth season culminated with the announcement that Monica was pregnant with a second child. It was terrific news for Kayce (Luke Grimes) and Monica who had already given birth to John Dutton's first (and only biological) grandson – Tate.
However, the joyful atmosphere was only destined to last so long. As witnessed in the season five premiere of Yellowstone (spoilers ahead), tragedy once again confronts Monica. After experiencing painful contractions, she elects to get behind the wheel and drive to the hospital. The decision proves fatal as Monica gets into an accident and loses her baby in the process.
While John Dutton (Kevin Costner), Beth (Kelly Reilly), Jamie (Wes Bentley), and Rip (Cole Hauser) may stand out as the principal players in Yellowstone – it's Monica that suffers the most. And, the pain and suffering Monica endures seems unfair, considering the other characters so often get away with murder.
For many, Monica is a rare breed in Yellowstone because she has a conscience. She's one of the few good, decent people in a TV series ridden with horrible characters. Monica is not greedy or malicious. Rather, she's caring and faithful to her family despite how often they get her into trouble. For this, Monica demonstrates the ability to maintain right from wrong yet taking the moral high ground usually only results in pain and trauma. She's doomed to experience an unhappy ending.
Let's consider that in five seasons of Yellowstone:
- Monica was assaulted for declaring she didn't want to live on the ranch. (Season One)
- She was the victim of racial profiling and nearly sexually assaulted. (Season Two)
- Sacrificed her dignity and offered herself up as bait to catch a murderer. (Season Three)
- Monica was nearly killed during a home invasion seeking other Duttons. (Season Four)
The series of unfortunate events seems unwarranted for a character of color. And some critics argue that Yellowstone not only exploits Monica, but indigenous people as a whole. Compare Monica, for example, to Beth Dutton. Both females have experienced trauma and are exploited in Yellowstone, yet Beth actively seeks out trouble. Meanwhile, all Monica desires is a normal life yet is often bombarded with tragedy. And, what's worse, the start of season five appears no different.
The tragic loss of her second child certainly expects to play into season five of Yellowstone. Do you think Monica will ever find happiness?