In Sunday’s midseason finale of Paramount Network’s smash Western “Yellowstone,” Wes Bentley’s Jamie Dutton made ambitious power moves against the rest of the Dutton family that is expected to detonate in upcoming episodes.
Bentley, who is 44 years old, told the media that Jamie’s complicated relationship with his father, Yellowstone ranch patriarch and Montana governor John Dutton (Kevin Costner), and especially with his sister Beth, who is his biggest rival, is in uncharted territory (Kelly Reilly).
In the last episode, Jamie got hit by Beth’s rock, but he still managed to stay on top of the situation.
“It was a great feeling for Jamie to know that he has the upper hand and is stronger than her instead of being afraid of her,” says Bentley. “Now is his chance. So we’ll see what happens next.”
When the most popular show on TV, “Yellowstone,” comes back this summer, Bentley talked about the family explosion that will happen. (This has been edited for clarity.)
Question: Jamie Dutton Declared in The Finale That He Was Initiating Impeachment Procedures Against His Own Father, The Governor, In An Outstanding Fashion. How Exceptional Was This Audacity?
Wes Bentley: This is Jamie’s biggest move yet, and it’s not a secret. He’s going into direct conflict with John. He told everyone about it. You can’t turn back now. But Jamie is ready for anything, feels safe, and knows that he will never get what he wants if he doesn’t take action.
What Did Beth Use To Hit Jamie in The Final Showdown, and How Was It Work with Kelly When Jamie Turned The Tables?
Beth used a rock to break through his window and get into his house. Then she used that rock to hit him. Even we couldn’t help but smile as we filmed this scene and saw the balance of power shift just a little bit. We both liked finding out new things as we went.
The Fight Between Jamie and Beth is Taylor Sheridan’s Longest-Running (and Best) Personal Fight. How Do You Describe That Relationship That is Bad For You?
On our first phone call, Taylor Sheridan told me, “This is a Greek tragedy in Big Sky country, and these are two Greek people.” It’s such a complicated relationship, and there’s almost a spark between them. When they were younger, they were so close. You can see that by how angry and hurt people are now. A lot of sadness can be found there.
Jamie Has a Cool Haircut and is in Great Shape, as Shown in This Season’s Long Shirtless Scene. What’s Up?
Since Season 1, Jamie’s hair has been telling a story. At first, it was so sharp and sprayed that it looked like LEGO hair. You could tell he was trying hard to make a good impression. But now it sounds military, short, and harsh. I like the idea that he is putting out darkness, which is helped by his hair.
I play soccer and lift weights in the Olympic style, but I have put those activities on hold for Jamie. But I did this anyway. It’s almost as if Jamie needs the protection and wants to show how strong he is. He seems to have a backbone.
‘Yellowstone’ Twitter is Sure That Jamie is An Idiot Who is Being Fooled By His Girlfriend Sarah (Dawn Olivieri), Who Has Her Own Anti-Dutton Agenda. How Do You Feel?
Jamie plays chess and is always a few moves ahead of the game. He’s been taken advantage of his whole life, so he knows how it feels to be used. But as time goes on, you really learn how to use it. Jamie is learning how to play a game with Sarah. He is in a place that he was made for.
In The Last Moments of His Life, Jamie is Looking For A Hitman To Kill His Father. Is There Any Chance of Peace in The Family?
Even though it was said in private, I don’t know how you can come back from that. Even for Jamie, that’s pretty sick.
In The Meantime, Beth is Trying To Get Her Dad To Let Her Kill Jamie. The Fact That John Didn’t Say Anything Said a Lot. How Much Longer Do You Think Jamie Will Live?
Many of Beth’s crazy ideas about what she wants to do with Jamie have been shot down by John. So I think what we fear, or what Jamie should fear, is John’s silence. I think that was a yes, though. Taylor doesn’t say much about what will happen next. So, I’m waiting like everyone else to see what happens. I like that the scripts let me see the show.
In The Finale, Everyone Was Surprised When John Dutton Gave His Other Son Kayce (Played By Luke Grimes) a Big Hug and Said, “I Love You.” Does Jamie Just Want His Dad To Give Him a Hug?
When Jamie was 18, or in Seasons 2 or 3, that might have worked. I think it’s too late for that, though.
“Yellowstone” is Up For a Critics’ Choice Award, and Last Year It Was Also Up For A SAG Award. How Does It Feel To Get Such Good Critical Attention?
Having more people pay attention is a nice honor. But it’s also nice to hear from regular viewers of the show. The ratings seem like an award and a response to the critics of the show.
