"Daybreak" opens with the aftermath of a gory accident. An oversized flatbed carrying large construction equipment has overturned. The driver has a head wound that hints at a bullet hole. The scene might be gratuitous. On the other hand, it might be not only a bit of foreshadowing but also a symbol of the central conflict (i.e., residential development versus ranching).
John Dutton (Kevin Costner), patriarch of the largest ranching empire in the nation, is on the scene with gun in hand when the wailing of sirens fills the air. Dutton is struggling to maintain the status quo by holding on to ranch land that others want for development. This is an emotional and financial battle that tests political, legal, social, and personal alliances. When many cattle from Dutton's Yellowstone Ranch are discovered on adjoining land under reservation control, Dutton is matched against an aggressive tribal chief (Thomas Rainwater, Gil Birmingham) whose grand aspirations contribute to a fight with devastating consequences.
While Dutton and his powerful allies face formidable foes and complicated issues, his personal relationships are arguably an even bigger challenge. The Dutton offspring have achieved various degrees of professional success, but all of them seem to be plagued by personal demons often associated with familial dysfunction. Some of the dialogue, especially the exchange regarding closure and penance and where one might or might not find such things, suggests there are dark secrets lurking not far below the surface.
"Daybreak" by itself might seem unsatisfying, but it plants many interesting seeds-which makes it an effective pilot. Some of those seeds, like the governor's lingering hand on Dutton's shoulder, are subtle. There are lots of clues in the dialogue and the episode is worth another watch, albeit a careful one, if you're skeptical.
John Dutton (Kevin Costner), patriarch of the largest ranching empire in the nation, is on the scene with gun in hand when the wailing of sirens fills the air. Dutton is struggling to maintain the status quo by holding on to ranch land that others want for development. This is an emotional and financial battle that tests political, legal, social, and personal alliances. When many cattle from Dutton's Yellowstone Ranch are discovered on adjoining land under reservation control, Dutton is matched against an aggressive tribal chief (Thomas Rainwater, Gil Birmingham) whose grand aspirations contribute to a fight with devastating consequences.
While Dutton and his powerful allies face formidable foes and complicated issues, his personal relationships are arguably an even bigger challenge. The Dutton offspring have achieved various degrees of professional success, but all of them seem to be plagued by personal demons often associated with familial dysfunction. Some of the dialogue, especially the exchange regarding closure and penance and where one might or might not find such things, suggests there are dark secrets lurking not far below the surface.
"Daybreak" by itself might seem unsatisfying, but it plants many interesting seeds-which makes it an effective pilot. Some of those seeds, like the governor's lingering hand on Dutton's shoulder, are subtle. There are lots of clues in the dialogue and the episode is worth another watch, albeit a careful one, if you're skeptical.
