-Isms: Views on life in rural America

Another Father’s Day is nearing an end. How have we spent it? With the exception of a two-hour lunch date, the “Yellowstone” Father’s Day marathon has been playing. And, just like the “Yellowstone” Mother’s Day marathon and the Memorial Day marathon and any other excuse needed to air 72 hours of the popular TV show, John Dutton’s family’s woes have provided background noise.

Thank goodness it has a solid soundtrack to sing along with while I work on the paper and fiddle with household chores.

It’s not like we haven’t viewed the show before. We know Jamie is a spineless coward who has daddy issues. Beth may have a borderline personality disorder, coupled with a Cinderella complex. Kayce might be the only sane sibling, but sometimes, I question that, too.

What’s the allure? At its heart, I believe “Yellowstone” is a tribute to rural life, its hardships and successes. On some scale, it’s relatable. From a drama standpoint, it’s filled with villains and heroes, and occasionally, one person fills both those shoes at the same time.

Some scenes just hit hard, like when Monica and Kayce bury their newborn son in the Dutton family cemetery. Anyone who has lost a child understands the sorrow and pain associated with loss, the nagging grief that reshapes your life.

Some scenes make you realize how we take Mother Earth for granted. When John and the ranch hands are moving 1,000 cattle across rugged terrain for five miles, beautiful meadows contrast against majestic mountain peaks. It’s a beautiful landscape. At the same time, the show’s message echoes talk of an urban and rural divide, where city dwellers disrespect the countryside and life’s slower pace. They treat land as a disposable commodity instead of understanding how to reap and sow from it.

Some scenes make you consider how farmers and ranchers make money. As I’m typing, Beth is explaining to John why the ranch needs to diversify and, instead of selling cattle, should be selling its own beef. John tells his daughter the middle man is the problem. She isn’t convinced. When I think about friends who work in agriculture, I know many of them have diversified their operations, opening up new revenue streams, a means to keep the farm progressing. I also think as more people depend on farm-to-table operations, the need for quality and wholesome products will continue to grow.

Some scenes make me laugh. Like when Beth calls Summer, the hippie environmentalist, a patchouli-scented know-it-all. When we originally watched the episode, I had to describe patchouli to Scott. How’d that go? How do you describe earthy, musty amber? You don’t. You simply compare it to burning incense during the flower-power era. If you know, you know.

Two episodes remain tonight. Then I’ll have to wait until the Fourth of July marathon and the Labor Day marathon to get my fill of Kevin Costner playing cowboy, until new episodes air in November.

To quote John Dutton, “It’s one hell of a life.”