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If you tuned into the debut episode of “Marshals,” you probably noticed some distinct differences from its predecessor, the Paramount Network hit that inspired it. “Yellowstone” revived the neo-Western genre, showcasing the untapped storytelling potential of the modern American West. However, “Marshals” charts a different course, with results that are somewhat uneven, prompting fans to question the involvement of “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan.
CBS
Further adding to the intrigue is the absence of Sheridan and co-creator John Linson in the show’s official “created by” credits. Instead, Spencer Hudnut, previously at the helm of “SEAL Team,” receives sole recognition for crafting this CBS-style “Yellowstone” sequel. Although Sheridan remains an executive producer, “Marshals” marks the first project related to the Duttons that he isn’t personally directing, a distinction that some fans have already noted in the show’s dialogue.
Hudnut stepped into the role of showrunner without knowledge of how Kayce’s tale would conclude. Despite this, Sheridan played a role in the development and gave Hudnut his endorsement. “When I pitched it, he was super gracious and we had a back and forth,” Hudnut shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “He took what my ideas were, which is a fair amount of what’s on the screen, but he reshaped them and put it in the right package for ‘Marshals.’” Although Sheridan isn’t involved in the daily operations, he remains available for creative input.
Right from the start, Hudnut’s goal was to distinguish the spin-off from its Paramount predecessor. Kayce Dutton, initially a “Yellowstone” character, makes an appearance, along with other familiar faces like Gil Birmingham’s Thomas Rainwater and Brecken Merrill’s Tate Dutton. Still, the series was intended to be more than just a “Yellowstone” echo, according to Hudnut.
“Part of the work was really getting under the hood of the character and Taylor’s writing style, and eventually realizing that all I’m going to be doing if I’m trying to be Taylor is doing a Taylor Sheridan cover band,” Hudnut admitted. “Which is not great for anybody.” While “Marshals” aims to address several unresolved storylines from “Yellowstone,” it largely pursues a direction distinct from Sheridan’s original vision.
Marshals is going a different direction than Yellowstone
CBS
Despite Sheridan’s decision to grant Kayce and his family a happy ending, the CBS series upends this, setting a new course for the Dutton heir. Monica Dutton’s fate following “Yellowstone” surprised many but set the tone for the franchise’s fresh approach. This serves as a reminder that while “Marshals” may feature familiar characters and settings, it seeks to carve its own path. With any luck, like Kayce, “Marshals” will harness its unique strengths and evolve beyond “Yellowstone” in due time.
“Part of the work was really getting under the hood of the character and Taylor’s writing style, and eventually realizing that all I’m going to be doing if I’m trying to be Taylor is doing a Taylor Sheridan cover band,” the showrunner revealed, “which is not great for anybody.” Although the show aims to address several loose ends from “Yellowstone,” “Marshals” is largely going in a different direction than Sheridan explored on the flagship series.
After all, while Sheridan gave Kayce and his family a happy ending, the CBS drama rips that out from under the Dutton heir, putting him on a new path. Although Monica Dutton’s post-“Yellowstone” fate came as a surprise to many, it was a bold move that worked out for the franchise’s new tone. It’s a sobering reminder that “Marshals” may share familiar faces and locations with Sheridan’s original (even if it’s shot in Utah rather than Montana), but it’s trying to forge its own path. Here’s hoping that, like Kayce, “Marshals” can lean into its strengths and move past “Yellowstone” in time.
