**Taylor Sheridan’s Opportunity for Redemption: Crafting a Fitting Character Death in Landman**
Taylor Sheridan has a unique opportunity to redeem himself after the unsatisfactory conclusion of Kevin Costner’s John Dutton in *Yellowstone*. The series finale left many fans wanting, primarily due to Costner’s abrupt departure from the show amid creative differences with Sheridan. This exit forced the writers into a corner, leading them to deliver an ending that felt rushed and inadequate for such a pivotal character.
Costner’s sudden exit during *Yellowstone* Season 5 meant that Sheridan had to navigate around his absence without proper narrative foundation. After John’s unexpected death at the beginning of the second half of Season 5—a result of assassins breaking into his home—fans were left disappointed. This lackluster demise did not align with the character’s history or development over several seasons, leaving viewers yearning for something more fitting.
Conversely, Sheridan now has another chance to craft an impactful character death in his new series, *Landman*. In Episode 9 of this series, Jon Hamm’s Monty Miller appears to succumb to heart complications—an outcome that could potentially fulfill what fans desired from John Dutton’s ending. Unlike before, where circumstances dictated John’s abrupt departure without buildup or resolution, Monty’s situation has been developed throughout the season.
From its inception, *Landman* has emphasized Monty’s health concerns as Cami (Demi Moore) consistently urges him to prioritize self-care amidst the pressures of being CEO at M-Tex. This long-term setup culminated compellingly in Episode 8 when it became clear that Monty faced severe heart issues. As audiences anticipate what comes next in Episode 9—and whether Monty ultimately survives—it feels like Sheridan is poised to give this character a thoughtful and earned farewell.

The potential death scene also possesses emotional weight because it is built on established storylines rather than feeling like an afterthought. The slow burn leading up to this moment allows viewers time and space for their feelings about Monty’s fate—something lacking with John Dutton’s untimely end in *Yellowstone*.
Sheridan seems well-equipped with experience gained over years working on multiple successful television projects since he created *Sicario*. He knows how essential it is not just for characters but also their exits should resonate deeply with audiences. With each passing season on various shows under his belt—including hits like *Hell or High Water* and subsequent entries into serialized storytelling—he can now create satisfying conclusions that honor key characters’ arcs.
Moreover, as *Landman* unfolds its plotline examining complex themes surrounding family dynamics within high-stakes industries like oil drilling—a world ripe for exploration—it bears all elements necessary for spinoffs akin to those generated by *Yellowstone*. Characters such as Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton), Cooper (Jacob Lofland), and Rebecca (Kayla Wallace) offer intriguing possibilities extending far beyond one season if properly developed.
In summary, while Johnson Dutton’s exit may have fallen short of expectations due largely not only because he was yanked off stage mid-play but also lacked build-up; Landman’s approach stands poised against that backdrop readying itself with careful setup and dramatic payoff embedded seamlessly throughout its first season thus far—it represents Taylor Sheridan’s best shot yet at crafting an enduring franchise worthy enough alongside its predecessor.*Landman*, through carefully plotted narratives showcasing human vulnerability paired against industry pressures offers fertile ground where gripping stories can flourish moving forward!