Piper Perabo’s Character on Yellowstone: Why Summer Deserved a More Fulfilling Ending

While fans have exciting spinoffs to anticipate, the series finale of Yellowstone proved to be a contentious point for many. One character who faced significant underdevelopment was Summer Higgins, portrayed by Piper Perabo. The latter half of Yellowstone’s fifth season was overshadowed by the exit of its lead actor, Kevin Costner. His departure left a sizable void, particularly marked by the demise of John Dutton, which adversely impacted Summer’s narrative arc.

Initially introduced in Season 4, Summer is characterized as a passionate environmentalist who finds herself in a complex relationship with John Dutton. As their romance unfolds, it creates tension with John’s daughter, Beth (played by Kelly Reilly).While some characters received satisfying conclusions to their arcs in Season 5, Summer’s resolution felt disappointingly lackluster, particularly considering the breadth of talent demonstrated by Perabo.

Summer Departures Montana Following John Dutton’s Death

An Abrupt Conclusion

John Dutton and Summer standing in a field in Yellowstone season 5 episode 8

Amid the turmoil surrounding John Dutton’s demise in the premiere of Season 5, Summer is noticeably absent until episode 10, titled “The Apocalypse of Change.”Here, Beth enviously reveals she had completely forgotten about Summer, casually mentioning her unexpected clemency and the unsettling truth that John fabricated her house arrest to keep her nearby.

This unsettling violation of Summer’s freedom goes unaddressed, with Beth forcibly ejecting her from the homestead. Subsequently, Rip drives Summer to the airport, but instead of expressing her rightful outrage, she mutters some nostalgic reflections on John before exiting the series without further ado.

If John Dutton had survived beyond this point, it is plausible that Summer would have experienced a more profound evolution, giving her a platform to react to the betrayal she faced. This raises intriguing questions regarding who else may have been privy to the realities of her situation.

One has to wonder why Beth did not leverage this information earlier to eliminate Summer from her life. Ultimately, it was John with whom Summer needed to confront, and with his passing, she was reduced to being merely his love interest, leading to her abrupt departure.

Summer’s Departure Undermines Her Strong Foundation

Reduction to a Mere Love Interest

Summer getting arrested Yellowstone season 4 episode 5

Upon her introduction, Summer is portrayed as a resolute environmentalist, making a memorable first impression—handcuffed at a protest. Yet, as her relationship with John develops, her character arc diminishes, becoming increasingly linked to him and, to a lesser extent, Beth.

Eventually, Summer’s confrontations with Beth culminate in a last-minute clash that showcases their destructive rivalry without providing either character a chance to process their emotions after John’s unexpected death. The series missed an opportunity to let Summer grieve, which could have afforded her the closure required for character growth.

Summer’s choice to leave Montana after John’s death signifies that her existence in the narrative hinged solely on her romantic involvement with him. Initially portrayed as a vibrant advocate for environmental causes, she becomes overshadowed, degenerating into a figure defined by her relationship with John rather than her own ambitions.

Potential for Greater Agency in Summer’s Ending

Options for Standing Her Ground

Summer could have pursued legal avenues against John and the Dutton family for her unjust confinement, leading to a compelling narrative reflective of her initial tenacity. Instead, she opts for silence, leaving after John’s passing without any clear intentions for her future.

Despite her potential as an environmental advocate, the series delivers no indication of her plans to advance her mission. Rather than simply capitulating to Beth, Summer could have confronted or even attempted to reconcile their relationship, potentially aligning efforts to safeguard the ranch—an idea that Summer, despite her grievances, could have supported when faced with Kayce’s sale to Chief Thomas Rainwater.

The Sexism Embedded in Summer’s Ending

Addressing the Female Character Dilemma

Summer from Yellowstone standing over a fence

The series has increasingly faced criticism for its portrayal of female characters, often illustrating them in superficial, conflict-driven roles. The most notable instance involved a fight between Beth and Summer, which occurred while Summer was under house arrest. The confrontation is emblematic of a deeper issue, where strong female characters engage in trivial squabbles instead of more meaningful interactions.

The culmination of their hostilities, which Rip intervenes to halt, reinforces the disturbing notion that women need male intervention to resolve conflicts. Summer’s transformation from an environmental advocate to a secondary character in John’s narrative highlights Yellowstone‘s persistent pattern of sidelining its female characters.

Similar to Monica’s narrative arc, which devolved from a passionate educator and activist to a mere supporting wife, Summer embodies the missed opportunities for rich storytelling that honors female agency. Despite the potential seen in characters like Summer, Beth, and Monica, the series ultimately fails to provide fulfilling resolutions or arcs for its women, instead prioritizing male-driven narratives.

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