Unresolved John Dutton III Mystery from Yellowstone Series Premiere Still Remains

Warning! Spoilers Ahead for 1883, 1923, & Yellowstone.

Taylor Sheridan has yet to clarify a significant mystery regarding John Dutton III introduced during the Yellowstone series premiere. This particular moment, which draws from the emotionally charged funeral of Lee Dutton, hints at deeper complexities within the Dutton family lineage—a mystery that remains largely unexplored until the series’ fifth season. The conclusion of Yellowstone sparked varied reactions among viewers and critics alike, diving into the intricate backstory of lesser-known Dutton family members, a narrative line previously established in Sheridan’s prequel series, 1883. This prequel traces the Dutton ancestors’ journey to Paradise Valley, Montana.

With the narrative threads woven through the prequels 1883 and 1923, viewers gain insights into seven generations of Duttons over a span of 140 years. The stories range from Elsa Dutton’s tragic experiences in 1883 to Spencer’s heroic narrative in 1923. Yet, a pivotal enigma linked to John III remains unresolved, leaving viewers speculating about the identities of two enigmatic characters introduced in the show’s premiere.

Connecting John Dutton III to Chance & Ned Dutton

John Dutton’s Memories of Chance and Ned Dutton in Season 1

Yellowstone John Dutton sitting by his jeep after being shot

The premiere episode of Yellowstone sets a dramatic tone, showcasing a contemporary range war between the Duttons and the Broken Rock Tribe. A mysterious migration of cattle to the Broken Rock Reservation leads to a confrontation, as the tribe’s new chief asserts ownership over the cattle. Unwilling to accept a loss, John III embarks on a perilous mission with livestock agents to reclaim his cattle, only for tragedy to strike—his eldest son never returns home.

Insights on Ned & Chance Dutton Revealed by Yellowstone

Limited Information on Chance and Ned Dutton

The mention of Chance and Ned Dutton in Yellowstone raises more questions than answers. Notably, Ned’s gravestone features a date, March 16, 1863, but with the Dutton family officially settling in Montana in 1883, this timeline creates confusion. Is it a continuity error in Sheridan’s storytelling? It remains an issue given that the prequel 1883 was conceived after the original series debuted.

Moreover, Chance’s gravestone shares a similar design, implying they may have perished around the same period. Unfortunately, Chance’s stone reveals little other than his name. Alternatively, their graves might serve a symbolic purpose, commemorating family members lost before the Duttons arrived in Montana. Since James Dutton was engaged in the Civil War during 1863, it seems improbable that Ned was a child lost in childbirth by Margaret.

Could the Yellowstone Franchise Resolve the Mystery of Ned & Chance Dutton?

Potential Answers in Yellowstone: 1923 Season 2

Jacob and Cara Dutton looking concerned in 1923 Season 2

Given the uncertainty surrounding Yellowstone Season 6, the prospects for exploring Ned and Chance’s stories within the main series appear slim. This intrigue seems intentional on Sheridan’s part, as his narratives are often interconnected. There’s a possibility that this enigma could be unraveled in one of the future spinoffs. The second season of 1923 is poised to be the most fitting storyline to address these lingering mysteries following the completion of John Dutton’s arc.

When Jacob and Cara Dutton arrived from New York, they could have erected monuments to commemorate their lost children, mounting a narrative about family and loss. While it’s unlikely that Chance and Ned were James and Margaret’s offspring, the gravestones might represent Jacob and Cara’s fallen children, reflecting their deep connection to family legacy. This perspective aligns with what we learn from 1923, where Jacob and Cara did not parent children but instead raised Spencer and John Dutton as their own.

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