The Madison’s Preston Clyburn Flashbacks Fix the Biggest Yellowstone Mistake

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Taylor Sheridan, known for his Western dramas, ventures into new territory with his latest series, The Madison. The show centers around Michelle Pfeiffer’s character, Stacy Clyburn, a widow who moves her family to Montana’s Madison Valley to grieve the loss of her husband, played by Kurt Russell.

Fans were surprised when Russell was brought in as a major character alongside Pfeiffer, only to be killed off in the very first episode, along with Matthew Fox’s character, Paul. The brothers’ plane crashed in Montana during a storm, bringing their family to the area to recover. This felt familiar to viewers of Yellowstone – the show famously killed off John Dutton’s son, Lee, early in the pilot. However, The Madison differs from Yellowstone by not simply writing off Preston or Paul after their deaths.

Lee Dutton’s Death on Yellowstone Was an Overlooked Story Arc

The series begins with a conflict over stolen cattle that leads to Kayce killing Robert, his brother-in-law, to avenge his brother Lee. This event throws the future of the Dutton ranch into uncertainty, as John Dutton doesn’t believe any of his remaining children are capable of taking over. Meanwhile, Kayce must hide the truth about how Robert died from his wife, Monica.

It’s honestly strange how quickly Lee’s death just… faded away. As a fan, I kept expecting it to come up more, but after the first season, it was barely mentioned – just a few lines here and there, or in someone’s hallucinations. Considering he was the oldest Dutton and seemed destined to take over everything, you’d think his death would have a much bigger impact on the story. It’s wild to think the whole series started because of his death, yet John and the others rarely seem to acknowledge it! Honestly, his mom and grandfather, who passed away years earlier, felt more present in the narrative than Lee did. It just didn’t make much sense to me.

Many fans see the lack of attention given to Lee’s death as a major mistake, similar to how John’s murder was handled when Kevin Costner left the show during its fifth season. This frustrated viewers who felt Sheridan’s writing was becoming increasingly convoluted and losing sight of the show’s central conflicts. When characters Preston and Paul appeared to be in danger on The Madison, many feared Sheridan was repeating these past storytelling errors.

The Madison Avoids Taylor Sheridan’s Problem With Pilot Deaths

Sheridan handled the deaths of Preston and Paul by making their accident central to the story. While Paul’s role is somewhat understated, he’s given two scenes that show his impact on the plot. Notably, during the brothers’ burial, Abigail blames Paul for Preston’s death, powerfully highlighting how he set the whole story in motion. It’s a very sad moment that acknowledges his responsibility.

The story also features a flashback showing Preston comforting Paul after his wife is tragically killed in a street accident. Paul is deeply devastated by the loss, and this mirrors Stacy’s own overwhelming grief. Both their sorrows lead them to seek a calmer, simpler life outside of the city.

Preston’s presence looms large throughout the story, acting as the driving force behind Stacy and her daughters’ actions as they grieve. The show emphasizes the deep connection Preston had with Stacy, intensifying the emotional impact for viewers. Ultimately, The Madison wants to constantly remind us why the Clyburn family is in Montana – it’s all rooted in their love for Preston.

I’ve been really impressed with how The Madison handles its characters after they’re gone – it’s a huge step up from Yellowstone in my opinion, even if it does mean things move a little slower. Now I’m just curious to see what Taylor Sheridan has planned for season two. I’m especially hoping we get to see more of Russell and Fox, maybe through flashbacks? It’s a long shot, but honestly, I’d be happy with even a tiny scene featuring those actors – they’re just that good.

You can now watch all six episodes of The Madison on Paramount+. Plus, they’re already working on a second season!

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2026-03-21 19:09