‘Dutton Ranch’ Can Officially Fix This Star’s Biggest Criticism in Season 2

Published Jul 24, 2026, 6:31 AM EDT Michael John Petty is a Senior Author for Collider who spends his days writing, in fellowship with his local church, and enjoying each new day with his wife and daughters. At Collider, he writes features, reviews, recaps, and conducts interviews. In addition to writing about stories, Michael has told a few of his own. His novella, The Beast of Bear-tooth Mountain, was released in 2023. His Western short story, The Devil's Left Hand, received the Spur Award for "Best Western Short Fiction" from the Western Writers of America in 2025. Michael currently resides in North Idaho with his growing family. It's hard to believe that such a popular show like Dutton Ranch could mishandle an acting heavyweight like Ed Harris, but, according to the star, that's exactly what happened. When it was first announced that Harris would join the cast of the Yellowstone sequel as veteran/veterinarian Everett McKinney, many were (rightfully) thrilled to see how he would fare in Taylor Sheridan's television landscape. The Appaloosa director/star has recently spoken out about his time on the series, deeming it "misleading," but there's no doubt that those criticisms can be dealt with in Dutton Ranch's now-confirmed second season. Ed Harris Was Unsatisfied With His 'Dutton Ranch' Role in Season 1 However you slice it, Harris's Everett is one of the most important characters on Dutton Ranch. Aside from being the first real friend and ally that Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) make, he is deeply connected to Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening) and the goings-on at the 10 Pedal. But just because the character was vital to the impressive Paramount+ drama doesn't mean that Harris was happy with how it all played out. "Prior to signing on for it, I was talked to quite a bit about what the season was, and what my character was going to do — and that I was one of the four main characters," Harris told Variety. "And that wasn’t really the case." The star was rightly disappointed that Everett didn't have a ton to do throughout the season, though he's initially introduced as such. While he admits that watching Dutton Ranch Season 1 slightly changed his perspective, it's clear that disappointment abounds. "I’m being told my character will have a little bit more to do [in Season 2]," he added. "I was just a little frustrated, to tell you the truth." Despite his limited material, Everett has been one of the Yellowstone universe's most likable newcomers. He's a man who truly embodies the hard-working values of the great state of Texas, and stands by what's right — at least regarding the Dutton Ranch's opposition to the Mexican drug operation laying claim to Rio Paloma — when the going gets tough. As an ally to Beth and Rip, Everett became invaluable to their transition from the Mountain West to their plot of land just north of the border. This becomes especially evident in the last two episodes, when he stands with the Montana transplants against Mariano Reyes' (Raoul Max Trujillo) forces as they invade their new Texan homestead — dusting off skills he hasn't used since his military days. Sadly, it isn't until the end of the season that we really get to see what Everett is made of, but now that we have, it only opens the door wider for more opportunities in Season 2. 'Dutton Ranch' Season 2 Should Give Ed Harris More To Do Right off the bat, the second season of Dutton Ranch ought to lean more into Harris' strengths by giving him more action-packed material to work with. While Everett isn't so quick to violence in the same way that Rip may be (nor should he be), that doesn't mean we don't want to see what he's capable of. Perhaps the series could further explore why, after Vietnam, he chose to devote his life to equestrian medicine, offering us a bit more insight into his priorities and hopes for the future. That said, Dutton Ranch Season 2 also ought to give Everett a bit more agency in his relationship with Beulah. Right now, he's largely been at the mercy of her whims and desires, though that only gets more complicated now that he's learned the truth about her connection to Mariano. It's unclear if Everett and Beulah's newly rekindled romance is toast or not, but there's no reason that he can't make up his own mind on the matter. Additionally, Dutton Ranch should take the time to elaborate more on Everett's unique side of the Texan cattle business. Before the Mexican guns showed up in the back half of the season, one of the most interesting things about Dutton Ranch was the show's exploration of Texan cattle culture — and all that that implies. Going a bit deeper with Everett and his part in that world could be an innovative way of revealing character, especially as we begin to understand the hardness of the day-to-day. And for goodness' sake, give Harris an actual musical number.​​​​​​ We'd be grumpy too if promised the chance to sing on stage for the show, only to have that moment axed in the editing room.