Yellowstone’s Gil Birmingham Teases the Alliance That Outlived John: He and Rainwater ‘Want the Same Thing’
Since Yellowstone debuted back in 2018, Thomas Rainwater’s endgame has not changed: The chairman of the Confederated Tribes of Broken Rock has wanted to reclaim his people’s land. Suffice it to say that his efforts thus far have not been successful.
“He’s always felt that he’s playing defense,” says Gil Birmingham, who plays the chief. But he knows how to turn most any situation to his advantage — or try to, anyway. “Convincing your opponent that maybe it’s something other than [a means to an end] is sort of the structure of strategy that Rainwater’s always measuring out.
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“But he’s smart enough to know when he can actually utilize an ally,” he adds.
An ally including the late John Dutton. “I think what’s developed between Rainwater and John is a deep appreciation [of the fact that] they want the same thing for different reasons,” Birmingham says. “There’s a legacy that the Dutton family feels responsible to hold intact, but it’s always been ancestral and for the present needs of his people for Rainwater. Because of that, they have a mutual respect [stemming from] the preservation of the land. Protecting it from either commercialization or the development that will destroy it.
“It’s sacred. It’s Mother Earth for Rainwater,” he continues. “And I think there’s a similar sense for John Dutton as well.”
Considering that in November 24 episode (recapped here), Thomas approached Beth to offer his assistance in saving the Yellowstone — and keeping in mind what we know goes down between Rainwater and Kayce — could former adversaries come together to achieve a common goal? TBD.
What do you think? Will the Duttons turn over their land to Rainwater in order to keep it from being torn apart by Market Equities? And, if push came to shove, would John approve? Comment away!
Yellowstone Questions We Need Answered
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