The latest episode of Yellowstone prequel 1923 features the suicide death of Emma Dutton, highlighting a disturbing trend in the Yellowstone universe of killing off women when they are no longer valuable as wives or mothers. This is not the first time a female character has been written off in this manner in the franchise.
Women in Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone universe are typically limited to roles defined by their relationship with men. Emma's death sets a dangerous precedent for the shows, and it is essential to remember that she was more than just John's wife and Jack's mother.
