The Yellowstone series finale ended with Thomas Rainwater played by Gil Birmingham obtaining the Dutton Ranch bringing to close long term conflict present since the show's launch. Thomas Rainwater Chief of the Broken Rock Indian Reservation started as an adversary of Kevin Costner’s John Dutton but as story evolved they would frequently put differences aside to protect the land they cared for. The Yellowstone series finale successfully finished many major storylines.
Rainwater and Dutton’s Alliance Strengthened By Mutual Respect Despite Earlier Adversarial Roles
Yellowstone season five closed with Rainwater and Mo joining John Dutton as he tried stopping an oil pipeline threatening tribal land after Dutton became governor of Montana. Kayce and Beth investigated John’s death in order to find out who was responsible for the heinous event. The series concluded with Kayce providing Rainwater control of the Dutton land while also reserving a specific portion of land for his immediate family showing strategic negotiation at closing out of Yellowstone series.
Gil Birmingham Reflects on Yellowstone's End: "Bittersweet" and Full of Gratitude
ScreenRant interviewed Gil Birmingham shortly after the airing of Yellowstone finale to explore his unique perspective on show's close with respect to Thomas Rainwater character. Birmingham described ending as ‘bittersweet’ expressing gratitude for the seven years alongside his other cast members. Gil Birmingham reflected on long term connections formed within cast and crew and also noted strong bonds between those involved. He explained that all cast members where thoughtful of the end with many being introspective during show's closing and production. Gil Birmingham expressed thanks for having the opportunity to play Thomas Rainwater’s character.
Rainwater's Reaction to John's Death: Respect and Recognition of Shared Goals
Gil Birmingham highlighted Rainwater's deep respect for John Dutton despite their complex interactions. Rainwater never wanted John's death despite starting series as adversary but came to acknowledge they were allies with respect for both personal and shared interests in preservation of the Montana land and all its resources. Gil Birmingham portrayed the strategic nature of the alliance suggesting its evolution resulted in beneficial outcomes for all including his character as well as John Dutton's character.
Birmingham Overwhelmed as Broken Rock Reservation Secures Dutton Land After Many Generations Of Struggle
Gil Birmingham found himself ‘emotionally overwhelmed’ at Rainwater’s obtaining Dutton land after a long running and arduous struggle for the land across generations. The actor explains that Rainwater never thought his tribal members would accomplish such a feat in their lifetime noting that gaining 260000 acres was unexpected but needed as a steward of his people and this accomplishment as a sign of progress for his community. He also highlighted Rainwater sought this land as protected area from any exploitation from any private or government interest groups. This goal served as inspiration for his work in preservation of his people and cultural resources.
Broken Rock Tribe Will Prioritize Resources for Land Stewardship and Preservation
Birmingham said the people of Broken Rock Reservation will likely celebrate that all the land has returned. He also described the weight and burden associated with generating the resources required for land preservation using it as an example of how the Dutton family needed many resources and worked very hard to maintain their land. Gil Birmingham explained further how this role for Rainwater will be a long term struggle because multiple organizations have their sights on taking that very land for business interests that they must be wary of while being mindful of potential issues stemming from land protection of Montana and all its many unique resources. Gil Birmingham highlights the need for Native communities to develop schools hospitals and educational institutions that offer protection from a long history of disenfranchisement as these services must all also be funded.
Rainwater Intends to Uphold Treaty With Kayce's Family Demonstrating Honor And Community Connection
Birmingham also confirmed Rainwater's unwavering commitment to keeping the terms of the treaty with Kayce and Monica by also providing them a plot of the new land. He shared deep respect for those terms and noted that his people as well as Native people have maintained their treaties and their obligations that other entities such as governments do not keep showing their high levels of honor for contracts. He specifically voiced that he hopes Tate half native will also participate in community and events occurring on reservation showing shared connection among Kayce’s family with broken rock and many traditions it has to offer as these shared communities grow over time. The story has shown over several seasons the deep history of cultural connection and how they evolve during critical junctures.
Potential for a Broken Rock Spinoff: Exploring Rainwater's Role as Keeper of the Land
Gil Birmingham shared potential for a Yellowstone spinoff exploring Thomas Rainwater which would transition focus to stewardship responsibilities as well as long term impact of these actions on those involved. The potential Broken Rock spinoff might show Rainwater and Mo in a different light reversing roles from a legacy centered on Duttons and focusing on Native led land ownership and governance. Gil Birmingham also noted his respect for Taylor Sheridan trust and confidence to follow the creative process on whichever path the storyteller decides will be most appropriate.
Authentic Representation on Yellowstone: The Importance of Collaboration Between Actors and Writer Taylor Sheridan
Gil Birmingham shared how Taylor Sheridan was receptive to including cultural aspects of the story creating an authentic depiction of Native American characters by being open to collaboration between Gil Birmingham with Mo and many Native crew members to create real representation of lived experiences for various people involved. Birmingham expressed deep gratitude at the representation of Thomas Rainwater’s story since generally in film Native characters do not receive authentic representation. Mo being his cultural anchor served to enhance and improve his on screen story further highlighting connection and long term ties across Native peoples within the movie industry. Birmingham mentioned specifically Taylor Sheridan was very receptive to recommendations that would be more in line with authentic cultural representation when it came to Native characters such as vision quests.
Gil Birmingham Prioritized Authenticity and Sensibility During Yellowstone's Production
Birmingham emphasized the sensitive aspects associated with showing tribal rituals with some not appropriate for mass public viewership because it could violate various cultural and traditions that are considered to be sacred. He emphasized they intentionally revealed enough about the culture to generate some curiosity as well as provide a path for those to view Native people as humans instead of as artifacts further demonstrating many ongoing issues of representation that Native peoples face worldwide. He considers one of greatest strengths of the show its portrayal of multidimensional characters that have provided a much more relevant and engaging lens than typically provided by larger media production studios to date. He identified that the power of unity shown between characters John and Rainwater is of utmost importance.
Wind River: The Next Chapter Aims for Thriller Genre Rather Than the Original Drama
Gil Birmingham confirmed he filmed Wind River sequel over two years ago that lacked involvement from Taylor Sheridan but still included other collaborators. He expressed that Wind River The Next Chapter is very different from the initial movie while highlighting a thriller tone rather than drama present in the original project adding potential complication that the film might encounter in various areas of production that would limit film viewership. Martin Sensmeier was highlighted as a returning actor whose character goes through a sort of rehabilitation under direction of Jeremy Renner while his role is that of a fish and game warden who seeks an individual with revenge based behavior all taking place in various locations on the reservation where the film is set.
Gil Birmingham Unaware of Twilight Reboot Yet Appreciates Fan Community Support For Their Continued Passion
Gil Birmingham shared that he was completely unaware of an animated Twilight reboot coming to Netflix adding he is continually amazed by devoted fan base despite film's initial theatrical release long past demonstrating an authentic appreciation. He highlighted strong fan community from his attendance at Forks Washington festival this year with attendance reaching beyond international borders with fans coming from Brazil New Zealand Argentina showing deep appreciation for connection shared among Twilight movie fanbase showing international appeal. He recognizes and appreciates that fans find connection in sharing community through art and these creative forms bring people closer in lifelong friendships that might not have been formed otherwise .