The Epic Showdown: 'Yellowstone' Throws Shade at 'Sons of Anarchy'

The Big Picture

Taylor Sheridan's character on Sons of Anarchy, Deputy Chief David Hale, was killed off in the Season 3 premiere due to an unfair wage offer Sheridan received.

In Yellowstone, Sheridan pays homage to Sons of Anarchy when the Dutton family confronts and triumphs over a biker gang, symbolizing the downfall of the main character. Sheridan aims to honor Kevin Costner's departure from Yellowstone by ensuring his character survives, in contrast to what happened to him on Sons of Anarchy.

What Happened to Taylor Sheridan's 'Sons of Anarchy' Character?

While eagerly anticipating Season 5 Part 2 of Yellowstone, fans can catch an edited version of the series on CBS, which tones down the violence, nudity, and explicit language found in Taylor Sheridan's prestigious drama. Another show that didn't shy away from gritty storytelling was FX's popular highway drama Sons of Anarchy, which drew inspiration from the notorious Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. At first glance, Sons of Anarchy and Yellowstone may not seem very similar, apart from their thematic content. However, the common thread between them is none other than Taylor Sheridan.

Image via FX

Before delving into his career as a writer and director for neo-Western television, Sheridan had initially established himself as an actor. With years of experience in the industry, Sheridan finally gained recognition in the early 2000s when he appeared on Veronica Mars, a breakthrough that ultimately paved the way for his portrayal of Deputy Chief David Hale on Sons of Anarchy. Throughout his time on the show, the filmmaker absorbed valuable insights on effectively managing a television series, including the importance of sparing characters from untimely demises. However, it wasn't always smooth sailing for him during his stint on the series, as there were certainly challenging moments in his acting journey.

Sheridan's character appeared only in the first three seasons of the show. He played a no-nonsense cop who had grown up with many members of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club. Due to his close connection with Jax Teller and others in the group, he served as a compelling contrast. As the second-in-command under Chief Wayne Unser, he was known as "Captain America" for his strict perspective on crime and law enforcement. Surprisingly, Sheridan's time on Sons of Anarchy was short-lived. He appeared in 21 episodes under the name "Tayler Sheridan," but his character was not given much importance. In the Season 3 premiere, Hale is tragically killed while trying to stop a drive-by shooting at a SAMCRO member's wake.

This sudden exit was shocking for audiences who saw Hale as one of the few morally upright characters on the show. However, there was a specific reason for his departure. Years later, Sheridan disclosed that he felt the wage he was being offered at the time was unfair and lower than what others on the show were receiving. It was not enough to justify quitting his second job. Feeling unappreciated as an actor in Hollywood, Sheridan decided to focus on his work behind the camera instead. This decision eventually led him to create Yellowstone, which has proven to be a success.

Did Taylor Sheridan Use 'Yellowstone' for Revenge on 'Sons of Anarchy'?

Image via FX

Yellowstone gained popularity while Sheridan had already retired from acting, dedicating most of his time to writing and occasionally directing his own projects. Despite this, he didn't hold back from criticizing his former FX home and included a confrontation between the Dutton family and an unsuspecting biker gang from California in his work. In the Season 3 episode titled "Going Back to Cali" (a clever play on words considering the setting of Sons of Anarchy in California), the Divine Discord Biker Gang arrives in Montana during their cross-country tour. They decide to cut the fence to the Dutton's land and use it as a venue for their wild partying. After a scuffle breaks out between the gang and Dutton ranch hands, Rip Wheeler (played by Cole Hauser) comes to the rescue by driving his truck through the line of bikes on the side of the road. This action taken by Sheridan was clearly a direct hit at Sons of Anarchy, as he used the same method to destroy their bikes as his own character was eliminated on the FX series.

But that's not all. Later that night, the bikers return under the cover of darkness with intentions to set the field ablaze. However, they encounter none other than John Dutton (portrayed by Kevin Costner) himself. John confronts them, asking what they would do if he did the same to their home. The biker gang leader responds with a threat, stating that he would kill John. Just then, the remaining Dutton forces arrive to intervene and assert their dominance over the bikers. John then commands the bikers to dig their own graves where they stand. However, rather than following through with their punishment, John strikes a deal: if the bikers agree to leave Montana forever, they will be allowed to live. Gratefully, the bikers accept John's offer.

Taylor Sheridan Wants To Respect Kevin Costner’s ‘Yellowstone’ Exit

Image via Paramount+

Sheridan's point in "Going Back to Cali" is clear: obedience to the law is crucial, as demonstrated through David Hale's hopes for the SAMCRO gang in Sons of Anarchy. While Yellowstone shares the moral complexity of Sons of Anarchy, the enforcement of the law remains steadfast. Interestingly, Sheridan breaks the cycle of harm by not subjecting his actors to the same fate as he experienced. He refuses to kill off his lead character, John Dutton, in a similar manner that Hale was fatally attacked.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Sheridan explained, "I don't include "f**k you car crashes" in my storytelling. Whether Dutton's fate inflates or insults Costner's ego is not a consideration in my approach." Nonetheless, it is reassuring to see that Sheridan continues to treat John Dutton with the same respect and care as always. This lesson was learned from his time on Sons of Anarchy and serves as a cautionary tale for his own creative endeavors. While his criticism of the FX series may appear petty, Sheridan certainly knows how to deliver his critique with style.