The latest episode of "Yellowstone," the mid-season finale, has sparked controversy among viewers due to a prominent appearance by series creator Taylor Sheridan. Sheridan, who plays the recurring role of horseman and trainer Travis, shared significant screen time with model Bella Hadid, cast as his character's girlfriend.

The episode features Travis in a strip poker game with several women, followed by a demonstration of his impressive horse-riding abilities, a skill Sheridan is known for in real life. This demonstration leads to a confrontation between Travis and Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly), where Beth criticizes Travis's relationship with Hadid's character. Later, Travis and Beth engage in their own poker game, with Beth ultimately losing but refusing to remove her clothing as part of the wager.

The focus on Sheridan's character has drawn mixed reactions online. Some viewers expressed disappointment, feeling that the storyline detracted from the main Dutton family narrative. Others praised Sheridan's talent and contribution to television, defending his presence in the show.

This episode also addresses the death of John Dutton (Kevin Costner), with Sheridan’s character learning of the news. The episode's director, Christina Voros, explained the narrative choice to reveal this information through Travis as organic, connecting it to the existing storyline of Jimmy (Jefferson White) working at the Four Sixes ranch.

While initially planned as the final season, recent speculation suggests potential spinoffs or a sixth season centered around Beth and Rip (Cole Hauser). Some fans attribute the perceived shortcomings of the current season to Costner's departure and Sheridan's subsequent adjustments to the storyline.