Luke Grimes, known for his role as Kayce Dutton in the acclaimed series Yellowstone, has transitioned to a new role in the law-enforcement procedural Marshals. The series premieres on CBS and Paramount+ on Sunday. Grimes, who portrayed the complex character of Kayce for five seasons, initially had reservations about shifting from serialized drama to a procedural format.
Challenges of Transitioning Kayce Dutton to Procedural TV
Grimes expressed concern when first approached about Marshals. He believed that moving to a procedural felt like a downgrade from Yellowstone’s narrative depth. He stated, “It sounded to me like a crazy idea, because that’s not at all what Yellowstone was.” His background includes a love for film and prestige television, but he held biases against procedurals, viewing them as lower-tier entertainment.
Convincing Luke Grimes
Spencer Hudnut, the showrunner of Marshals, played a pivotal role in changing Grimes’ mind. He outlined Kayce’s journey to join the U.S. Marshals in Montana, emphasizing the show’s potential for character development through longer arcs. This perspective helped Grimes recognize that good storytelling can exist in any format. “There’s no pecking order any more,” he acknowledged, illustrating the evolving landscape of television.
Elements of the New Show
- Marshals features themes of community protection, blending action with emotional depth.
- Kayce is seen grappling with personal loss, including the death of his wife, Monica, portrayed by a now-written-off character.
- The series maintains a connection to the Yellowstone universe through shared visual elements and themes.
The returning cast includes characters like Thomas Rainwater and Mo, portrayed by Indigenous actors Gil Birmingham and Mo Brings Plenty. The show’s focus on Native American representation reflects a commitment to authentic storytelling in contrast to typical depictions seen in the genre.
Future of Prestige Procedurals
As the landscape of television continues to evolve, the distinction between prestige dramas and procedural shows is diminishing. Recent successes, such as HBO’s The Pitt winning an Emmy for Best Drama, suggest that the procedural format is gaining respect. Grimes is determined to preserve Kayce’s complexity, despite perceived executive pressures for a lighter portrayal. He aims to bring depth to Marshals, challenging expectations for a typical procedural.
The success of Marshals may redefine viewer perceptions of procedural programming. As the genre transforms, the potential for new storytelling avenues remains vast. Only time will reveal if this transition from Yellowstone to Marshals successfully resonates with audiences.
