Was this character thrown in just for kicks, or to serve up a slice of generational confrontation?
Ah, this world of Yellowstone, where the open range meets fiery debates and characters spark more controversy than a wildfire in the dry Montana summer. If you’ve been around the Yellowstone campfire long enough, chances are you’ve watched Piper Perabo’s portrayal of Summer Higgins dance in the flames of fan opinion.
From the get-go in Season 4, Summer has been wrestling the rough seas of the Dutton family drama, stirring things up with her environmental crusade. With a history of tackling roles with finesize finesse, Perabo has given depth to Summer, a character far more complex than the typical ‘eco-warrior’, standing shoulder to shoulder with heavyweights like Kevin Costner.
While some fans may see Summer as a fierce environmentalist warring the good fight against industrialized farming, others feel that her character is nothing more than a forced ‘boomer’ fantasy created by Taylor Sheridan.
Why Are Yellowstone Fans Upset with Summer Higgins’ Portrayal?
From the moment she made her debut in Season 4, Summer Higgins’ presence in Yellowstone has been a topic of hot debate amongst viewers. Not long ago, some fans on Reddit criticized her portrayal, stating that she serves no real purpose outside of being a punching bag for Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly).
Viewers argue that Summer is merely a pawn in Taylor Sheridan’s attempt to cater to a specific demographic, rather than adding depth and complexity to the storyline. Well, maybe that’s why Kevin Costner was cast as rancher and patriarch John Dutton, essentially to appeal to the boomer demographic and lend Yellowstone its Western authenticity.
One fan expressed frustration, stating that the Summer storyline was “just bad” from the start.
Summer is depicted as an environmental activist who is against Montana’s ranching and livestock departments. Her character also appears to be a political foil for John Dutton. Her interaction with John and their subsequent joy ride around the ranch to get to know one another capture a sort of isle-crossing exchange; they are just two voters from opposing parties putting themselves in each other’s shoes.
Despite the backlash from some fans, there is no denying that Piper Perabo’s performance as Summer has brought a new dynamic to Yellowstone. Her portrayal of the eco-warrior with a rebellious streak has added an interesting layer to the show, flaunting her range as an actor.
Could Summer Take the Crown as the Ultimate Villain in Yellowstone?
Summer has quickly become a polarizing figure in the show, especially when it comes to her interactions with John Dutton. Their initial meeting is reminiscent of a political debate, with Summer representing urban liberalism and John embodying more traditional values. It’s a clash of ideologies—a battle of wills—that sets the stage for what could be the ultimate showdown in Yellowstone.
But could Summer really be the villain that the show needs? Is her presence a necessary evil, or simply a plot device to throw off balance and create chaos among the Duttons? In an Esquire interview, actress Piper Perabo hinted at her character’s role as an antagonist, stating that her interests directly “conflict” with those of the Duttons.
Ergo, it’s a classic tale of good versus evil, with Summer poised to challenge the status quo and disrupt the harmony of the ranch. The actress, however, added:
I can’t say who I square off with.
But going up against the powerful Dutton family is no easy feat. Perabo herself acknowledged the risks, noting that it’s “terrifying to come in on the wrong side of the Duttons”. So, will Summer be able to hold her own against the formidable foes, or will she ultimately meet her downfall?
As we eagerly await the last part of season 5, it will be interesting to see how Summer’s character continues to evolve and whether she will win over the hearts of her critics. Love her or hate her, it seems Summer Higgins is here to stay, and she’s not afraid to shake up the Dutton family dynamic.
Yellowstone Season 5’s second part will premiere on November 10, 2024.
You can stream Yellowstone on Paramount+.
