It is stripped of the more frivolous and soap opera-like storytelling tendencies of the flagship. At its core is a family fighting for a future. While Beth and Rip's love story is the show's backbone, it's rich with new narrative opportunities that could make the franchise more expansive.

The most straightforward and satisfying franchise entry since the original.

Reilly consistently delivers the more compelling performance. It’s unlikely “Dutton Ranch” will make as big a splash as “Yellowstone” did – sequels rarely do – but there’s enough similar storytelling that this show will either satisfy “Yellowstone” fans craving more or bore them to tears because it all seems so familiar.

Dutton Ranch is solid enough, but displays signs of franchise fatigue.

Yellowstone had slightly run out of steam and this is the same mix of brutality and soapy camp transplanted (literally) to pastures new.

The property may go by a different name, but we’re very much back on the ranch.

A show paralyzed by clichéd writing and narrative stasis.