A Montana ranching family encounters others who are encroaching on their land. Forrie J. Smith, who plays Lloyd, is a seasoned hand in the world of rodeo. John Dutton (Kevin Costner) often seems to "forget" his Montana accent and reverts to his usual SoCal-speaking voice. Kevin Costner is the patriarch who runs a dynastic ranch the size of several countries. His way of life is threatened by resort developers, tribal rights, and the Montana state government. Reminiscent of Rock Hudson in The Giant, he tries to stick to the old ways. "Yellowstone" builds quickly, with few introductions, but its story unfolds at the natural pace of a day in the desert, pausing for tribal rituals, cowboy conventions, and political machinations. It's an over-the-top affair that tears at the seams of law and justice, family, and friendship. Costner seems well-suited to fill his character's shoes. He is a world-weary man who has seen too much and lied too often. The land and family are the source of his life. He hears footsteps coming his way, but he can only play his part out of habit, as much as loyalty. Although some of the actions are a little confusing due to the lack of explanation, it feels natural, as if the viewer is getting a real slice of life in another world. I hope the resolution of this saga will have an emotional payoff that justifies its scale and attention to detail. Update 07-20-2018: After four episodes, the voice of this series is strong and persistent. We learn the fullness of each story, from roots to fruits. I raise the grade to a "9".