Why does Beth hate Summer in “Yellowstone?”
Table of Contents
Yellowstone, the modern Western melodrama, has been a rollercoaster of emotions, power plays, and intricate relationships. One of the most intriguing dynamics in the recent season has been the tension between Beth Dutton and Summer Higgins. At the heart of this tension lies a deeper question: Why does Beth hate Summer? And, more specifically, why did Beth manipulate Summer and her friends to protest at a Market Equities site?
The Dutton Legacy and Market Equities
To understand the depth of Beth's actions, it's essential to recognize the longstanding battle between the Dutton family and Market Equities. The Duttons, led by patriarch John Dutton, have been fighting tooth and nail to protect their land and legacy from corporate giants like Market Equities. Beth, being the fierce protector of her family's legacy, has always been at the forefront of this battle, using her cunning and intelligence to outwit her adversaries.
Enter Summer Higgins
Summer Higgins, portrayed brilliantly by Piper Perabo, is a vegan hippie activist with a strong moral compass. Her entrance into the Yellowstone universe was marked by her passionate advocacy for environmental causes. On the surface, Summer's ideals clash with the Duttons' way of life, especially their ranching practices. However, it's not just ideological differences that fuel Beth's animosity towards Summer.
Beth's Possessiveness and the Father-Daughter Dynamic
One of the more complex relationships in Yellowstone is the bond between Beth and her father, John Dutton. Their relationship is marked by a deep sense of loyalty, love, and at times, an unsettling level of possessiveness. When John Dutton's "friendship" with Summer begins to blossom, Beth's intense jealousy is triggered. This jealousy reveals a disturbing streak of possessiveness towards her father, which goes beyond the typical father-daughter bond. Summer, in Beth's eyes, becomes a threat to the closeness she shares with her father.
Manipulation as a Weapon
Beth, known for her strategic mind, sees an opportunity in Summer's activism. By manipulating Summer and her friends to protest at a Market Equities site, Beth achieves a dual purpose. Firstly, she directs attention away from the Duttons and onto Market Equities, creating chaos and disruption for the firm. Secondly, and perhaps more personally, she sets up Summer for a fall. The protest, as orchestrated by Beth, escalates into a melee, leading to Summer's arrest. This move not only diminishes Summer's influence over John but also serves as a form of revenge for Beth, who feels slighted by Summer's closeness with her father.
The Complexity of Beth Dutton
Beth's actions, while seemingly ruthless, are rooted in her deep-seated insecurities and traumas. Her inability to have children, her tumultuous relationship with her brother Jamie, and her fierce desire to protect her family's legacy all play a role in her decisions. Summer, unfortunately, becomes collateral damage in Beth's quest for control and dominance.
In conclusion, the tension between Beth and Summer is not just a simple case of jealousy or rivalry. It's a manifestation of Beth's complex psyche, her relationship with her father, and the ongoing battle with Market Equities. As Yellowstone continues to unravel its intricate web of relationships and power dynamics, viewers can only anticipate more twists and turns in this captivating saga.
