Taylor Sheridan’s Landman, 1923 & Yellowstone All Have the Same Symbolism

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Taylor Sheridan has quickly become a well-known creator thanks to successful TV shows like 1883 and Landman. Viewers are now getting a clear sense of his style as a filmmaker and storyteller. He clearly prefers a certain genre, but he also excels at showing the world through unique perspectives, making each of his series captivating. In fact, some of his most acclaimed work has been released very recently.

After the conclusion of Yellowstone, many felt that Taylor Sheridan’s earlier series, 1883 and 1923, represented his strongest work, and viewers were eager for him to return to modern Westerns. The 2024 release of Landman delivered just that, quickly becoming a hit with audiences, much like Yellowstone before it. While each of Sheridan’s shows offers a fresh perspective, they all share common threads – including a subtle use of symbolism that many viewers may not have noticed.

Yellowstone, 1923 and Landman Share A Connecting Element Of Symbolism

It’s no surprise that Taylor Sheridan’s popular shows share similarities, but there’s a strong connection many viewers might miss: all three – Yellowstone, 1923, and Landman – are set in the American West.

Fans are finding that Landman shares a lot of similarities with Yellowstone, as both are distinctive modern Westerns created by the same writer. This connection is even stronger when considering 1883 and 1923, as all four shows follow the same family’s story.

There’s a surprising amount of complexity behind America’s large ranches today, especially as modern life changes the traditional ranching way of life. In Landman, Sheridan explores the world of oil companies and the powerful workers who are a major force in the American Southwest.

As a film buff, I’ve always been fascinated by how stories reflect specific cultures, and this movie really dives into the world of “landmen” – people who work securing oil and gas leases, often in Texas. It’s a deep exploration of their lives, and it creates a Western that feels incredibly modern and different from the classic cowboy films we’re used to. It’s a really unique take on the genre.

Much of what makes Landman stand out is its unique setting and the way the story unfolds. But Sheridan’s work, both on television and in film over the past ten years, consistently delivers something special. He excels at creating compelling characters and exploring the complicated relationships within families.

As a movie buff, what really excites me is how this allows for some seriously compelling character development. We get to really dive into who these people are, and explore not just their stories, but the worlds they inhabit on a much deeper level. It’s about weaving in their inner lives – their hopes, fears, and what they believe in – and honestly, that’s where the real magic happens. It adds so much weight and meaning to everything.

Sheridan deeply explores the inner lives of his characters, considering their beliefs, motivations, and values. He then uses metaphors and symbolism to add layers of meaning to the story. Symbolism is one of his strengths, and he frequently uses it – particularly imagery from the natural world. Given the Western setting, it’s no surprise that wolves or coyotes often appear as symbols in his work.

Wolves have created a subtle link between the shows Yellowstone and Landman, as both series have featured the animal. In Yellowstone, wolves appear on several occasions, most notably when Kayce Dutton repeatedly sees a lone wolf watching him.

In the second season of the show, a wolf appears on the Dutton ranch and attacks both the animals and the Dutton family members. Similarly, in Landman, wolves (or coyotes) appear in the opening and closing scenes, highlighting particularly intense moments in the character’s day. This use of wolves has become a recurring motif for creator Taylor Sheridan throughout his acclaimed television series, and each appearance serves a specific symbolic purpose.

The Symbol Of the Wolf Means Something Different In Each Western Series

Taylor Sheridan’s shows consistently deliver compelling stories and leave a lasting impression. Across series like Yellowstone, 1883, and 1923, he masterfully builds tension and explores complex characters and situations. Each season has a well-developed storyline, and Sheridan skillfully weaves in small, meaningful details that enhance the emotional impact of the drama and reveal deeper layers of meaning.

Wolves are a recurring symbol in Taylor Sheridan’s work, representing both the rugged landscape and the emotional journeys of his characters. Sheridan consistently uses wolves to add layers of meaning to specific scenes and characters, with each appearance carrying a unique significance. While the symbolism evolves, broader themes emerge. A notable example occurs in Yellowstone when Kayce Dutton spots a wolf near his property.

This story features a man who seeks to understand a message from a wolf, leading him on a personal quest. He eventually realizes the wolf is his spirit animal, urging him to make changes for the good of his family. His choices are critical, and the wolf serves as a sign that he may be heading in the wrong direction. Interestingly, a wolf also appears in the Yellowstone prequel, 1923, but it’s portrayed as much more hostile.

Following a violent attack on Elizabeth and destruction of their chicken coop, a wolf eventually invades the Dutton home, tragically killing a nurse who was caring for Elizabeth’s injuries. This brief storyline uses the wolf to foreshadow the serious threats facing the Duttons – and how crucial Spencer’s return is. Season two reveals enemies closing in on the Duttons from all sides, nearly succeeding in destroying the family. The wolf embodied the extreme danger these enemies posed, representing the very real possibility of the Duttons’ downfall.

It’s common for wolves (or wolf-like imagery) to appear in Yellowstone whenever danger is near, and this has become a key part of the Dutton family’s story. For example, a coyote—which often represents a similar warning—is shot in front of Tommy early in Season 2. Later, at the end of the same season, after Tommy makes a pivotal decision for his family, he sees another coyote. While the meaning isn’t entirely clear, this second coyote might symbolize positive change for the Norris family. The fact that the first coyote was killed suggests Tommy had to abandon a certain path to move forward.

Fans Can Probably Expect Wolves to Show Up In Multiple Upcoming Sheridan Series

While Taylor Sheridan doesn’t include wolves or coyotes in all of his shows, he often uses them to represent a strong spiritual connection to the natural world. You’re more likely to see these animals in his Westerns, as that setting embodies the close relationship with nature that’s important to him. With several new Western series from Sheridan on the way, fans can probably expect to see this symbolism appear again.

Beyond shows like Marshals (centered on Kayce Dutton) and Dutton Ranch (following Beth and Rip), a couple more Westerns from Taylor Sheridan are on the way. The most talked-about is The Madison, set in Montana and exploring a family’s journey through loss and adjustment after relocating from the East Coast. All three series promise the high-quality, modern Western feel fans expect from Sheridan, and they’ll likely feature the symbolic imagery he’s known for.

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2026-02-01 00:38