Podcast Summary: The Yellowstone Official Podcast – "Swooning Over Spencer Dutton"

Release Date: February 20, 2023
Hosts: Jefferson White ("Jimmy") and Jen Landon ("Teeter")
Guest: Brandon Sklenar (plays Spencer Dutton)

Introduction

In the episode titled "Swooning Over Spencer Dutton," hosts Jefferson White and Jen Landon delve deep into the intricate world of the Dutton Ranch, focusing on the character Spencer Dutton from the acclaimed series Yellowstone. The episode features a special guest, Brandon Sklenar, the actor behind Spencer Dutton, who shares his experiences and insights into portraying one of the show's most compelling characters.

Setting the Scene: Season 5 Developments

The hosts begin by recapping the transformative events of Season 5. Jefferson White (00:06) welcomes listeners back and sets the stage for an engaging discussion about Spencer Dutton, highlighting the episode's anticipation:

Jefferson White [00:06]: "Welcome back to the official Yellowstone podcast. I'm Jefferson White. I am joined, as always, by Jen Landon."

Jen Landon (00:20) expresses her excitement about the episode and their guest:

Jen Landon [00:20]: "I don't know if I could be more excited than I am about today's episode, and I feel like we all have crushes on our guest that we're going to be speaking to soon, which is the amazing Brandon Sklenar, who plays Spencer Dutton."

Spencer Dutton’s Journey and Motivations

The discussion shifts to Spencer's transformative journey. Jefferson White (01:33) elaborates on the changes within the Dutton Ranch and Spencer’s epic quest to return home:

Jefferson White [01:33]: "It's been a transformative season for the Dutton ranch itself. Spencer's been on this epic journey all around the world, trying to reach home. And the real question is, is there going to be anything left by the time he gets there?"

Jen Landon (02:00) raises a critical plot point:

Jen Landon [02:00]: "Does Spencer aware that his brother has been shot and killed in that letter? I can't remember."

Jefferson confirms Spencer’s awareness and the catalyst prompting his return:

Jefferson White [02:13]: "Yeah. And that's what feels like the final straw that summons him home."

The hosts dissect Spencer's internal struggle between vengeance and responsibility. Jefferson White (02:18) provides an in-depth analysis:

Jefferson White [02:18]: "Spencer has been resisting coming home. Kara's trying to get in touch with him, and then this savage attack on the Duttons and his family finally spurs him into motion to head home."

They compare Spencer’s journey to that of other characters like Jack Dutton, discussing themes of revenge and redemption. Jefferson White (04:09) draws parallels to broader themes in the show:

Jefferson White [04:09]: "If we rise to this drive for revenge, we're going to be overpowered and killed. That tactic isn't valid on that front."

Brandon Sklenar on Portraying Spencer Dutton

Brandon Sklenar joins the conversation, providing firsthand insights into his character and the audition process. Starting at [12:26], Brandon recounts his journey to the role:

Brandon Sklenar [12:26]: "I've been wanting to work with Taylor for a long time... it resonated with me in a way that I hadn't really felt before."

The hosts commend the casting, noting the seamless fit between Brandon and Spencer. Jefferson White (14:21) praises the "exquisite casting":

Jefferson White [14:21]: "We were just talking about what exquisite casting this is. It really is an incredible, energetic match."

Brandon discusses the immersive process of embodying Spencer's character, emphasizing the parallels between his personal growth and Spencer’s journey. At [15:39], he reflects:

Brandon Sklenar [15:39]: "My personal journey as an actor and as a person mirrored Spencer's in so many ways. It’s a weird paradox that I definitely tapped into and just lived the entire time myself."

Memorable Moments and Filming Experiences

The conversation shifts to memorable scenes and the challenges faced during filming. Brandon shares specifics about the demanding water sequences in episode six:

Brandon Sklenar [24:02]: "All the swimming. Episode six. All that swimming... it was hard because the water was cold. We did it for four days."

They also reminisce about the intense emotional scenes, such as Spencer's interaction with Julia:

Jen Landon [21:10]: "The Julia character makes the decision to come after Spencer, to come after you, and she yells to him, 'Find somebody who loves you.'"

Brandon elaborates on the emotional depth of these moments:

Brandon Sklenar [22:11]: "It's tough to delineate what's a Spencer thing and what's a Brandon thing. But Spencer's had such a strong barrier, and Julia just steamrolls through that. It hits him hard."

Character Dynamics and Relationships

The hosts explore the dynamics between Spencer and other characters, particularly his relationship with Alex. Jefferson White (18:13) emphasizes the bond between Brandon and his co-star:

Jefferson White [18:13]: "Being out there, and Jen and I feel incredibly lucky to talk to an actor that we're just fans of... Brandon Sklenar."

Brandon discusses building chemistry with Julia, highlighting their instant rapport:

Brandon Sklenar [19:14]: "We bonded in a lot of ways, especially in that way... we were fortunate enough to get along really well and just kind of have an instant rapport."

Themes of Vengeance and Protection

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the show's exploration of vengeance versus protection. Jen Landon (05:09) poses a critical question:

Jen Landon [05:09]: "Do we think that Spencer's motivation for coming home is to take care of his family, protect his family, or this vengeance that seems to kind of permeate through the Dutton line?"

Jefferson White (05:09) and Brandon Sklenar (07:18) delve into how vengeance drives the characters but is tempered by logic and the desire for sustainable solutions. They discuss how characters like Kara mediate these intense emotions, advocating for methodical and calculated responses over impulsive revenge.

Comparisons to Iconic Characters

The hosts and Brandon engage in a lighthearted comparison of Spencer Dutton to Indiana Jones, highlighting the adventurous and resourceful nature of Spencer:

Jefferson White [25:02]: "Everybody's obsessed with Indiana Jones and Harrison Ford... it's given me some Indiana Jones vibes."

Brandon embraces the comparison, noting similarities in color palettes and character traits:

Brandon Sklenar [25:57]: "I've heard a lot of the Indiana Jones vibe comparison talks... it's a hell of a comparison."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts express their admiration for Brandon's portrayal of Spencer Dutton. Jefferson White (28:37) acknowledges the honor of meeting a fan favorite:

Jefferson White [28:37]: "It's a great honor to meet you as a fan of your work, as a fan of the show."

Brandon reciprocates the appreciation, emphasizing his excitement for the show's future:

Brandon Sklenar [28:55]: "I'm happy you guys are digging it and I'm excited for y'all to see the rest of it, for sure."

The episode concludes with acknowledgments to the production team and special thanks to contributors from Paramount and 101 Studios.

Key Takeaways

• Character Depth: Spencer Dutton is portrayed as a complex character torn between vengeance and the responsibility to protect his family, mirroring broader themes within the Yellowstone universe.

• Acting Insights: Brandon Sklenar discusses the immersive and transformative experience of embodying Spencer, highlighting the seamless casting and chemistry with co-stars.

• Production Challenges: The episode sheds light on the demanding filming conditions, particularly the challenging water scenes that required physical endurance and emotional resilience.

• Thematic Exploration: The podcast delves into the show's exploration of revenge versus sustainable protection, with characters like Kara advocating for methodical approaches to conflict.

• Cultural Comparisons: Spencer Dutton’s adventurous spirit draws parallels to iconic characters like Indiana Jones, emphasizing his resourcefulness and resilience.

This episode of The Yellowstone Official Podcast offers a comprehensive and engaging look into the character of Spencer Dutton, enriched by Brandon Sklenar’s personal experiences and reflections. For fans and newcomers alike, it provides valuable insights into the intricate storytelling and character development that make Yellowstone a standout series.