This text comprises spoilers for “The Madison” episode 1.
Robert Redford died at age 89 in September 2025, however his presence is felt within the first episode of Taylor Sheridan’s “The Madison.” The collection premiere ends with a heartfelt dedication to the late actor, and considered one of Redford’s greatest motion pictures as a director informs its storytelling.
“The Madison” episode 1 tells the story of two brothers, Preston (Kurt Russell) and Paul Clyburn (Matthew Fox), who go fishing in Montana each time they reunite. The storyline echoes the Redford-directed traditional “A River Runs Via It,” which additionally follows siblings who take pleasure in fishing in Montana.
“The Madison” episode 1 additionally features a scene the place the Clyburn household will get collectively to actually watch “A River Runs Via It,” because it’s Preston’s favourite film. It is clear that the drama was an enormous affect on Sheridan’s storytelling right here, which is way faraway from the violent pressure related together with his “Yellowstone” franchise.
It is particularly becoming that “The Madison” offers a shoutout to Redford, as Sheridan nearly labored with him prior to now. Sadly, their plans did not come to fruition in the long run.
Taylor Sheridan’s historical past with Robert Redford predates The Madison
Taylor Sheridan obtained Robert Redford to star on “Yellowstone,” solely to seemingly have the rug pulled out from underneath him. Sheridan he claims he tapped the “All of the President’s Males” star’s companies after Paramount executives requested a “Robert Redford sort” to play John Dutton within the neo-Western collection. (That function ultimately went to Kevin Costner.) Nevertheless, they wished an actor comparable to Redford — not the precise actual factor — so Sheridan’s efforts proved to be a waste of time.
The excellent news, although, is that “Yellowstone” labored out fairly effectively with Costner enjoying the pinnacle of the Dutton household. That’s, till Costner parted methods with the collection throughout season 5. Nonetheless, Redford’s knack for taking part in cowboys, alongside together with his historical past of helming tasks set in Montana, makes him seem to be a pure match for a neo-Western like “Yellowstone.” It is a disgrace he by no means obtained the possibility to be a part of this universe in any capability.
Be that as it could, many Redford followers shall be touched by Sheridan’s tribute on “The Madison,” as the primary episode is actually a religious companion piece to the late filmmaker’s aforementioned drama set in Montana. Like “A River Runs Via It,” “The Madison” can also be sentimental and somber, showcasing a refreshingly intimate facet to Sheridan’s storytelling.
