Marshals, the new spinoff from Yellowstone, made its debut on Sunday, March 1. A controversy about one character's fate nearly eclipsed the first episode. Fans have been fretting about Monica Dutton, the wife of Kayce Dutton, the show's main figure. She was not announced as a member of the Marshals cast. That caused some to think she was not going to be on the drama. As it happens, Asbille was killed off. That shattering loss was the impetus for Kayce to redirect his and their son's lives.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Per TV Insider, Monica Dutton died of cancer, leaving Kayce without his beloved partner and also Tate minus his mom. Where do they go from here?
Luke Grimes Was Pained by the Decision To Eliminate Monica
The actor was not thrilled about his on-screen spouse's demise. Luke Grimes clearly thinks the world of Kelsey Asbille, personally and also professionally. He also shared with the outlet, "I was heartbroken for myself and for [Kelsey]. It felt like, 'I don't even know what that would look like doing it without her, what that would feel like.' Kelsey's become one of my best friends. She's the coolest actor I've ever worked with. She's down to earth, sweet, and kind to every other actor and the crew."
He Called Asbille About Her Being Cut From the Cast
Grimes, like a true gentleman, phoned his co-star. He spoke with her about the unfortunate news that she would not be on Marshals. Grimes also feels very sure that she will land on her feet.
"I worked up the courage to call...I had to see how she was doing. We had a great conversation. In true Kelsey fashion, she handled it like a pro and totally understood. She's going to do just fine. She is so talented, gorgeous, and awesome. She's going to work. That's not an issue."
Why the Choice Was Made Not To Have Monica on 'Marshals'
It seems like the theory of those who put Marshals together was that a happy Kayce is a boring Kayce. Series creator Spencer Hudnut also clarified that. Per the outlet, he shared, "Kayce and Monica had such a beautiful ending [in] Yellowstone so when I first met with Luke, he was like, 'Kayce's really happy. Are we going to make a show about a guy who's really happy?' We had to shake up his life, to get him off the ranch and into a new position."
Realism was rigorously prioritized. Hudnut also added, "We're shining a light on an issue. She passes because of cancer. Reservations have a high rate of cancer because of all the toxins that have been dumped on them. We wanted to make her death about a bigger issue. We wanted to be very respectful of that character."
So, Monica's passing makes Kayce a newly-single parent, which is unfamiliar territory for him. It also deepens his connection to his blood brother, Thomas Rainwater. So we will see how the trajectory of Kayce's life evolves, post-Monica. Whatever the future holds for him, Luke Grimes will do it justice.
