Rooster Bennett, played by Danny Masterson, does not die in “The Ranch.” His character’s departure from the show was due to off-screen allegations against Masterson, leading to his termination. Rooster was written out of the series in the fifth part (Season 3, episodes 6-10), specifically with his last appearance in Part 5, Episode 10, titled “Fresh Out of Broke.”
The Circumstances Surrounding Rooster’s Exit
The firing of Danny Masterson from “The Ranch” stemmed from multiple sexual assault allegations against him, allegations he vehemently denies. Netflix, under immense public pressure and in line with their policy of zero tolerance for such behavior, made the decision to remove him from the show. This left the writers with the task of crafting an explanation for Rooster’s absence that would feel somewhat believable to the audience.
Initially, Rooster and Jameson “Goonie” Bennett (Ashton Kutcher) were said to have left town for good after Mary (Megyn Price) threatened to tell police about their involvement in a stolen motorcycle ring. This was portrayed as a dangerous situation, implying they were fleeing potential legal consequences.
However, the writers intentionally left Rooster’s fate ambiguous. They never explicitly stated he was dead. This ambiguity allowed for the possibility of Masterson’s return should he ever be exonerated (a prospect that now seems unlikely given the current legal landscape). Many fans felt this ambiguity was unsettling and left a void in the dynamic of the Bennett family. The show continued for two more parts (a full season) without any further mention of Rooster’s situation, solidifying his character’s removal from the narrative.
Impact on “The Ranch” and the Bennett Family
Rooster’s absence significantly altered the dynamic of the Bennett family and the overall tone of the show. His departure created a void in the comedic relief that he often provided, as well as impacting the sibling relationship between him, Colt, and Beau. While Dax Shepard was brought in as Luke Matthews to attempt to fill the gap, the original cast’s chemistry and history were impossible to replicate.
The family’s reactions, or lack thereof, to Rooster’s departure were a point of contention for many viewers. The almost casual acceptance of his sudden disappearance felt jarring, particularly given the close-knit nature of the Bennett family. The storyline often felt forced and lacked the emotional depth that could have been explored.
FAQs: Deeper Dive into Rooster’s Departure
Q1: Why was Danny Masterson fired from “The Ranch”?
Danny Masterson was fired from “The Ranch” due to multiple sexual assault allegations made against him. Netflix made the decision to terminate his employment in response to these allegations, reflecting their stance against such behavior.
Q2: In what episode does Rooster make his last appearance?
Rooster’s last appearance is in Part 5, Episode 10, titled “Fresh Out of Broke.” He is written out of the show following this episode.
Q3: Was Rooster killed off in “The Ranch”?
No, Rooster was not explicitly killed off. The writers chose to leave his fate ambiguous, implying he fled town to avoid legal trouble. This ambiguity was likely a deliberate choice to allow for the possibility of his return under different circumstances.
Q4: Did the show ever address Rooster’s disappearance directly?
The show briefly addressed Rooster’s departure by stating he left town to avoid potential legal consequences related to a stolen motorcycle ring. However, the show never fully explored the emotional impact of his absence on the rest of the family.
Q5: Who replaced Danny Masterson on “The Ranch”?
Dax Shepard joined the cast as Luke Matthews after Masterson’s departure. While Shepard’s character was intended to fill the void left by Rooster, he ultimately failed to replicate the original cast’s dynamic.
Q6: How did Rooster’s exit affect the ratings of “The Ranch”?
It’s difficult to definitively say how much Rooster’s exit impacted the ratings of “The Ranch.” While the show continued for two more parts, some fans reported losing interest due to the absence of the character and the controversial circumstances surrounding his departure. Netflix does not publicly release viewership data, making it challenging to assess the exact impact.
Q7: Is there any chance Danny Masterson will return to “The Ranch”?
Given the circumstances surrounding his departure and the current legal landscape following his conviction, it is extremely unlikely that Danny Masterson will ever return to “The Ranch.”
Q8: What was the fan reaction to Rooster’s exit from the show?
The fan reaction to Rooster’s exit was mixed. Some viewers understood the need to remove Masterson due to the allegations, while others were disappointed by the way the writers handled his departure and felt it left a significant void in the show.
Q9: Did the writers have advance notice of Masterson’s departure?
It’s likely the writers had some notice of Masterson’s potential departure, allowing them to create a storyline that would explain his absence. However, the ambiguous nature of the explanation suggests they were also hedging their bets in case circumstances changed.
Q10: How did the other actors on “The Ranch” react to Masterson’s firing?
Publicly, the other actors on “The Ranch” remained relatively quiet about Masterson’s firing, likely due to contractual obligations and the sensitive nature of the situation. Ashton Kutcher did release a statement acknowledging the allegations and emphasizing the importance of due process.
Q11: What impact did Rooster’s absence have on the humor of the show?
Rooster’s absence undoubtedly impacted the humor of “The Ranch.” He often provided comedic relief and served as a foil to Colt’s more serious personality. Without him, the show lost some of its lightheartedness and comedic spark.
Q12: What happened to Jameson “Goonie” Bennett after Rooster left?
Goonie’s character was also written out of “The Ranch” alongside Rooster, as they were both supposedly fleeing legal consequences. His departure was less noticeable, however, as he played a supporting role and was not as integral to the main storyline as Rooster. His exit further contributed to the feeling of incomplete storylines and an overall sense of dissatisfaction among some viewers.