Rooster Bennett’s abrupt departure from The Ranch was jarring for many fans, leaving a significant void in the show’s dynamic. His final appearance occurred in Season 3, Episode 5, titled “If I Could Just See You Tonight,” marking a controversial and definitive end to Danny Masterson’s character arc.
The Unceremonious Exit of Rooster Bennett
The episode itself doesn’t explicitly show Rooster’s death. Instead, the narrative strongly suggests he and Mary (Megyn Price) were killed in a motorcycle accident, orchestrated by Nick (Josh Burrow), a deranged acquaintance of Mary’s from her past. While never visually confirmed, the characters’ absence and subsequent dialogue confirm their fates. The episode focuses heavily on Colt (Ashton Kutcher) dealing with the shock and grief of losing his brother and Mary, leading to a significant tonal shift for the remainder of the series. The ambiguity surrounding the exact details of the accident was a deliberate choice by the showrunners, adding a layer of emotional complexity and uncertainty.
Why Was Rooster Written Off the Show?
The primary reason for Rooster’s removal from The Ranch was the serious allegations of sexual assault made against Danny Masterson. Netflix made the decision to fire Masterson in December 2017, after multiple women came forward with accusations. This decision was made in light of the growing #MeToo movement and a desire to maintain a positive and ethical image. While the show writers initially tried to create a storyline that would allow Rooster to leave town temporarily, the severity of the accusations ultimately led to a permanent and rather dramatic exit for the character. The producers had to scramble to rework the plotline, resulting in the somewhat unsatisfying conclusion surrounding Rooster’s fate.
The Impact on The Ranch
Rooster’s absence significantly altered the dynamic of The Ranch. He was a central character, providing comic relief, brotherly rivalry, and a crucial link to the Bennett family’s past. His departure left a hole that was never fully filled. The show attempted to introduce new characters and storylines to compensate, but the chemistry and familial bond that existed between Rooster, Colt, and Beau (Sam Elliott) were irreplaceable. The show arguably lost some of its charm and authenticity as a result. The shift in tone, with a greater emphasis on drama and the darker side of life, also polarized viewers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rooster’s Exit
Here are some frequently asked questions addressing the details and consequences of Rooster Bennett’s departure from The Ranch:
H3 1. Was Rooster’s death shown on screen?
No, Rooster’s death was not visually depicted in The Ranch. The narrative strongly implies his death in a motorcycle accident through dialogue, reactions of other characters, and the absence of Rooster in subsequent episodes. The writers chose to leave the exact details ambiguous.
H3 2. What episode does Rooster leave The Ranch?
Rooster’s last appearance is in Season 3, Episode 5, “If I Could Just See You Tonight.” This is the episode where the implication of his death is revealed.
H3 3. Why was Danny Masterson fired from The Ranch?
Danny Masterson was fired due to multiple allegations of sexual assault made against him. Netflix decided to terminate his contract in light of these serious accusations and the #MeToo movement.
H3 4. Did the showrunners know about the allegations before?
It’s unclear exactly when Netflix and the showrunners became aware of the full extent of the allegations. However, they took action shortly after the allegations gained significant public attention and after further investigation.
H3 5. Did Sam Elliott (Beau) comment on Danny Masterson’s firing?
Sam Elliott publicly acknowledged the situation and expressed his disappointment about Masterson’s departure. He emphasized the importance of addressing the allegations seriously, while also acknowledging the impact on the show.
H3 6. How did Rooster’s departure affect Colt’s character development?
Rooster’s death served as a major turning point for Colt’s character. He went through a period of grief, anger, and self-reflection. This event forced Colt to mature and take on more responsibility, ultimately shaping him into a more complex and nuanced character.
H3 7. Did The Ranch ratings decline after Rooster left?
While it’s difficult to definitively attribute rating changes solely to Rooster’s departure, viewership did experience some fluctuations. Some fans felt the show lost its appeal without his presence, while others remained loyal. Netflix does not release comprehensive viewership data, making it hard to get exact figures.
H3 8. Was there any discussion about bringing Rooster back in the final season?
No, given the circumstances surrounding his departure, there was never any consideration of bringing Danny Masterson back to The Ranch for the final season. His character’s storyline was permanently concluded.
H3 9. How did fans react to Rooster’s exit?
Fan reactions were mixed. Some were upset by the abrupt and seemingly disrespectful manner in which Rooster’s character was written off. Others understood the reasoning behind the decision, given the serious nature of the allegations against Masterson. Many expressed sadness at the loss of a beloved character and the impact on the show’s dynamics.
H3 10. Did the writers consider recasting the role of Rooster?
No, the writers ultimately decided against recasting the role of Rooster. They felt that replacing Masterson would not be authentic to the character and would not be well-received by audiences.
H3 11. What happened to Danny Masterson after The Ranch?
Following his firing from The Ranch, Danny Masterson faced legal proceedings related to the sexual assault allegations. He was ultimately convicted on two counts of rape and sentenced to prison.
H3 12. What other shows featured Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson together?
Before The Ranch, Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson starred together in the popular sitcom That ’70s Show. Their on-screen chemistry was a significant factor in the success of both shows, making Masterson’s departure from The Ranch even more impactful. The dynamic that audiences knew and loved abruptly ended, leaving a void in the series.