We’ve always been told that life’s a journey, not a destination. But what if the destination is the only thing that really matters? The journey of Yellowstone has been a wild, breathtaking ride through the rugged terrain of betrayal, power struggles, and family loyalty. But when John Dutton, the patriarch whose steely presence anchored the show, seemed to be claimed by fate in the season 5B premiere, it raised more than just dust.
Spoiler Alert !!!
Heads Up: Major Spoilers for Yellowstone Season 5B, Episode Nine!
The season 5B premiere of Yellowstone, after a nearly two-year hiatus, was nothing short of a bombshell. In the first few minutes, viewers were hit with a gut punch: John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, seemed to have taken his own life. But in classic Yellowstone fashion, the truth was far more intricate. John’s death wasn’t a s*icide at all. Instead, it was orchestrated by a hitman hired by the girlfriend of John’s estranged son, Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley), a plot twist that left fans gasping.
The remaining episodes will undoubtedly be packed with high-octane drama as the Duttons aim to settle old scores, with Beth—widely known for her “wildcat” temperament—leading the charge.
Beth Dutton’s Vengeance: A Glimpse Into Yellowstone’s Shocking End?
Now, with John’s fate sealed, the Dutton children, including Kayce (Luke Grimes) and Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly), are left to pick up the pieces. Fans who have followed Beth’s tumultuous journey will know that there is no stopping her when her family is threatened, and as Yellowstone prepares for its next chapter, Beth’s thirst for justice promises to be the driving force.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Reilly sat down with her on-screen husband Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) to discuss the aftermath of John’s death and what lies ahead for their characters. When asked about her character’s motivations after John’s death, Reilly didn’t hold back:
Yeah, she’s a wildcat. She’s in a very raw emotional phase, and there’s nothing like vengeance that fuels Beth. It’s gonna come to a crescendo, and it’s going to come to a place that is actually incredibly cathartic and beautiful.
But while Beth is hell-bent on settling scores, there’s more to her arc than just revenge. And then, of course, there’s Jamie Dutton. For years, fans have been left wondering about the fate of John’s estranged son, played by Wes Bentley. From the very beginning, Jamie has struggled to earn his father’s approval, while also wrestling with his own sense of identity.
For some, Jamie’s journey has been a tragic one, filled with missed opportunities and unrequited love. But for others, his character arc has been more about frustration. In a show where family loyalty is everything, Jamie’s wavering allegiances have often been a point of contention. And it seems that, as the story builds toward its conclusion, the tension between Beth and Jamie will finally come to a head. Reilly has hinted that Beth may well be the one to bring Jamie’s story to a final close.
With Beth ready to settle old scores, it’s not hard to imagine the fate that awaits Jamie. Taylor Sheridan’s writing has left little room for redemption for the character, and Reilly’s comments suggest that this will be the final reckoning.
Yellowstone Season 5B Takes Aim at the Dutton Legacy
As Yellowstone season 5B premiere made abundantly clear, John Dutton’s death sets off a firestorm of consequences for everyone who’s been tied to the Dutton legacy. Fans have been left in shock, trying to process the loss of the man who’s been at the center of it all. But what does that mean for the Dutton children, particularly Beth, who has always been at her father’s side, ready to tear down anyone who threatens their land?
In the same chat with THR, Kelly Reilly and Rip (Cole Hauser), spoke candidly about what lies ahead for their characters in the wake of John’s death. For the actress, John might be gone, but his presence looms larger than ever. As Reilly put it:
He’s not there physically, but he is still the most central character in all of these other characters’ worlds and minds and hearts.
Despite John’s absence, Beth’s resolve is unwavering. She may no longer have her father to rely on for guidance, but she has his legacy—and a family to protect. “It doesn’t change the battle to save the ranch,” Reilly continued.
In fact, it expedites it. It becomes something that needs to happen; the urgency needs to happen now. And it’s slipping through their hands. How are they going to save it?
As for whether there’s more to come from the Dutton family, both Reilly and Hauser have hinted that the door is still open. “We trust [Taylor Sheridan]”, Reilly said, speaking about the mastermind behind Yellowstone.
As the fate of the ranch—and the family—hangs in the balance, it’s clear that whatever happens next will be driven by Sheridan’s vision.
The second part of Yellowstone Season 5 is available on Peacock Premium.
