Yellowstone, the drama series, finally ended on a sombre and serious note for the Dutton family’s survivors. Yellowstone Dutton Ranch is an authentic ranch located in Montana.
Notably, this epic Western drama series is shot in Utah and Montana. Notwithstanding that the narrative of the “Yellowstone” series unfolds in Montana, it is essential to recognize that 95% of Yellowstone National Park is actually within Wyoming state. Approximately 4% of the park is in Montana, and about 1% is in Idaho. Moreover, the Yellowstone Ranch’s name reflects its location near the northern entrances of Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone – Dutton Ranching Family Handback Their Land Now Owned By Indigenous Native Americans, Are The Circles of Life & Land Complete?
Spoiler Free Review of the Yellowstone (S5/2024) Series
The trailer
Generations of blood have led to this.
The synopsis
Yellowstone series chronicles the Dutton family in Montana, led by John Dutton (Kevin Costner*), who manages the largest contiguous ranch in the United States of America. This ranch is under constant siege from various entities, including land developers, a Native American reservation, and the first National Park in America.
The series provides a thought-provoking exploration of a violent landscape often overlooked by the media, where land acquisitions generate significant wealth for developers, and politicians find themselves influenced by the interests of major corporations. The narrative reveals both the admirable and the troubling elements of America as seen through the experiences of a family that encapsulates both.
*In this season finale series, we immensly missed the charasmatic actor Kevin Costner, who portrayed Dutton Family patriarch John Dutton.
The recap
The series pits the old world against the new world
We all realized that modernity has hit America’s old ways of life. So, the portrayal of the fast-vanishing rural world of (Cowboys & Cowgirls) ranch in America was fascinating to watch. No doubt, the old West has to give way to the new West in the rapidly changing world. In this show, the Dutton Family represented the old money. And their lavish ways of life were threatened by all sorts of people. And they also realized it. But, perhaps the ego and pride of John Dutton (Kevin Costner) became a stumbling block.
Still, despite his best efforts, he could not stop the powerful forces who sought the change. Therefore, John ended up paying a steep price for his refusal to bow before the influential people. And his mourning surviving family members had to pick up a piece of their lives. They had to compromise. But not before making sure that they defeat their enemies. Are the circles of life and land complete? Or there is more to come.
Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) & Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton) step up
As we mentioned earlier, the complete absence of the larger-than-life presence of Kevin Costner (John Dutton) in this series finale show was a gut punch. The beautiful actress Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) stepped up to take up the role of the protagonist anti-hero (or anti-heroine) in this season. We liked her fiery intensity in the show. She played the angry and grieving daughter almost perfectly. In nearly complete contrast, the handsome actor Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton) portrays the man in control with a lot of maturity. He ends up making quite a few intelligent decisions for the Dutton family.
We also liked the back stories of the rest of the ensemble cast Wes Bentley (Jamie Dutton), Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler), Gil Birmingham (Thomas Rainwater), Forrie J. Smith (Lloyd Pierce), Mo Brings Plenty (Mo – Rainwater’s Driver & Gaurd), Wendy Moniz (Lynelle Perry), etc. We were fascinated by the personal stories and dynamics of all the workers of the Yellowstone Ranch.
The rating
| FM Rating | 4.00/5 |
The conclusion
We loved this thought-provoking series. Yellowstone questions the issues of “Natives”, “Development” and more. We hope that it is not the end. Rather it marks a fresh start.
Key Details of this Contemporary Western Drama from the USA
| Genre | Drama, Western |
| Original Language | English (USA) |
| Season | Fifth (5th) Season – Part 2 | Season (5) Five Part 2 |
| Episodes | Six (6) Episodes |
| Creators & Writers | Taylor Sheridan & John Linson |
| Directors | Taylor Sheridan, Christina Alexandra Voros & Michael Friedman |
| Cast | Kevin Costner* (John Dutton), Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton), Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton), Wes Bentley (Jamie Dutton), Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler), Kelsey Asbille (Monica Dutton), Brecken Merrill (Tate Dutton), Gil Birmingham (Thomas Rainwater), Forrie J. Smith (Lloyd Pierce), Mo Brings Plenty (Mo – Rainwater’s Driver & Gaurd), Wendy Moniz (Lynelle Perry), etc. |
| Networks | Paramount & Peacock. |
* In season 5 (Part 2) of the series, we do not see the character John Dutton's (Kevin Kostner) face; even though, he remains the key character.
The Poster of this Contemporary Western Drama from the USA
Spoilers Alert – Episodes Summary & Ending Explained
Summary of the 6 Episodes of the Season 5 (Part 2) of the series
Desire Is All You Need (S5, E9)
After an event rattles the state of Montana, nothing will ever be the same.
The Apocalypse of Change (S5, E10)
Beth comes to a realization; Kayce reaches out to an old friend in search of information; Jamie meets with Market Equities.
Three Fifty-Three (S5, E11)
Beth discusses the fate of the ranch with an unlikely ally; Kayce takes the investigation into his own hands; Jamie looks to advance his political agenda.
Counting Coup (S5, E12)
Kayce makes a bold move. Rip asks for help from a friend in Texas, while the bunkhouse contemplates their future. Jamie attempts to cover his tracks.
Give the World Away (S5, E13)
Jamie begins to spiral and later seeks advice. Beth and Travis make a deal. Kayce has an idea about the future of the ranch.
Life Is a Promise (S5, E14)
As the Duttons and the Yellowstone cowboys lay John to rest, the fate of the ranch is revealed.
So, what was the fate of John Dutton’s ranch? (Ending Explained-I)
John Dutton
Following the unexpected demise of John Dutton, his family’s ranch fell into turmoil, with his children grappling to manage the inheritance tax associated with the estate. The substantial debt created a dire situation for the Duttons, compelling them to consider the sale of their cherished family home as a means of financial relief.
To protect the land, Beth and Kayce come up with a plan that may involve sacrificing their ownership. They sell the ranch to Thomas Rainwater, who promises to keep the land undeveloped, thus preserving its natural beauty and preventing it from falling into the hands of corporate interests that had been seeking to acquire it.
Thomas Rainwater
The saga of Yellowstone culminates with Thomas Rainwater emerging as the new proprietor and custodian of the area. The land, no longer functioning as a ranch, is designated as an extension of the Native American reservation, reverting to its original form, although the Dutton graves are permitted to stay.
The Indigenous Native American Indian Chieftain stated that his people will rise in 7 generations to take back their land from the Dutton family. This mind boggling (and right prediction in the hindsight) statement was made in the final episode of the 1883 series.
And what was the fate of Kayce Dutton? (Ending Explained-II)
Kayce Dutton
In the final episode of Yellowstone, Kayce negotiates with Thomas Rainwater to sell the majority of the Dutton ranch to the reservation, while successfully keeping East Camp for his family. By the episode’s end, Kayce has begun to establish a small new ranch, which he plans to run with his family – wife Monica and son Tate. He discusses his aspirations to create his brand, following in his father’s footsteps but determined to learn from his father’s mistakes.
The final showdown between Beth Dutton & Jamie Dutton? (Ending Explained-III)
Beth Dutton & Jamie Dutton
In the series’ final episode, Beth launches an assault on Jamie in his home, but she is ultimately bested in a physical struggle. However, this encounter is part of a larger scheme, as Rip intervenes just in time to save Beth from Jamie’s lethal intentions, resulting in Jamie’s fatal stabbing by Beth while he is restrained.
According to Beth’s verbal account, Jamie was the one who attacked her first, prompting her to defend herself. The police seem to find this explanation credible, especially when Beth provides evidence linking Jamie to the death of John Dutton. At the end of Yellowstone’s finale, it became crystal clear that Jamie Dutton poses an insurmountable danger that necessitates his elimination. Furthermore, Beth has pledged to take revenge on her adopted brother for the loss of their future, thereby sealing his tragic demise.
Then, what happened with Beth Dutton? (Ending Explained-IV)
Beth Dutton
In the concluding episode of Yellowstone, Beth acquires a modest piece of land, which takes Rip by surprise. Following the sale of the Yellowstone, the couple relocates to their new ranch, aspiring to begin a fresh chapter in their lives. However, if it comes to light that Beth misrepresented the circumstances surrounding Jamie’s death, her new happy relationship with Rip could be endangered.
Also, read the FM Series Review of the earlier season of the Yellowstone series.
Bonus Information
Yellowstone is named after a river that flows northward into Montana, including through Livingston, a town often highlighted in the series, and is likely adjacent to the valley of the ranch. Near Darby, Montana, Chief Joseph Ranch is portrayed as the home of the Dutton family in the series. This 150-acre property in the Bitterroot Valley stands in for the Dutton Ranch. The name "Chief Joseph" is likely derived from the leader of the Nez Perce (Native American) Indians, who valiantly resisted the Federal Government during the nineteenth century.
Featured Image of Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) in the series.
The poster, Featured and Other Images of the Yellowstone (Season 5/Part 2/2024) Series are credited to Paramount Network.