Yellowstone’s latest episode is called “The Apocalypse of Change.” If you ask me, this week’s title is a little redundant. What kind of an apocalypse comes without change? Even a nice apocalypse that rains spaghetti and meatballs is still a whole hell of a lot different than yesterday’s weather. Unfortunately, I’d still say that an apocalypse of change is exactly what happened for Yellowstone fans last week.
A nearly two-year-long feud between creator Taylor Sheridan and lead actor Kevin Costner resulted in Costner’s surprising departure. Sheridan killed off his character, Dutton family patriarch John Dutton, in the first five minutes of Yellowstone’s midseason return. Longtime fans were in disbelief. (Truly.) Instead of receiving a heroic death in battle with his enemies, John Dutton is assassinated in his bathroom (off-screen!) by nameless hitmen. I couldn’t think of a more disrespectful death. Okay, I can. They could have killed him on the toilet.
For everyone who stuck around for another episode, there’s no use complaining anymore. This is the Yellowstone we have now. All of John’s kids are alive—and yes, I’m invested in their future. Paramount is certainly hoping that we still feel that way. There are multiple spin-offs and even a potential sixth season on the table should someone succeed Costner and lead the Dutton ranch into the future.
My money’s on Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser). I wouldn’t take the bet to Vegas, but he’s the most heroic character left in the series. Even a strong character like Beth (Kelly Reilly) collapsed into his arms last episode. In this week’s episode, the show opens before John’s death. In Texas, Rip saves Teeter (Jennifer Landon) from a den of rattlesnakes. “This is suffer and survive,” he says. Rip’s the last cowboy left.
Give Rip the ranch!
Just Call Him Rip Dutton Already
Beth drives to visit her husband at the 6666 Ranch. She reminds him that this is the first time that they’re together somewhere outside of Montana. Rip responds that it’s the first time he’s ever left Montana at all. “Imagine all the things we could do if we weren’t shackled to that ranch,” she says. The line veers into meta territory on the actors’ part: Hell, if we didn’t have to return for season 5, we could have moved on from Yellowstone and starred in movies! “I chose to be shackled to that ranch,” Rip responds. “I ain’t interested in traveling.” If there’s keys to pass on, I reckon they already have Rip Wheeler’s name carved in them.
Back in the present, Lloyd (Forrie J. Smith) laments John’s passing. “I guess Kayce’s running everything now?” he asks Rip. “I don’t know what’s gonna happen,” Rip quickly retorts. Both cowboys spent their whole lives on the Dutton Ranch. Rip also tells Carter (Finn Little) that he “always has a place here” to call home. It’s like he’s assembling his own cast.
Kayce’s investigation kicks off with some phone app management.
Doesn’t the Ranch Go to Tate?
Kayce (Luke Grimes) returns home and hugs his family. He tells Tate (Brecken Merrill) that he’s John Dutton’s legacy, “If that’s something that you feel compelled to continue.” Tate says he always wanted to work the ranch, but he’s not sure about running one. “Running it’s what got him killed,” Tate says. Then Kayce offers his son—and the audience—some advice about moving forward: “You can remember the way you lived, or you can remember the way you died. Your heart can’t focus on both.”
Jamie seems past redemption.
Beth vs. Jamie
Beth visits Jamie (Wes Bentley) at his office. She slaps him repeatedly as he stares at the floor. “Why can’t you look at me, Jamie?” she asks. “We both know why.” She promises that the next time they see each other is the last time. “I will be the last thing on this planet your rotten fucking eyes will ever see, and I will be smiling.” Beth says. Then she attacks Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri) outside and leaves. She calls Kayce and informs him that Jamie wouldn’t even look at her. “You know who could look me in the eye?” she continues. “That fucking viper who lays in his bed every night.”
I was interested in the scene Yellowstone teased last week where Kayce would interrogate his brother, but the show cut right to the chase this week and sent Beth instead. So Kayce calls some new character who is dressed all in black. “You got a problem?” the man answers. “I’m going to text you an app to download. Transfer your contacts and call me from it.” Exciting cell-phone home-screen management on this week’s Yellowstone. When Monica asks Kayce is he’s okay, he responds, “Yeah, I just have to download something for work.” He sends Kayce some leads out of Houston.
There’s no real point in hitting these hired killers, however. They just did what they were paid for. Jamie and Sarah are to blame, especially since Jamie plans to amend John’s will. He’s in bed with Market Equities, literally. He also plans to run for governor in the special election. Jamie might feel guilty, but he’s reaping the rewards. “Kings don’t wallow,” Sarah tells him. “King’s feast on the bounty of their conquests. So feast.” He’s just a horny, adopted, sad little man.
Summer’s back.
Oh Yeah, Summer’s Here, Too
Remember Summer (Piper Perabo)? She’s the activist that John Dutton trapped in his home on house arrest and then slept with all of seasons 4 and 5. Now, it’s time for her to leave, too. Beth tells her to fuck off, basically, and that’s that. Rip’s a little nicer. He drives her to the airport.
“150 years ago, John Deere made wagons,” he tells her. “They were smart enough to know that when the engine was invented, horses were done pulling people around. So they started making tractors. Still do. They rolled with the changes. I guess we’re just gonna have to do the same, too.” Roll with the changes, Yellowstone fans...the apocalypse of changes.
