Yellowstone Series Finale Wishlist: What Fans Hope to See if It’s Truly the End

Spoiler Alert for 1883 and Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2

The conclusion of Yellowstone season 5 is imminent, and several pivotal storylines must be resolved as viewers prepare for what could be the series’ finale. Following significant production delays and reported conflicts that have led to Kevin Costner’s absence as John Dutton III, the remaining characters have stepped up to deliver an engaging narrative. However, creator Taylor Sheridan has left numerous plot points dangling, raising expectations that the final episode will conclusively address them. Fans are hopeful that the culmination of season 5 will honor the show’s best arcs.

7 Kayce Divests the Ranch to the Broken Rock Tribe

Hints of the Finale in Yellowstone Episode 13

The potential act of Kayce selling the Dutton ranch to the Confederated Tribes of Broken Rock could stand as a powerful resolution to the series. Following their conversation at the close of episode 13, there are distinct indicators that Kayce and Beth might be prepared to relinquish the ranch, particularly emphasized by the episode’s title, “Give it All Away.” During a conversation, Kayce poses a hypothetical sales scenario to Beth, which hints at a larger plan brewing beneath the surface. When Beth inquires about his intentions, Kayce remains hesitant to disclose his true thoughts.

Kayce’s intentions appear to take shape as he shares a significant moment with Beth, who seems to be on board when she kisses him after deciphering his plan. The question of who will inherit the ranch looms large. Throughout season 5, Kayce has cultivated a close bond with Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) and Mo (Moses Brings Plenty), merging traditions as he safeguards the ranch and his family, including Tate (Brecken Merrill) and Monica (Kelsey Asbille). This focus on family over legacy signifies a dramatic shift in priorities.

The storied legacy of the Duttons comes with a history of sacrifice, and Kayce’s visions from season 4 reiterate a crucial choice between the ranch and his family. Consequently, Kayce’s eventual decision to divest the ranch signifies a profound commitment to his family’s well-being. Although the Dutton legacy poses a challenge for finding a fair buyer, Kayce’s connection with the Native American community provides a meaningful solution. As hinted in the prequel series 1883, a prophetic narrative of the struggle for land claims foreshadows a potential shift of territory back to Native peoples, and Kayce’s great-great-grandfather indicated their rightful claim.

Transferring ownership of the ranch to the Broken Rock Tribe allows for continuity, aligning with the desires of both John Dutton III and the Dutton family’s historical wishes. While Beth considered leveraging portions of the ranch for profit, Kayce’s inclination presents an ideal resolution that honors their legacy. This act would fulfill Kayce’s inner conflict and align with his familial priorities, as both he and Beth have demonstrated a desire to move away from traditional expectations set by their family history.

6 Kayce, Tate, & Monica Establish a New Home

Kayce’s Family Relocates to East Camp

Flashbacks in Yellowstone reveal how Kayce’s family gradually settles into East Camp, seamlessly integrating the ranch’s lifestyle with the elements of Native heritage. In the episode “Desire Is All You Need,” viewers witness Kayce introducing the house to his family, while both Tate and Monica express excitement about their new home. Despite years of neglect, the house’s solitude captivates the family, leading them to work together on renovations as depicted through the storyline in “The Apocalypse of Change.”

As season 5, part 2 draws to a conclusion, the crucial episode titled “Life Is A Promise” airs on December 15, 2024, at 8 PM ET on Paramount Network. However, impending duties pull Kayce back toward the ranch following John Dutton III’s death, indicating a momentous shift for Monica and Tate as they leave their renovated home. Yet, if Kayce eventually gives the ranch over to the Confederated Tribes of Broken Rock, returning to East Camp could become a reality since it would now fall under the reservation. Throughout season 1, Kayce expressed a desire to live harmoniously with his Native American roots, but familial and community pressures have kept him from doing so.

5 Lloyd & the Cowboys Pivot to New Opportunities

What’s Next for Lloyd Post-Yellowstone?

As the Duttons contemplate their grim futures, the fate of Yellowstone’s cowboys remains uncertain. Key characters like Ryan (Ian Bohen), Walker (Ryan Bingham), and Teeter (Jennifer Landon) face an unpredictable path ahead after Beth decides to liquidate the ranch’s assets in episode 13. This shift officially leaves the ranch hands searching for new opportunities, prompting discussions among the cowboys about their next steps within the penultimate episode. It is anticipated that the finale will offer closure regarding their futures.

Walker has hinted at a potential venture in Yellowstone’s Texas spinoff, 6666, based at the famous Four Sixes Ranch. As speculation surrounds his next moves, fans are eager to see if his romantic interest, Laramie, will accompany him. Meanwhile, the fate of Forrie J. Smith’s character, Lloyd Bridger, hangs in the balance as Rip promised to retain him as a ranch hand, despite the operational cease of the ranch. If the finale results in the ranch’s sale, what path does Lloyd take next?

Tragedy struck for character Teeter due to Colby’s unfortunate demise, but viewers still hold out hope that she and Ryan can carve out a fresh start together away from the trauma of loss.

4 Beth, Rip, & Carter Begin a New Chapter

Introducing the Beth and Rip Spinoff

With the finale of season 5 approaching, Deadline has confirmed a new spinoff featuring Beth and Rip. While this revelation gives insight into Beth’s survival against Jamie’s current threats, it diminishes the suspense surrounding their conflict since fans will assume she survives to continue her story. Beth’s cunning nature assures her that she has always remained one step ahead of Jamie throughout the series.

Hints regarding the spinoff materialize when Beth voyages to Texas in flashbacks. These scenes showcase how well Beth and Rip could fit into the Texan lifestyle, especially if the Dutton ranch is sold, liberating them from Montana’s constraints. The season finale must provide a foundation for their shared journey while clarifying how young Carter (Finn Little) fits into their future narrative.

3 Thomas Rainwater & Mo Challenge the Pipeline

The Impact of the Pipeline Conflict

In episode 7 of season 5, Senator Lynelle Perry (Wendy Moniz) summoned Thomas Rainwater to discuss the approval of a controversial pipeline running beneath the Broken Rock reservation’s water source. This decision followed a visit from the President of the United States just days earlier, affirming Rainwater’s suspicions regarding governmental intentions. As the season progresses, Rainwater remains steadfast in his commitment to battling the pipeline’s construction, insisting that “the pipeline is the hill they die on.”

The looming threat of pollution and contamination caused by the pipeline is a critical concern for the Indigenous community, as Rainwater cautioned Angela Blue Thunder (Q’orianka Kilcher) against putting too much faith in the government. In the series, he famously noted, “Obama visited Standing Rock two years before he tried to run a pipeline through it.”

As the narrative evolves throughout season 5, the finale is anticipated to culminate in a resolution regarding the pipeline conflict. Viewers are hoping for a decisive victory for Rainwater and Mo to prevent the potentially catastrophic pollution of their water supply. Rainwater’s warnings indicate imminent danger, prompting concerns for those involved.

2 John Dutton III’s Final Farewell

A Much-Awaited Tribute

Anticipation builds around John Dutton’s funeral, expected to unfold in the season 5 finale. This ceremony holds profound significance, allowing the remaining characters to honor a figure pivotal to the series. Throughout its run, Yellowstone has seen numerous deaths; however, John Dutton III’s passing represents a defining moment as the narrative has often revolved around his character.

In previous episodes, Beth expressed her desire to bring their father’s remains back for a private ceremony at Yellowstone Ranch, highlighting the importance of family in their mourning process. The suggestion hints that Dutton’s funeral will serve as a family gathering, potentially including the loyal ranch hands who are as close as family.

A fitting tribute to John would serve as an emotional close to the series; his death mirrors the series’ beginnings, rooted in the themes of loss that have characterized the narrative since the passing of Lee Dutton in season 1. Therefore, John’s funeral could symbolize both an ending and a new beginning.

1 Beth’s Climactic Confrontation with Jamie

An Impending Showdown Looms

The electric tension between Beth and Jamie reaches its climax in season 5, part 2, framing one of the most significant narratives. After the heartbreaking loss of their father, Beth views Jamie (Wes Bentley) as a potential threat, especially given evidence of his collusion with Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri). Although Jamie bears some accountability, Beth is certain of his culpability based on his inability to maintain eye contact during critical moments.

Determined to seek vengeance for their father’s death, Beth’s resolve leads her to plan Jamie’s demise. This escalation lays the groundwork for an explosive sibling rivalry, traitorous deeds woven into the series’ fabric as violent confrontations have shaped its storylines. The question remains whether Beth’s threats will culminate in action during the series finale, as Taylor Sheridan could leverage dramatic tension to deliver high-stakes resolution.

While the part two of season 5 has not elaborated extensively on this conflict, the trailers suggest substantive drama, hinting at potential consequences for Jamie, who could face a grim fate. As Beth learns about Jamie’s child, her threats deepen, projecting an even more chilling narrative of revenge that looms over Jamie and his family. Intriguingly, narratives regarding Jamie’s son in conjunction with political aspirations foreshadow a turbulent path ahead, creating uncertainty around the lives of both characters.

In conclusion, as the series hurtles toward its climax, audiences are left questioning the fates of their beloved characters. Will Beth follow through on her threats? Will Jamie evade his tragic destiny? The stakes have never felt higher, and fans are eagerly awaiting the finale.

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