Despite news of its end, Yellowstone just set up season 6. Taylor Sheridan’s popular

Neo-Western series has finally returned to Paramount Network following an extended

hiatus. Delayed by several factors, its major hold-up, however, had something to do with

its main star, Kevin Costner’s controversial exit as John Dutton III. Losing its primary lead posed major challenges in terms of how Sheridan would wrap up the project, especially with only a handful of episodes left. With that, Yellowstone season 5, part 2 kicked things off in a massive way, with the revelation that the Dutton family patriarch is now dead.

As Sheridan addresses Costner’s exit from Yellowstone via an explanation for John’s absence, it can now move on by tying up all loose ends. Beth and Jamie’s war has been brewing for most of the show. John’s death, which has been ruled out as self-inflicted, brings their conflict to new heights. Beth is sure that her adopted brother has something to do with the death of their father, while Jamie is in full-villain mode with Sarah in her ear. Amid the chaos, however, what’s overlooked is how “All You Need Is Desire” effectively paves the way for Yellowstone season 6.

John Dutton III’s Death Sets Up Rip & Beth As Yellowstone’s Next Leads
The Dutton Patriarch Is Dead

While the focus on the aftermath of John’s death has been on Beth and Jamie’s all-out war, Yellowstone season 5, episode 9 secretly lays the groundwork for its future. For context, despite the show supposedly ending, there have been reports that it will actually continue beyond its confirmed run until December. Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser are allegedly poised to take over Costner’s role as the lead of the series for Yellowstone season 6. It’s worth noting that this is not confirmed, and none of the people that said to be involved have given any indication.

Prior to this, there were also claims that a Yellowstone sequel series was in the works with Beth, Rip, and Luke Grimes’ Kayce Dutton. This made sense, considering how the show vilifies Wes Bentley’s Jamie. Seeing him finally get defeated in the main Yellowstone ending would be the best way to wrap up the show, especially in tandem with John’s death in “All You Need Is Desire.” Taking the idea that Yellowstone will actually continue into consideration, the Dutton patriarch’s death effectively sells the idea of what season 6 could look like with Beth and Rip at the forefront.

Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 9 Solidifies Beth & Rip As Its Leads
Beth Relies On Rip After John Dies

Beth and Rip spend most of “All You Need Is Desire,” as he is on a business trip to Texas. When news of John’s death comes out, his only daughter is forced to deal with it on its own. Kayce arrives on the scene, and the siblings lean on each other in the wake of the tragedy, but Yellowstone has done a poor job establishing a rapport so that Beth still, understandably, wants to be comforted by her husband. Rip understands this perfectly, so when his wife asks her to cut his trip short, he doesn’t waste time coming home.

The show already does an excellent job establishing their romance; it’s perhaps one of the best aspects of the series. That said, Yellowstone season 5, episode 9 solidifies just how strong their love is. Rip rushing home is one thing, but seeing Beth run to him after he gets home is another. Out of all the Duttons, she is the most strong-willed, with steel for a backbone. She keeps herself together in the aftermath of John’s death, but she totally collapses in the arms of Rip. Seeing this vulnerable side of her come out when he’s around is so compelling.

Why Rip & Beth Are The Perfect Dutton Heirs In Yellowstone
The Yellowstone Legacy Is Safest With Beth & Rip

Admittedly, moving forward without Costner will be tricky, especially since he has been the face of the project. However, John’s fate is now written, and the fallout from it will be tackled during the rest of Yellowstone season 5. How it does that remains uncertain, but there is no going back from there now. The Dutton patriarch is beloved, but if the show actually continues, there are no other characters who are better positioned to take over John’s place than Beth and Rip for a few reasons.

Firstly, out of everyone in the ensemble, they are the two most loyal to the family patriarch. Beth and Rip understand how important the ranch is to John, so they will protect it and preserve its legacy moving forward in Yellowstone. This means that Sheridan can continue the project without much change, considering that the couple will likely still be on the ranch as its new caretaker.

Secondly, they have the most compelling plots in the show — both as a couple and as individuals. Much has been said about their love story, and there are still many stories left to be told with regard to that. Separately, however, they occupy very different environments in the show. Rip can handle the day-to-day operations and upkeep of the ranch, while Beth tackles the business side of it. This makes it easier for them to carry the potential Yellowstone sequel, whatever form it may come in, since Sheridan already has a strong narrative foundation for it.

Will Yellowstone Season 6 With Rip & Beth Happen?
Yellowstone Can Now Continue Freely After John’s Death

Aside from the string of prequels that will continue, Sheridan is also launching a couple of Yellowstone spinoffs set in the modern day. That includes the previously-reported 6666 offshoot and the recently-announced The Madison starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Matthew Fox, and Patrick J. Adams. When the aforementioned shows will debut is still unknown at this point, which makes sense, considering that Sheridan’s focus is on finishing Yellowstone season 5 by declaring the winner between Beth and Jamie’s ongoing feud.

That said, if “All You Need Is Desire” is any indication, a Rip and Beth-led Yellowstone show is very possible. The Neo-Western series is a massive hit, and while there are offshoots that can continue its legacy if it wraps up its run, nothing can still compare to the success of the flagship show. With Costner’s time effectively finished, Sheridan can move the project forward in a different direction, as it ushers a new generation of Dutton at its forefront. Aside from Rip and Beth, Kayce, Monica, and Carter can round up the revamped ensemble.