Yellowstone season 5 introduces Cade McPhereson (Jake McLaughlin), but who is Kayce’s new friend? Season 5, episode 10 heats things up with the new character, who could play a massive role in Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Jamie’s war in Yellowstone. After flashing back to Rip’s time at the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas at the beginning of episode 10, season 5 moves forward into the Western’s present, showing Kayce (Luke Grimes) moving into an old house on the Dutton Ranch. However, the events in episode 10 cause Kayce to call on his past.
After Beth visits her brother, Attorney General Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley), she is convinced her brother had a hand in their father’s death. Beth knows Jamie can’t operate independently, but she narrows in Yellowstone season 5 character Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri) as Jamie’s accomplice. Beth calls Kayce, telling him Jamie couldn’t look her in the eyes, following up on their discussion from the Yellowstone season 5, part 2 premiere. Officially convinced Jamie is responsible, Beth promises to kill her adopted brother, and that’s when Cade McPhereson comes in.
Kayce Calls Cade McPhereson In Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 10
Kayce Calls An Old Navy SEAL Buddy
When Beth calls Kayce to tell her brother that Jamie killed their father, her reasoning is convincing. She recounts how Jamie didn’t deny the claim that he was responsible for John Dutton III’s Yellowstone fate, recalling how the AG couldn’t look her in the eyes and stared at the floor. After Beth tells Kayce that Sarah Atwood is involved, he immediately says he will make some phone calls. After his sister’s call, the next call Kayce makes is to Cade McPhereson who tells him to download an app so they can discuss his father’s death discreetly.
Cade points Kayce to “EMRS in Houston,” telling him the hit must have cost tens of millions.
After Kayce calls from a secure app, he tells Cade about John Dutton’s death. Kayce explains how John’s suicide was staged, asking Cade if he knows anyone who does that kind of work, referring to hit men. Cade tells Kayce that he will make some calls but tells Kayce to be careful while sniffing around. The interaction suggests that Kayce is investigating John Dutton’s death discreetly, trying to figure out who executed the hit. Cade points Kayce to “EMRS in Houston,” telling him the hit must have cost tens of millions. McPhereson is almost definitely an old Navy SEAL buddy.
Where You Know Cade Actor Jake McLaughlin From
Jake McLaughlin Is A Veteran And Actor
Jake McLaughlin is an American actor and veteran who started acting after serving in the United States Army during the Iraq War, making his role as Cade all the more natural. McLaughlin garnered attention for his role as In the Valley of Elah‘s Specialist Gordon Bonner, in a film inspired by actual events in the Iraq War. McLaughlin has been featured in several popular television shows since then, including CSI, CSI: Miami, Criminal Minds, Heroes, Cold Case, and NCIS: Los Angeles. In 2010, McLaughlin was featured in Grey’s Anatomy as Alex Karev’s brother, Aaron Karev. McLaughlin also had a robust role in Quantico seasons 1 to 3.
A regular on the series, Jake McLaughlin’s most recent TV performance was in Will Trent seasons 1 and 2. McLaughlin has starred in several films, including Last Night on Earth in 2024. McLaughlin’s inclusion in the cast is significant for his career and the series: Yellowstone‘s creator, Taylor Sheridan, crafts the series with natural and fictional elements, so bringing in McLaughlin as Kayce’s military friend brings a sense of authenticity to the role, which makes his connection to Kayce all the better. Sheridan also features authentic cowboys and musicians in his series, such as featuring spur-maker Billy Klapper
How Can Cade Fit In The Dutton War In Yellowstone Season 5
Cade Is Kayce’s Ally In Yellowstone Season 5
Now that the series has introduced Cade into the Yellowstone season 5, part 2 story, he can help Beth and Kayce win the war for the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Cade knew about the kind of high-profile work that Kayce needed a connection to, and he was ready and willing to help his friend. Now that Cade is back in the States, he can help Kayce track down his father’s killer — but he might help even more. Episode 10 confirms that Cade is Kayce’s ally and could be valuable in the mission to kill Jamie, which includes numerous risks.
Cade is connected to Kayce’s military experience and has the same deadly skills as Grimes’ character. Kayce and Cade could work together to take out Jamie discreetly, and it would be great to see Kayce in peak action again before Yellowstone season 5 wraps up. Kayce accidentally killed many people in the series’ earlier storylines, but his life has slowed somewhat in recent seasons. Holding his brother accountable is the best way for Kayce to get back in action, and Yellowstone may have just introduced the best person to help get the job done.
