Not only is Taylor Sheridan the co-creator and showrunner of Yellowstone, but he also plays Travis Wheatley, who returns
in season 5, part 2. The Paramount Network’s neo-Western drama TV series revolves around the Dutton family and their
struggle to maintain their land (the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch) and power in the state of Montana. However, their power
is slipping through their fingers in season 5 in the wake of John Dutton III’s death and the potential loss of their ranch, which has been in the family for several generations.
In Yellowstone season 5, episode 12, “Counting Coup,” Rip Wheeler decides that he would rather the ranch lose its livestock (horses, cattle, etc.) than its land. So, he and the other ranch hands get to work. During this new endeavor, Rip calls on a friend to help him and the rest of the Dutton family out in these trying times. As a result, Sheridan steps in front of the camera for the tenth time and reprises his role as Travis in Yellowstone season 5, episode 12.
Taylor Sheridan Returns As Travis Wheatley In Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12
Travis Last Appeared In Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 9
Taylor Sheridan’s Travis briefly appeared in the Yellowstone season 5, part 2 premiere, “Desire Is All You Need,” when Rip and other ranch hands travel to the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas to keep some of their horses during a Brucellosis outbreak. This all takes place five weeks before John’s assassination, though, meaning Travis doesn’t learn about Kevin Costner’s character’s death until his return in episode 12. Rip calls Travis in “Counting Coup” to inform him of John’s fate and asks him to help sell the Yellowstone horses being kept down in Texas. The Duttons are desperate for cash.
Travis agrees to help Rip, but he wants to do it the right way. Sheridan’s character doesn’t want to rush the sale because he wants the Duttons to get top dollar for their show horses. Travis is a massive help to the Yellowstone season 5, part 2 characters in that way, but also because he takes on the burden of telling Jimmy Hurdstrom that John has died. Rip tells Travis he “doesn’t have the heart” to break the news to Jimmy. Travis agrees to do it for him, and Jimmy is understandably shaken after learning about John’s death.
Travis Is One Of The Few Solid Allies Of The Duttons Amid Yellowstone Season 5’s Turmoil
The Duttons Might Lose The Yellowstone
As mentioned above, the Duttons are at risk of losing everything they have worked so hard for in Yellowstone season 5, part 2. So, they are going to need as many people on their side as they can get. Based on Yellowstone season 5, episode 12, and his previous appearances, Travis is undoubtedly someone that the Duttons can trust in the neo-Western drama series.
Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone role has been there for the other characters, whether it’s Rip or Jimmy, whenever they need help. Travis, a cowboy and horse trainer, is someone that the Duttons can rely on. As a result, it makes sense why Rip turns to Travis in the Yellowstone’s time of need (and because the ranch has some show horses in Texas, of course). Travis is one of the Duttons’ only reliable allies in Yellowstone season 5, part 2, which is why his character is so valuable within the context of the show.
How Travis Can Fit Into Yellowstone’s Reported Season 6 & Beyond
Yellowstone May Return For A Sixth Season
Months before season 5, part 2 premiered on the Paramount Network, reports claimed that Yellowstone season 6 might be in the works. Neither the network nor Taylor Sheridan confirmed these rumors. However, if they’re true, several characters (the ones who don’t die in season 5, part 2) could return in season 6, including Travis. Since Sheridan is so involved behind the scenes, Travis could never become a full-time character in the original series or a spinoff (like the on-hold 6666 show). However, Sheridan’s Yellowstone character could continue making guest appearances here and there to support the main characters.
