he countdown to the finale of Yellowstone Season 5 is on, and fans are bracing for what could be one of the most dramatic conclusions in the show’s history. Yet, Episode 13 left many viewers scratching their heads, questioning whether the series they once adored has lost its way. Was that truly the Yellowstone we fell in love with? Or has Taylor Sheridan taken us on a wild ride that’s spiraled out of control?
The Cringeworthy Chaos of Episode 13
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Episode 13 felt like a fever dream. Travis, once a mysterious and skilled horseman, suddenly became the center of attention. Why? We spent 20 minutes watching him navigate a bizarre midlife crisis, complete with strip poker games and questionable romantic entanglements. Taylor Sheridan writing himself into this role with a storyline involving Bella Hadid as his girlfriend? It’s a choice that left many fans cringing.
And then there’s Beth. Our fierce, no-nonsense Beth reduced to playing strip poker with Travis? Insulting doesn’t begin to cover it. With John Dutton’s body barely cold, the ranch hanging by a thread, and revenge still unclaimed, this detour into absurdity felt like a slap in the face to the characters and their legacy.
The Finale’s Key Players: Beth vs. Jamie
The finale promises to shift back into high-stakes territory, and Jamie is front and center. Reduced to a shell of his former cunning self, Jamie’s reliance on Christina to save him is both pitiful and dangerous. Christina’s attempts to protect their son could place her and the child in Beth’s crosshairs. And if we know anything about Beth, it’s that she keeps her promises.
Season 4’s ominous vow to take Jamie’s son away looms large, and the finale could see Beth using the child as leverage in her war against him. Don’t be surprised if this paves the way for Beth and Rip to emerge as unlikely parents in a potential spin-off.
The Ranch Returns to Its Roots
One of the most anticipated moments of the finale is the return of the Yellowstone Ranch to its rightful owners—the Native American reservation. This poetic full-circle moment ties back to the prophecy in 1883 and serves as a bittersweet resolution. Yet, the emotional toll on Beth and Casey, as they say goodbye to their family’s legacy, will be profound.
John Dutton’s Farewell
The funeral of John Dutton will undoubtedly be a focal point, filled with heartbreak and tension. Christina’s insistence that Jamie attend could ignite a powder keg of accusations, exposing him as the mastermind behind his father’s death.
Rip’s Reckoning and Travis’s Shadow
Rip has been noticeably sidelined this season, but fans are eager to see him reclaim his place in the finale. While he’s expected to deliver justice to Jamie, his limited screen time has left many viewers yearning for more. Meanwhile, Sheridan’s obsession with Travis continues to baffle, overshadowing more pivotal characters and storylines.
Final Thoughts
The finale promises farewells, revenge, and revelations. Whether it redeems the missteps of Episode 13 or cements them as part of Yellowstone’s controversial legacy, one thing is certain: fans will be talking about this episode for years to come.
What do you think? Will the finale deliver the closure fans deserve, or will it leave us longing for the Yellowstone we once knew? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below!