Summary
The President visits Montana, and Angela Blue Thunder orchestrates a plan to endorse Thomas Rainwater's political opponent, putting Rainwater's position at stake.
Jamie Dutton is engaged in a romantic relationship with Sarah Atwood, who aims to exploit him in order to oust his father from his position and further the progress of the Market Equities airport project.
During their preparations for the branding party, Monica and Summer develop a close connection as they come across tombstones that unveil the rich ancestral heritage of the Dutton family.
In "Cigarettes, Whiskey, a Meadow and You," the latest thrilling episode of Taylor Sheridan's neo-Western drama series Yellowstone, unexpected twists unfold, from a surprise visit by the President to a secret affair driven by hidden motives. As the final episodes of Season 5, part 2 approach, viewers are left wondering how the show will progress without its iconic lead, John Dutton, portrayed by Kevin Costner, whose departure has been widely publicized. Against the backdrop of the Dutton family's control over the eponymous ranch, tensions escalate with the Broken Rock Indian Reservation and Yellowstone National Park. The season kicks off with John reluctantly assuming the role of Montana Governor, a position that thrusts his family into a web of political power. Yet, even with this newfound influence, the main characters face an array of conflicts and challenges. These include Monica's near-death experience in a car accident, the relentless pursuit of vengeance by Market Equities, a corporate giant at odds with John for blocking their airport construction plans, and the mournful passing of Emmett Walsh, a trusted ally of the Duttons who meets a peaceful end during a ride with John. The events that unfold in "Cigarettes, Whiskey, a Meadow and You" only intensify the ongoing conflicts, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying continuation of the series.
The President Comes To Montana And Thomas Rainwater's Job Is At Stake
The episode commences with a fleet of armed helicopters soaring above the Broken Rock Indian Reservation, targeting stray dogs that roam the community. Deeply concerned by these events, Mo (Mo Brings Plenty) immediately notifies Chief Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham). As Rainwater arrives at the scene, he uncovers a startling revelation – it was Angela Blue Thunder (Q'orianka Kilcher), the President of the United States' director of Native American affairs, who orchestrated this twisted display. Angela discloses to Rainwater that her intention behind these actions is to manipulate the President into endorsing Rainwater's political adversary – a young Indigenous American who had once staged a protest outside Rainwater's casino, placing Rainwater's position in grave jeopardy.
Jamie Dutton Is Used As A Pawn By Sarah Atwood
In the meantime, Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri), a representative from Market Equities, maintains her illicit affair with Attorney General Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley). Upon questioning her true intentions for pursuing a physical relationship with him, Sarah initially denies any hidden agenda. However, she eventually confesses that she aims to oust Jamie's father from the Governor's office, paving the way for Jamie to take his place. With Jamie's position, Sarah plans to exploit his influence to advance the development of the Market Equities airport project. Initially hesitant, Jamie's willingness to collaborate with Sarah becomes strongly insinuated following their intimate encounter in the shower.
Monica and Summer Connect
At the Dutton Ranch, Monica (Kelsey Asbille) and Summer (Piper Perabo), who is still recovering from her fight with Beth in the previous episode, form a strong bond while collaborating on food preparations for the branding party. Monica assures Summer that despite their disagreement with Beth, they will always support and protect each other, based on their long history of mutual support. In addition, the duo visits a cemetery where they stumble upon tombstones belonging to James, Margaret, and Elsa, deceased Dutton family members from the prequel series "1883," revealing the rich history encompassed within the show's universe.