The Most Unusual and Touching Episode in Yellowstone's History

Article Summary

In the Season 4 finale of Yellowstone, Kayce embarks on a vision quest and reunites with his dead brother, Lee, who warns him of his impending fate.

Kayce's encounter with Lee and a comforting vision of a woman deeply affects him, evoking fear and prompting him to ponder the fate of his marriage and the Dutton family. These visions compel Kayce to confront his personal history and confront his anxieties. Lee's reappearance signals the family's impending turmoil, yet Kayce holds the possibility of reuniting his siblings and safeguarding their cherished legacy.

A frequently employed trope in the Western genre revolves around the notion that our protagonist must embark on a vision quest to seek guidance for their aimless existence. This theme has been recurrently utilized in numerous Western films and shows over the years. Although it may not be as prominent as the ubiquitous light and dark cowboy hats synonymous with the genre, it has become a recurring element in Yellowstone as well. In the Season 4 finale, titled "Grass on the Streets and Weeds on the Rooftops," Kayce Dutton (portrayed by Luke Grimes) embarks on his own vision quest, leading him to experience one of the most peculiar encounters of his life: reuniting with his deceased brother.

Yellowstone

What Happens to Lee Dutton in 'Yellowstone'?

Release Date: June 20, 2018

Cast: Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Wes Bentley, Kelsey Chow, Cole Hauser, Gil Birmingham, Danny Huston

Genres: Drama, Western

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 5

Creator: John Linson, Taylor Sheridan

Image via Paramount

If you've forgotten about Lee Dutton (Dave Annable), you're not alone. He was the eldest son of John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and met his demise in the very first episode ("Daybreak"), losing his life during a cattle dispute at the hands of Kayce's brother-in-law, Robert Long (Jeremiah Bitsui). In self-defense, Kayce shoots Robert, resulting in a strain in his relationship with his wife Monica (Kelsey Asbille). Despite eventually mending their marriage, Kayce is left without his eldest brother. However, Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) steps in to fill the void and assumes Lee's role within the family.

After that, Lee is never seen again, not even in photographs, except for a Christmas flashback in "A Monster Is Among Us." Dave Annable moved on to other projects, such as his role in The CW's neo-Western Walker, and the Dutton family essentially erased any memory of his existence. It is possible that they were so disturbed by Lee's fate that they chose never to mention him again, at least until recent years. In Season 4's finale, Yellowstone decided to delve further into its past before entering its fifth and final season by bringing Lee back temporarily from the grave.

In this episode, Lee startles Kayce awake and reprimands him for not following instructions (in this case, praying for a vision). Instead, Lee offers his assistance and requests that his brother open the barrier between them so that he can enter. Despite being warned against it, Kayce refuses, which leads to a truly terrifying turn of events. In an instant, Lee reappears in his deceased state, with blood oozing from his mouth, as he screams at Kayce, predicting that his younger brother's destiny is to meet the same fate.

Kayce's Vision Has a Profound Impact On Him in 'Yellowstone'

Image via Paramount+

This sudden twist in Kayce's vision startles him, causing him to abruptly wake from his slumber. He is initially comforted by a woman he mistakes for Monica, but it turns out to be another vision. Avery, the former ranch hand of Yellowstone, embraces and kisses Kayce, revealing her affection for the youngest Dutton son. This jolts Kayce awake once again, only to find himself alone. The rapid succession of these events makes it difficult to process initially, but Kayce will soon be forced to confront the significance of it all.

Towards the end of his vision, Kayce is presented with two different paths by his spirit guide. Once he completes his trial, he confides in Monica that he witnessed "the end of us." There is some speculation about whether this refers to his marriage or the Dutton family as a whole, but Lee's appearance suggests the latter. While one could argue that Avery's sudden involvement hints at potential infidelity, Kayce's character and immediate reaction indicate that it is more likely the Duttons who will face the consequences.

Kayce's Visions in 'Yellowstone' Season 4 Mean More Than You Think

Going into Season 5, Kayce carries this vision with him. Understanding the tragic loss of his unborn second son, Kayce recognizes the significance of naming him John Dutton. This name has been an integral part of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch for years, and the untimely death of his child foreshadows the impending downfall of the Dutton family. Coupled with Lee's remark about Kayce's inevitable fate, the loss of his son is merely the commencement of the Dutton house's decline.

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No one can deny that Kayce has faced numerous challenges throughout his time on Yellowstone. However, experiencing the return of your beloved and trusted brother from the grave, only to have him turn against you in your time of need, is truly terrifying. In any other setting, this shocking turn of events could easily be mistaken for a scene straight out of a Western horror film. Considering the admiration Kayce once had for his brother, witnessing his reappearance in such a manner must undoubtedly be difficult. Actor Luke Grimes sheds light on the significance of this moment between the two siblings, stating, "When Lee comes back, it's a monumental occasion for Kayce to reconnect with his brother," during the "Behind the Story" segment of the episode.

"Its purpose is not limited to merely frightening people," states the actor. "It serves as a reflection of his struggle with the past, particularly the haunting aspects that torment him the most. Undoubtedly, the demise of his brother will feature prominently among these." This perspective sheds light on Kayce's inner turmoil, presenting a different interpretation of the occurrences. Lee's apparition becomes less about encountering his brother's spirit and more about reliving the memories of past failures and his own fears of succumbing to them. With these visions forcing Kayce to confront long-avoided issues, Lee's abrupt and chilling return overwhelms him. It is no wonder that he immediately withdraws.

Is Kayce the Only Dutton Who Can Reunite the Family in 'Yellowstone'?

Image provided by Paramount Network

Lee's death in the debut episode symbolizes the gradual decline towards extinction that the modern-day Dutton family is destined to face. It was this event that sparked animosity towards them, leading to the emergence of new adversaries like Dan Jenkins, the Beck brothers, and even Randall Garrett, who all sought a share of the lucrative Yellowstone business. However, just as Kayce once betrayed his family through his departure many years ago, there is now another betrayer among the Duttons' ranks, his adoptive brother Jamie.

Lee's warnings about the demise of their family and the potential harm that could befall Kayce himself also indicate a rift within the family. The ongoing feud between Beth and Jamie has significantly fractured the Dutton clan and has yielded no positive outcomes. Furthermore, Kayce's struggle between prioritizing his own family or standing by his wife Monica has been a recurring battle in Yellowstone. However, just as Kayce manages to bring some semblance of peace between Monica and his father, he may also have the ability to reconcile his living siblings. While he was unable to save Lee in Season 1, his vision may serve as a reminder that it's not too late to rescue Beth and Jamie from destroying each other.

Emotionally, Kayce finds himself in a difficult situation. On one hand, he and his siblings rarely see eye to eye. In fact, they have spent minimal time together in recent seasons, aside from Beth and Jamie's intense conflicts. Each family member has been focused on pursuing their personal desires and goals. However, encountering Lee once again may have ignited a longing in Kayce that we have yet to witness him fulfill on screen. This desire could potentially offer him the opportunity to assert his authority and put an end to the meaningless rivalry among his siblings. Nonetheless, regardless of whether Kayce truly possesses the ability to salvage his family's legacy, it is evident that his brother's death has haunted him for years. Their brief spiritual reunion, whilst peculiar, stands as one of the show's most emotionally charged moments.

Yellowstone can be streamed exclusively on Peacock and airs every Sunday on CBS.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the most unusual and touching episode in Yellowstone's history. On the one hand, I appreciate the show's willingness to take risks and explore new territory. The vision quest storyline is a departure from the show's usual formula, and it provides some much-needed insight into Kayce's character. On the other hand, I'm not sure if the episode fully lives up to its potential. The ending is particularly anticlimactic, and it leaves me feeling a bit unsatisfied.

Overall, I think the episode is a solid effort, but it could have been better. I'm hoping that the show will continue to take risks and explore new territory in the future. I'm also hoping that the writers will find a way to give Kayce's character a more satisfying conclusion.