The Shocking Fate Awaiting Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2: Unveiling the Highly Anticipated Demise

Summary

Speculation about who will die in Yellowstone season 5, part 2 is swirling, with the Dutton family's legacy and the ranch's future at stake.

Monica, Kayce, and Tate Dutton are expected to carry on the story in the spin-off, while Rip Wheeler's destiny is intertwined with Beth and Jamie Dutton's antagonism.

The prolonged rivalry between Thomas Rainwater and John Dutton may culminate in a violent conclusion, leaving uncertainty regarding John Dutton's own survival.

Viewers eagerly anticipate the highly anticipated finale of Yellowstone season 5, part 2, sparking speculation about which characters will meet their end. The first part of Taylor Sheridan's popular neo-Western sets the stage for a potential bloodbath, as the Dutton family's legacy and the future of the ranch hang in the balance. As John Dutton has shown a willingness to go to extreme lengths to protect what he believes is his, existing rivalries are sure to reach a climax in the upcoming episodes.

As fans theorize about how the series will conclude, the focus naturally turns to who will meet their demise. In true Western fashion, an epic showdown is expected, with characters facing threats from all directions. While no one is safe, there are those who are less likely to die and others who are almost certain to meet their end. Despite the ensemble cast of Yellowstone, the core characters most likely to continue the Dutton's story in the spin-off led by Matthew McConaughey come to the forefront.

10 Monica, Kayce & Tate Dutton

The first four and a half seasons of Yellowstone reveal a dark reality: no one is safe. However, it seems unlikely that Monica Long-Dutton or Kayce Dutton would be killed off, especially considering the imminent danger their revenge-driven siblings pose to each other. Much of Yellowstone's drama centers around the ongoing feud between the Dutton family and the Indigenous leaders of the Confederated Tribes of Broken Rock, who argue that the white ranchers have no rightful claim to Yellowstone Ranch's stolen land. Monica and Kayce's relationship holds symbolic weight, as Monica is the granddaughter of Felix Long, an Indigenous elder.

In the series finale, it is quite possible that Yellowstone will further romanticize Monica and Kayce's life together. Their son, Tate Dutton, is positioned as a potential heir to the ranch but is also a member of the original inhabitants who lived and worked on the land. If any of the surviving Duttons continue on after the finale, this trio seems the most likely. Additionally, the family has already endured unspeakable tragedy with the loss of their second son, John Dutton IV, shortly after his birth. While Sheridan's portrayal of the West can be brutal, it is unlikely that more pain will befall Monica, Kayce, or Tate Dutton.

9 Rip Wheeler

Rip Wheeler (played by Cole Hauser), a beloved character among fans, holds a significant role at Yellowstone Ranch. He has consistently demonstrated his unwavering loyalty and willingness to go to great lengths for John Dutton and his family. With John now serving as the newly elected Governor of Montana, Rip has stepped into the role of John's potential successor at the ranch. Additionally, he is married to the strong-willed Beth Dutton (portrayed by Kelly Reilly), which adds both positive and negative implications for his ultimate destiny in the series finale. The forthcoming fate of Beth and Rip will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of Yellowstone season 5.

Specifically, Beth finds herself entangled in a deep-rooted conflict with her brother Jamie (played by Wes Bentley), who committed a grave violation by forcefully sterilizing Beth without her consent during her abortion procedure. Adding to the tension, Jamie has set his sights on seizing control of the family ranch for all the wrong reasons. It is highly likely that either Beth or Jamie will meet their demise (more details on this later), which will directly impact the outcome for Rip. Should the unfortunate event occur with Beth, Rip will undoubtedly seek revenge. Considering the immense hardships Rip has already endured, a fate worse than death would be the prospect of living without Beth by his side – a painful conclusion that seems fitting for this iconic cowboy's story.

8 Mo

Played by Mo Brings Plenty, Mo serves as the driver and assistant to Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham), while also holding a position in the Tribal Police. Thomas, who is the elected high chief of the Confederated Tribes of Broken Rock, is determined to reclaim the Tribes' ancestral lands that were stolen by John Dutton. As season 5, part 2 of Yellowstone unfolds, one major storyline that will be addressed is the ongoing feud between Thomas and John. As the conflict reaches its climax, Mo, being Thomas' right-hand man, will undoubtedly be affected. However, it appears that Mo's life will be spared from any unforeseen tragedy. In keeping with the essence of the Western genre, it is likely that he will be involved in a dramatic shootout.

7 Beth Dutton

The ongoing Beth vs. Jamie Dutton feud in Yellowstone continues to captivate audiences. Despite Beth's tendency to lose control, it's difficult not to support her in this intense battle with her sibling, particularly because the early part of season 5 delves into her past traumas. Although Beth has yet to disclose to Rip the extent of Jamie's involvement in preventing her from having children, her father, John, is well aware and has made it abundantly clear what he would do to Jamie if he ever harmed Beth again. Nevertheless, as Jamie maneuvers to seize control of Yellowstone Ranch, he openly plots his sister's demise.

6 Thomas Rainwater

As the Beth vs. Jamie conflict intensifies, it remains uncertain who will become entangled in the crossfire. However, it is almost certain that one, if not both, of the siblings will suffer the consequences before the final episode. Beth's advantage lies in her likability compared to Jamie, but ironically, this could also be her downfall. Sometimes, even the villains emerge victorious, as that is simply a part of life. Currently, the outcome of Beth's fate hangs in the balance, contingent on how determined Sheridan is to torment Rip and eliminate members of the Dutton family. Beyond the visible storyline, Beth's future on Yellowstone may be intertwined with Matthew McConaughey's spin-off, which would be highly entertaining to witness as McConaughey and Reilly share the screen.

The ongoing Thomas vs. John feud tells the story of the deep-rooted, violent past between the Indigenous groups residing in what is now Montana and the white settlers who unlawfully seized their land and reaped the benefits. Apart from being the leader of the Broken Rock Reservation, Thomas Rainwater is a prominent figure in the casino industry and a well-known entrepreneur. With John's recent appointment as governor, the rivals have even more incentive to put an end to their longstanding conflict.

More likely than not, the altercation will be a gruesome one, with Thomas, John, and their most devoted allies engaging in physical combat. Similar to Beth, Thomas' future seems uncertain, but eliminating both Thomas and John would make for a grand finale. This would be particularly captivating considering that Yellowstone season 1, which received negative reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, transformed failure into triumph. Returning to the origin of it all entails certain risks, but it also has the potential to enhance the appeal of the show's initial installment.

5 John Dutton

Theories about John Dutton's demise in Yellowstone, created by fans, continue to gain momentum, particularly since the announcement of Kevin Costner's departure from the show. Costner caused some delays due to the dual strikes by writers and actors, supposedly refusing to approve an ending for his character until he found one that satisfied him. Undoubtedly, Yellowstone breathed new life into Costner's career, offering him a defining role within the franchise-spawning series. Nonetheless, the actor may prefer his character's storyline to conclude in a manner that closes the door on a potential return in the upcoming sequel series.

4 Walker

It is not certain whether John Dutton will meet his demise in the final season of Yellowstone. However, it would not be unexpected if the ranch-owning patriarch-turned-state-governor's life comes to an end. In dramas centered around anti-heroes, death often becomes the resolution, as seen in the case of Breaking Bad's Walter White. Therefore, Yellowstone has the opportunity to either conform to or defy this narrative pattern. Given John's ongoing conflict with Thomas Rainwater and the impending conflict among his children, the prospect of death looms heavily around the rancher. It appears unlikely that he will escape it entirely.

Walker, portrayed by Ryan Bingham, is a former convict turned devoted ranch hand at Yellowstone Ranch. His loyalty to the ranch is unquestionable, as evidenced by the branding of the ranch's emblem upon his entry, signifying his determination to embrace a second opportunity. Walker's past includes employment at the renowned 6666 Ranch, also known as The Four Sixes, where he now harbors profound remorse for leaving behind the Texas-based establishment. Although there is a faint possibility of Walker's continuation in Sheridan's potential Yellowstone spin-off, centered around The Four Sixes, it seems more poignant and befitting that he would sacrifice his life defending John and Yellowstone, ultimately denying him the chance to return to the birthplace of world-class cowboys, the 6666 Ranch.

3 Lloyd

2 Jamie Dutton

Season 5 flashbacks shed light on Lloyd Pierce (played by Forrie J. Smith), an experienced ranch hand at the Dutton ranch. By embracing the brand, Lloyd signifies his dedication to making the most of his second chance at life. However, this closer examination of his character may also suggest future troubles. As a loyal servant to John Dutton, Lloyd is expected to stand by the Yellowstone Ranch patriarch until the bitter end. If a classic Old West shootout does occur, Lloyd will fearlessly put himself in harm's way, ready to take a bullet for John without any regrets.

By the end of the first part of season 5, Jamie's true intentions become clear as he openly conspires to harm his sister and possibly even targets his own father, the Governor of Montana. Despite the explicit warning from John Dutton about the consequences of betraying the family once again, Jamie's actions will inevitably lead to violent confrontations. However, his journey in the world of Yellowstone will not extend into the upcoming sequel series. In fact, there is no justification for a spin-off that delves into a character like Jamie, as his time in the Sheridan verse must reach its conclusion.

Thankfully, there's a location within the "train station" — a cliff on the side of the road where the Duttons dispose of their enemies' bodies — that is reserved for Jamie. Undoubtedly, Sheridan must orchestrate a profoundly impactful demise for Jamie. It could involve the deaths of both him and Beth, or potentially, John may be compelled to kill his own attorney son. Perhaps even more dramatically, Jamie's potential act of harming Beth or the revelation of the heinous acts he has inflicted upon her might be enough to drive Rip to eliminate the Dutton brother. Regardless of the specific circumstances surrounding Jamie's death, it is certain that his departure will result in substantial bloodshed and chaos.

1 Summer Higgins

In season 5, part 2 of Yellowstone, it is highly likely that Summer Higgins (played by Piper Perabo) will be the character to meet an unfortunate fate. Summer, an environmental activist and vegan from Portland, doesn't have much significance to the overall storyline of the series, making her a prime candidate for an untimely demise. In a previous episode, John Dutton rescued her from jail following one of her protests that resulted in arrests. Now serving as Governor Dutton, he grants her clemency to prevent her from facing more time behind bars.

Summer, currently on house arrest at the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, appears to be inadvertently caught in the midst of a conflict between Beth and Jamie. While there was a prior intense physical altercation between Beth and Summer, the accidental death of Summer Higgins would undoubtedly deeply upset Beth and, more significantly, John. Considering that Jamie has ordered an assassination on his sister, Beth, it is highly likely that the intended murder will mistakenly target Summer, given her confinement to the Dutton residence. Undoubtedly, the untimely demise of Summer Higgins will serve as the pivotal event that ignites a full-fledged battle between Jamie and his family in Yellowstone's final season.