The Yellowstone Season 5 finale has ignited a firestorm of criticism among its once-loyal fanbase. What was meant to be an epic conclusion to the Dutton family’s saga has left viewers feeling frustrated, underwhelmed, and, in some cases, outright betrayed. From the farewell to patriarch John Dutton to a shocking showdown between Beth and Jamie, the finale delivered intense drama but seemingly lacked the finesse and closure that fans were craving.
As social media lit up with reactions, it became clear that for many viewers, this finale fell flat. Let’s break down the major events, explore why fans are upset, and discuss what lies ahead for the Yellowstone universe.
John Dutton’s Death Leaves a Void
The emotional centerpiece of the finale was the much-anticipated death of John Dutton, the patriarch played by Kevin Costner. Throughout the series, John’s fight to preserve the Yellowstone ranch had been the cornerstone of the storyline. His passing marked a significant turning point, but fans felt it lacked the emotional weight it deserved.
The funeral scene, although visually powerful, felt rushed to some viewers. Beth Dutton, played brilliantly by Kelly Reilly, delivers a poignant moment as she lays a white rose on her father’s coffin and vows vengeance.
Her whispered promise, “You made me promise not to sell an inch. There may not be cows on it, but there won’t be condos either. We won,” encapsulates the Dutton family’s long-standing fight. Yet, despite its symbolism, many fans were left asking: Was this really the send-off John Dutton deserved?
The patriarch’s death felt like a quiet farewell to both the character and Kevin Costner, whose reported departure due to behind-the-scenes conflicts has loomed large over the show’s final season.
Beth and Jamie’s Brutal Feud Comes to a Shocking End
No storyline in Yellowstone has been more explosive than the rivalry between Beth and her brother Jamie (Wes Bentley). The Season 5 finale brought this conflict to its bloody conclusion.
Beth, seething with rage and convinced Jamie had a hand in their father’s death, confronts him at his home. The fight that follows is brutal, raw, and shockingly violent. Armed with bear spray and a tire iron, Beth attacks Jamie, but he retaliates, nearly choking her to death.
Just as the scene spirals to its darkest point, Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) intervenes. In one final, cold act of revenge, Beth fatally stabs Jamie, delivering the haunting line, “I’m gonna be the last thing you ever see.”
The resolution of Beth and Jamie’s long-standing feud should have been a triumph for fans, but for many, it felt anticlimactic. Critics argued that a storyline with years of buildup deserved a more nuanced and impactful resolution rather than a quick and brutal fight.
Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly, and Wes Bentley at the “Yellowstone” Season 5 Part 2 premiere in New York City on November 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Kayce’s Decision: Selling the Ranch for a New Future
One of the most surprising developments in the finale came from Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes). Kayce, always torn between his family’s legacy and his desire for a simpler life, made a decision that even John would have never imagined.
Kayce sold the Yellowstone ranch to Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) and the Broken Rock Indian Tribe for $1.25 per acre—a symbolic nod to the land’s original value. However, Kayce negotiated a clause: Rainwater cannot develop or sell the land, ensuring it remains untouched.
The sale marked the end of the Duttons’ ownership of Yellowstone. While the deal ensured a piece of the land—East Camp—would remain for Kayce’s family, the moment felt bittersweet. The ranch, the heart of the series for five seasons, was no longer theirs.
For many fans, this decision symbolized the true end of Yellowstone, a betrayal of everything John Dutton fought for. As one viewer put it: “Selling the ranch? That’s the end of Yellowstone. I feel like the show betrayed its entire premise.”
Fan Backlash: ‘Lazy Writing’ and a Rushed Finale
Following the finale, fans didn’t hold back their criticisms. Social media erupted with frustration, as viewers expressed disappointment in how the season concluded.
- “That was a terrible ending! What a waste of a great series,” one fan posted on Facebook.
- “This finale felt rushed and sloppy. The writing was all over the place. Kevin Costner deserved better,” another viewer lamented.
- “Such a predictable and weak ending. Sheridan phoned this one in,” a critic added.
Many viewers pointed out the uneven pacing throughout the season. Long stretches of filler content seemed to drag the narrative, while key moments in the finale were hastily resolved. Others felt that Kevin Costner’s absence loomed large, making the finale feel incomplete and disconnected.
However, not all fans were critical. Some praised the emotional moments and appreciated the show’s effort to wrap up the story:
- “It ended exactly as it should. The Duttons went their separate ways, and the natives got their land back. It was poetic,” a supporter shared.
- “The finale made me cry and cheer. Beth’s vengeance was everything I hoped for,” another fan gushed.
What’s Next? The Future of the Yellowstone Universe
While Yellowstone may have ended, the story is far from over. Reports suggest that creator Taylor Sheridan is already developing a spin-off series featuring Beth and Rip as the central characters. Actors Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser have reportedly signed on, ensuring that fans will see more of their fiery chemistry.
In addition to the spin-off, Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe continues to expand with prequels like 1883 and 1923. New series, including The Madison (formerly 2024), are in development, promising to explore new storylines and characters within the same Western landscape.
For fans disappointed with the finale, these spin-offs offer hope that the Yellowstone legacy will live on—perhaps in a way that feels more satisfying.
Conclusion: A Disappointing Goodbye to Yellowstone
The Season 5 finale of Yellowstone attempted to close the curtain on the Dutton family’s saga, but for many fans, it missed the mark. From John Dutton’s underwhelming farewell to the rushed resolution of key storylines, the episode felt like a shadow of the show’s former brilliance.
Yet, for all its flaws, Yellowstone remains a cultural phenomenon that redefined modern Western storytelling. While the finale may not have been the epic conclusion fans hoped for, the legacy of the Dutton family will endure through spin-offs and prequels.
As fans say goodbye to Yellowstone, one thing is clear: the passion, love, and frustration it sparked will keep the conversation alive for years to come.
