The Yellowstone Season 5 finale has officially aired, and while it marked the end of the Dutton family’s fight for the iconic Yellowstone ranch, it left many fans feeling disappointed and frustrated. What was supposed to be a dramatic and satisfying conclusion turned into a controversial episode, sparking outrage over creative decisions, unresolved plotlines, and the fate of key characters.
From shocking deaths to major power shifts, let’s break down what happened in the Yellowstone Season 5 finale, why fans are calling it the “worst,” and what this means for the future of the franchise.
The Shocking Death of John Dutton
At the heart of the finale lies the death of patriarch John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, a character many fans believed would survive the show’s chaos. His passing was confirmed early in the episode, and the funeral that followed set a somber tone for the rest of the finale.
John’s burial was simple, reflecting the Dutton family’s traditional values. The cowboys dug his grave by hand, and Beth, visibly shaken, stood by his gravesite to make a tearful 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.”
This moment, while emotional, sparked criticism from fans who felt John’s death lacked the gravitas expected for such an iconic character. Many believed the buildup to his demise over several seasons deserved a more impactful send-off.
Beth and Jamie’s Final Showdown Ends in Tragedy
No storyline in Yellowstone has been more intense than the sibling rivalry between Beth and Jamie Dutton. Their feud reached a violent climax in the finale when Beth, driven by rage and grief, confronted Jamie at his home.
The confrontation escalated quickly, turning into a brutal physical fight. Beth attacked Jamie with bear spray and a tire iron, while Jamie retaliated by choking her in self-defense. Just when it seemed Jamie would win, Rip intervened, pinning Jamie to the ground. Seizing the moment, Beth delivered a fatal blow, stabbing Jamie in the chest.
Beth’s chilling words—“I’m gonna be the last thing you ever see”—marked the end of Jamie’s troubled journey. In true Dutton fashion, Rip and Lloyd disposed of his body at the infamous “train station,” the place where the family has buried their enemies for years.
While dramatic, the resolution felt rushed to many viewers, who criticized the sudden end to a storyline that had been simmering for five seasons. Fans expected a more nuanced conclusion to Beth and Jamie’s complex relationship.
The Sale of the Yellowstone Ranch: Kayce’s Controversial Decision
Another pivotal moment in the finale came when Kayce Dutton, John’s son, made a surprising deal with Thomas Rainwater, the leader of the Broken Rock Indian Tribe. After years of John fighting to keep the ranch in the family, Kayce agreed to sell the Yellowstone land to the tribe for $1.25 an acre—a symbolic nod to its value in the late 1800s.
As part of the deal, Kayce secured a small portion of the ranch called East Camp for his family. This decision marked the end of the Duttons’ control over the Yellowstone ranch, symbolized by the removal of the iconic “Y” brand from the barn.
The sale was met with mixed reactions. While some fans saw it as poetic justice for the land to return to its original stewards, others felt it betrayed John Dutton’s legacy. Kayce’s choice, while practical, underscored the dramatic shift in power that the finale delivered.
Beth and Rip’s New Beginning
While much of the finale focused on loss, Beth and Rip’s storyline offered a glimmer of hope. Earlier in the episode, Beth revealed that she had purchased a new 27,000-acre ranch, signaling a fresh start for her and Rip.
The couple left the Yellowstone ranch behind, ready to build a new life on their own terms. Rip’s final walk through the empty barn was a poignant reminder of everything they were leaving behind, while Beth’s quiet resolve hinted at her readiness to move forward.
The finale’s ending montage showed Rip and Beth settling into their new land, symbolizing the possibility of a future untethered from the burdens of the Yellowstone ranch.
Fan Backlash: Why Did Viewers Call It the ‘Worst’ Finale?
While Yellowstone has long been praised for its complex characters, stunning visuals, and gripping storytelling, the Season 5 finale failed to meet many fans’ expectations. Here’s why:
- Rushed Storylines: Key arcs, like Beth and Jamie’s feud, felt hastily resolved without the depth or nuance they deserved.
- John Dutton’s Death: Fans expected a more dramatic and emotional farewell for Kevin Costner’s iconic character. Instead, his death felt abrupt and anticlimactic.
- Creative Choices: Many viewers criticized series creator Taylor Sheridan for prioritizing spectacle over substance. Sheridan’s cameo appearances also frustrated fans, who felt they distracted from the story.
One viewer lamented on social media: “The Yellowstone finale was an absolute letdown. Lazy writing and no real payoff. They ruined what could’ve been a legendary ending.”
Others were particularly disappointed with how the Duttons’ legacy ended, with one comment reading: “John fought for that ranch his whole life, and now it’s just gone? What was the point of everything?”
What’s Next for the Yellowstone Universe?
Despite the backlash, Yellowstone isn’t over. The franchise is already expanding with spin-off series centered on characters like Beth and Rip. While the finale marked the end of the main storyline, the spin-offs promise to explore new beginnings and unresolved arcs.
Whether these future shows will redeem the franchise remains to be seen. Fans hope that Taylor Sheridan will deliver the storytelling depth that made Yellowstone a phenomenon in the first place.
Conclusion
The Yellowstone Season 5 finale brought dramatic conclusions to key storylines, but it failed to deliver the powerful ending fans expected. With John Dutton’s death, the sale of the ranch, and Beth’s brutal revenge against Jamie, the finale was packed with shocking moments—yet it left viewers unsatisfied.
While Beth and Rip prepare for a new chapter and Kayce finds peace on a small piece of the land, the Dutton family’s saga feels unfinished. The mixed reactions highlight both the show’s impact and the high expectations it created. As fans look ahead to spin-offs and new stories, the legacy of Yellowstone remains as controversial as ever.
