In the new season of Yellowstone, Beth Dutton (played by Kelly Reilly) faces mounting challenges, not only from external forces but also from within herself. According to Reilly, this season Beth will be “up against everything and everyone and herself” as she fights to protect her father and the Dutton legacy. As one of the most-watched shows on television, Yellowstone continues to captivate its fiercely loyal fan base, which is known for being passionate, to say the least.
The show has been navigating significant changes behind the scenes as well. Kevin Costner, who portrayed the patriarch John Dutton, left the series after conflicts over scheduling, opting to focus on his own self-funded western film series, Horizon. Despite this departure, Yellowstone remains a hit, returning for the second half of its final season after a lengthy break. The show’s core conflict remains John’s ongoing battle to protect his beloved Yellowstone Dutton Ranch from outside forces, including developers and rival factions.
Wes Bentley, who plays John’s adopted son, Jamie, noted that his character has become one of the most divisive figures in the show. Many viewers see him as the villain, opposing John’s vision of preserving the ranch, while some fans see Jamie as the protagonist in a family full of antagonists. “He’s definitely the villain for most people,” Bentley explained, acknowledging that fans view John’s commitment to the ranch as a valid, noble cause.
Throughout the series, Jamie’s character has been grappling with his identity and his desire for political power, contrasting sharply with John’s traditional, protective stance toward the ranch. Bentley admitted that portraying such an intense and emotionally unstable character has been challenging, especially after a two-year hiatus between seasons. “Jamie is such an unstable guy because he’s not really anything. He doesn’t know who he is,” Bentley said, adding that every scene with Jamie is “an intense scene.”
Bentley also expressed how meaningful fan interactions have been in processing Jamie’s character. “For me, it’s a lot of therapy talk—what’s wrong with Jamie? Why can’t we fix him?” he mused. As the season progresses, Jamie finds himself at odds with both his father and sister Beth, with Bentley teasing that Jamie’s self-sabotaging nature will play a central role in the turmoil to come.
On the other hand, Kelly Reilly’s portrayal of Beth Dutton has also sparked strong opinions among fans. “There are some people who love Beth, and there are some people who can’t stand her,” Reilly said. Her complex relationship with Rip Wheeler (played by Cole Hauser), the family’s loyal fixer, has become one of the most beloved elements of the series. Hauser reflected on the romantic chemistry between Rip and Beth, remarking that the tender moments between them—like sitting together on the porch or gazing at the stars—have been deeply meaningful for fans.
“This love story feels like a fantasy,” Hauser shared, adding that it resonates with viewers in a way that is both captivating and genuine. Reilly echoed this sentiment, highlighting how Taylor Sheridan’s writing has made their dynamic one of the show’s strongest points.
In this season, Beth’s role becomes even more critical as she fights to keep the ranch financially stable while also protecting her father from Jamie’s machinations. Hauser teased a surprising moment when Beth unexpectedly arrives to confront Rip, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. “There’s a pretty amazing scene where [Beth] comes down and surprises [Rip],” he said. “I don’t think the audience really understands what they’re in for.”
Meanwhile, the characters of Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) and Monica Dutton (Kelsey Asbille) will also be grappling with their own personal dilemmas this season. Grimes teased that Kayce will finally make some tough decisions after spending much of the series in a state of indecision. “He’s been trapped in this place of, ‘I don’t know what to do,’” Grimes explained. “He has to make up his mind and go for it.”
Monica, for her part, has been dealing with the complex dynamics of life at the Dutton ranch for five seasons, but she’s now poised to move forward in a new direction. As the series heads toward its conclusion, the actors reflect on the profound impact Yellowstone has had on their lives—especially Grimes, who fell in love with Montana during filming and eventually moved there with his wife.
“It’s an amazing place,” Grimes said, though he jokingly added, “Don’t move there. It’s terrible. Montana sucks.” He went on to joke about the Dutton family’s secret disposal site, quipping, “There’s no train station, though—you would definitely go to jail if you killed people.” As the final season unfolds, Yellowstone continues to deliver intense drama, family conflicts, and unforgettable moments, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s next for the Duttons.
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