In the second half of the 2 hour premiere, Yellowstone gives us more insight into Monica’s accident, the tricky game of politics, Beth & Jamie’s sibling rivalry and some good ol’ fashioned ranch drama. Some spoilers ahead for season 5, episode 2.
Episode 2 takes us back to the scene of Monica’s accident, and how Tate was the one who managed to get help for his mom despite having a broken arm and going through something so traumatic. Kelsey Asbille and Brecken Merrill both do a brilliant job of conveying the panic and shock of this scene, which is clearly going to have some long-lasting effects on both characters as the season progresses. Back at home in the present day, Monica is struggling to cope with the aftermath. I’m pleased she’s getting more of a storyline this season, but ouch.
On the ranch, Rip decides it’s time for Carter to ride out with the rest of the ranch hands. This was something I was really hoping to see this season, and I hope it allows these two to bond more. Rip is still quite distant with Carter, almost as if he’s afraid to let himself care for the boy. Carter is given the job of keeping John’s horse in work, since John won’t be home much this season.
In the city, John is having a crash course in exactly how the Governor’s office works – and he hates it. Lynelle does her best to steer him through the storm, and she has great chemistry with John. Clara, John’s new PA, runs through his schedule and John decides this simply won’t do. With Beth and Jamie both present, John quickly fires the Chief of Staff that was hired for him and appoints Beth in his place, to her surprise. John points out the Beth got him into this, so she can get him through it. I’m really excited about the Governor storyline, as it injects new locations and power dynamics into the show.
The scene between Beth and Jamie in his office is a highlight of this episode for me. Kelly Reilly and Wes Bentley use their talents to showcase one of the best sibling rivalries in television, as Beth informs Jamie he must follow orders, or else – and reminds him this is her family, not his. Reilly’s acting choices here are mesmerizing to watch. With the blackmail hanging over Jamie’s head, he is forced to do Beth’s bidding and I love this for her. She wields power very well; I only hope it won’t be her undoing further into the season.
Rip and the bunkhouse crew are herding cattle when they come across a dead cow ripped apart by a pack of wolves. Not wanting to bother Kayce during his time of grief, Rip decides he will deal with it himself. I’m definitely noticing some anxiety in Rip this season – almost a desperation to not screw up or disappoint John, now that the day-to-day ranch duties have fallen squarely on his shoulders. Unfortunately for Rip, his day goes from bad to worse when Carter has an accident.
Meanwhile, a different kind of wolf arrives at Market Equities: Sarah Atwood. She’s just in time to witness John’s big televised press conference with the rest of the Market Equities staff. At the casino, Rainwater, Mo and Angela Blue Thunder are preparing to do the same. Jamie informs John revoking the funding is a declaration of war, but John is undeterred. In front of the cameras, he announces he is signing the order revoking funding for the Paradise Valley development, airport project and ski resort. Naturally, Market Equities will now go into battle mode, sending their lawyers after the Duttons with everything they’ve got. Will Rainwater team up with Market Equities, or will John be able to strike a deal between himself and Rainwater? I’m intrigued to see where alliances will fall this season.
Beth is her delightful self at the Deerfield Club, zooming into the driveway in her Bentley and informing the attendant she is now “Mrs” not “Ms” – she’s an honest woman now. While waiting for her meeting, she sits at the bar like a lioness waiting for prey. One man finally bites, and the exchange is classic Beth. I love watching Beth eviscerate people, as they often underestimate her and are shocked when she reads them to filth. Kelly Reilly, you’re insane. In a good way.
Beth’s joy at decimating a college professor is short-lived when John blindsides her during the meeting with the news he intends to lock the ranch in a conservation easement – meaning Beth can’t sell it after John dies. John says the ranch will remain whole, even if they lose it. That’s all he’s ever wanted. I also really loved the flashback in this episode, great to see Josh Lucas again – and the Dutton helicopter makes a triumphant return to our screens.
I thought Rip’s day couldn’t get any worse, but Ryan and Colby make a big mistake that could get everyone in deep trouble. It’s clear by a scene at the end of the episode that this will have serious repercussions for the ranch if discovered, and I feel for Rip as it wasn’t his doing. He’s just trying to keep the ranch afloat and not disappoint John, but that may be out of his hands now.
This double-episode premiere is a brilliant start to the season, setting up exciting new plotlines and ramping up existing ones. I hope to still see many Beth and Rip scenes, despite Beth being in the city quite a bit now. I’d also love to see some bunkhouse chaos, more Beth and Jamie trading barbs – and especially Beth vs Sarah Atwood. That’s sure to be an Emmy-worthy scene.
Let’s get to work, y’all!
