Top 6 Yellowstone Episodes Offer Heartbreak, Loyalty and Death

The contemporary Western drama that took over television sets around the world is slated to be finished in November of 2024 after a grueling two-year hiatus.  

The Dutton family contends with multiple outside forces seeking to take their land, including ventures like land developers, Native American reservations, and rival ranchers.  The series looks at loyalty, betrayal, family dynamics, and the clash between tradition and progress.  

The series' complex characters and storytelling have gathered a large and dedicated fan base. Here are six of the stand-out episodes.

"Daybreak" (Season 1, Episode 1)

Of course, the pilot would have to be at the top of the list. Here, the world was introduced to the Dutton family and their sprawling Montana ranch. The complexities of their relationships and the challenges they are beginning to face are introduced to viewers in what would be the beginning of a Western phenomenon. 

The scene is set for the conflicts that are about to occur and take over conversations around the world. Land developers, the Broken Rock Indian Reservation, and the National Park Service are just a few of the intriguing parts of the storyline.  

John Dutton proves just how far he will go to protect his family and his land, setting the stage for the series' development.

"Kill the Messenger" (Season 1, Episode 2)

After a brutal attack on John Dutton's cattle, tensions begin to escalate between the Dutton family and their enemies.  The themes of land ownership and power struggles start to take over.  

Cole Hauser plays Rip Wheeler. As his character starts to emerge, viewers learn more about his backstory and complicated relationship with the Dutton family.

The audience learns of the lengths those around John Dutton will go to when he gives orders.  

"The Remembering" (Season 1, Episode 5)

This emotional episode brings everyone closer to Rip.  He reveals a lot of his past and the events that led him to the Yellowstone ranch.  Viewers learn of his abusive childhood and the reasons behind his bond with John Dutton.

Cole Hauser provides an exceptional performance and adds depth to the character of Rip. Initially, both Hauser and Taylor Sheridan, the show's creator, thought that fans would hate the character, but they were wrong. People could relate to his story, and he is actually one of the most loved of the entire crew.

Women seem to be drawn to his masculinity and "bad boy" character. His softer, loyal side, which he shows Beth, is also a draw to fans.

"Sins of the Father" (Season 2, Episode 10)

The season two finale was packed with drama, including a major cliffhanger, which left viewers eagerly anticipating the next season.  

John Dutton summed up the drama of the episode by saying, "This is gonna be the end of us. But, we're gonna do it, anyway."

With John's grandson missing, there is no length the family won't go to for revenge and to get him back.  At this point in the series, the Beck brothers have become hated by all, but no one hates them more than the Duttons.  

The dynamics of the family continue to get more complicated and yet also tighter.

"Cowboys and Dreamers" (Season 3, Episode 5)

Finally viewers are let into the real dynamic behind the toxic relationship between Beth and Jamie.  Some real revelations occur in this episode that reveal several underlying story struggles.

Throughout the entire time, Thomas Rainwater has been made out to be a bad guy who is against the Duttons. In this episode, new alliances seem to be made, and the storyline changes.

Questionable decisions are made for all the "right" reasons and more of the complicated storyline emerges.

"Grass On the Streets and Weeds On the Rooftops" (Season 4, Episode 10)

Beth kidnaps a preacher to marry her and Rip in an impromptu backyard wedding ceremony. Before the wedding ensues, though, Beth has other plans for her hated brother Jamie.  When the plans are carried out, she leaves him at her mercy.

Beth continues to be the strong, take-no-prisoners character everyone loves to hate.  She gets fired from Market Equities and the scene plays out into a vengeful monologue from her boss, but Beth doesn't seem bothered.

Fans are satisfied with some happiness when Beth and Rip actually get married on the ranch.

Jamie is forced to choose between his biological father and the man who has taken care of him his whole life.  Beth has a bit of a role here, too (shocking, I'm sure).