Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 certainly had its ups and downs. The news of Kevin Costner leaving the show sparked intense speculation, and many fans had high hopes for how Yellowstone would wrap up its neo-Western saga. However, as the season unfolded, there were a fair share of disappointments—questionable narrative choices, unexpected twists, and a shift in focus that didn’t sit well with many viewers. But, as with any show that has been as groundbreaking as Yellowstone, there were still several key moments and decisions that Season 5, Part 2 handled remarkably well.
Despite the mixed reception, the series finale managed to land several important notes that, if nothing else, served to honor the legacy of the Dutton family and their tumultuous journey. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 10 things Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 actually got right, including moments of closure, character development, and poignant storylines that ultimately helped wrap up the saga in a satisfying way.
1. John Dutton’s Exit Was Handled with Care
The question on everyone’s mind when Kevin Costner left Yellowstone was how the show would handle John Dutton’s departure. The decision to kill off the character rather than write him out in some other way was bold, but it worked. His death was treated with the gravity it deserved, setting the stage for the emotional weight of the remaining episodes. The reveal of his apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound was shocking and, at first glance, seemed like a fitting end for the man who had shouldered so much of the Dutton legacy. However, as Beth and Kayce quickly deduced, this wasn’t as simple as it appeared—leading to an investigation that brought more depth to the storyline.
John Dutton’s death set the stage for the central mystery of the final episodes, and it gave his children—particularly Beth and Kayce—clear motivations for the rest of the season. While this plot could have easily veered into melodrama, the writers kept it grounded in the character’s history, making it a believable and fitting way to end his arc.
2. Beth and Kayce’s Search for the Truth Was Compelling
One of the most interesting dynamics in Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 was the bond between Beth Dutton and Kayce Dutton as they embarked on their mission to uncover the truth behind their father’s death. In the early episodes, the two characters have often been at odds, with their differing personalities and approaches to life creating tension. However, in the final season, they come together to uncover what happened to John, putting their differences aside for the greater good.
Their search for justice allowed both characters to evolve, and it was rewarding to see them work together as allies. This partnership felt like a full-circle moment for Kayce and Beth, and it helped anchor the season in a way that focused on the family’s legacy rather than distractions like the 6666 Ranch or unnecessary flashbacks. This storyline added an emotional depth that fans appreciated, especially given the complexities of both characters.
3. The Show’s Ability to Deliver Gripping Drama
Despite some pacing issues and questionable subplots, Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 still managed to deliver moments of high-stakes drama. The show has always thrived on tension, and even as the final season stumbled in some areas, it didn’t lose that core element. Whether it was a confrontation with one of the Dutton family’s many enemies or a moment of deep personal reflection for a key character, Yellowstone never completely lost its ability to draw viewers in with its suspenseful moments.
The final season’s drama was particularly effective when it honed in on the personal relationships that mattered most—those between the Dutton family members. As Beth, Kayce, and the others navigated the fallout of John’s death, the emotional stakes were raised, reminding us why we’ve all been so invested in these characters for years. This element of gripping, emotionally-charged drama continued to be a highlight of the show.
4. The Dutton Family’s Legacy Was Honored
Yellowstone has always been a show about legacy, and while the final season did take a few detours, it ultimately honored the legacy of the Dutton family in the way it should have. From John Dutton’s final moments to the choices made by his children, the theme of family legacy was prevalent throughout the season. The ending reminded fans of the significance of the Yellowstone Ranch and the Duttons’ role in its survival. It didn’t just wrap up the storylines but also gave a respectful nod to what had come before.
In the series finale, we saw that despite the death of the patriarch, the Dutton family was still very much in control of their destiny. The preservation of the ranch and the family’s place in Montana was secured, reinforcing the idea that legacies—whether they’re built on land or blood—are not easily erased.
5. The Final Showdown Was Satisfying
A good series finale needs a solid payoff, and while not all fans were thrilled with the pacing or certain storylines in Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2, the final showdown delivered on the action front. The final confrontations—whether they were with rival ranchers, corrupt politicians, or personal foes—kept things intense and brought a satisfying sense of resolution.
There was a sense that the Duttons had finally come full circle, and the series brought the necessary action to ensure that the stakes felt real. The final scenes, while leaving some questions unanswered, also gave fans the closure they needed without feeling overly neat or forced.
6. Character Arcs Were Wrapped Up Neatly
In a series like Yellowstone, the characters are what make the show unforgettable. Fortunately, Season 5, Part 2 was able to bring many of the central characters’ arcs to a conclusion that felt true to who they were. While the show’s ending didn’t offer perfect closure for every single character, the main figures received resolutions that aligned with their journeys.
For example, Beth’s arc, which has been one of the most volatile, was wrapped up in a way that highlighted her growth. From her destructive tendencies to her eventual realization of the cost of her actions, Beth’s evolution was one of the most satisfying character developments in the show. Similarly, Kayce’s evolution—from a troubled, lost soul to someone who steps up to protect his family—felt earned and rewarding.
7. The Western Feel Was Maintained
One of the key elements that fans have loved about Yellowstone is its authentic Western feel. In the final season, despite some plot missteps, the show maintained its Western roots. The breathtaking Montana landscapes, the cowboy culture, and the ranching life remained an integral part of the show’s atmosphere. The inclusion of the 6666 Ranch in Texas did take things off-course momentarily, but the show returned to its core values—sprawling ranches, horseback riding, and epic landscapes—in the final episodes. This was a nod to what made the series so iconic in the first place.
8. Taylor Sheridan’s Writing Still Shone Through
While the final season saw some missteps, one thing that remained consistent was Taylor Sheridan’s writing. Even in the face of challenges, Sheridan’s ability to craft sharp dialogue and compelling character moments continued to be a driving force. Whether it was a quiet conversation between family members or a tense standoff between enemies, the writing remained one of the strongest aspects of the season. Sheridan’s knack for creating unforgettable characters and memorable moments shone through in the finale.
9. The Show Didn’t Forget Its Roots
Despite branching out into different territories and exploring new characters in Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 never completely lost sight of its roots. The show still felt like the series we fell in love with all those years ago—gritty, intense, and full of the emotional turmoil that makes Yellowstone so addictive. As the Dutton family dealt with betrayal, love, and loss, the show remained true to the themes that have always been at its heart.
10. A Satisfying Conclusion for Fans
Ultimately, what Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 got right was the ability to give fans a sense of closure. It wasn’t a perfect ending, and it wasn’t without its flaws, but the show managed to tie up enough loose ends to leave viewers feeling that the Dutton family’s saga had been brought to a fitting conclusion. The final moments felt earned, and the emotional weight of the Dutton family’s journey was palpable.
Conclusion: A Mixed Bag, but a Fitting End
Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 wasn’t without its flaws, but it also delivered several key moments that reminded us why we fell in love with the show in the first place. From the gripping drama to the satisfying conclusion of character arcs, the final season provided enough closure and emotional depth to make it a memorable end to a legendary saga. While it may not have been perfect, it gave the Duttons and their legacy the respect and gravity they deserved.
