7 Years Ago, Yellowstone Released the Best Episode of the Entire Show
Seven years ago, Yellowstone took a massive leap with an episode that still resonates with fans today. While many people point to big finales and explosive moments, the episode that truly made everyone stop and watch? The season one two-part finale, famously known as “The Unraveling.”
Let’s unpack why this episode remains the benchmark—and why it’s still talked about long after the Duttons made history.
Why “The Unraveling” Still Reigns Supreme
When Yellowstone wrapped up its first season, viewers had no idea they were being handed a masterpiece. The two-part installment dives deep into character backstories and delivers emotional payoffs that shaped the show’s DNA.
This wasn’t just another tense cliffhanger. It was the moment the story found its soul.
The Turning Point for Rip Wheeler
Before this episode, Rip was a brooding enigma. Here, we finally learn why he’s so loyal to John Dutton—and what scars drove him there. His backstory hits hard, adding nuance to his silent strength. You can’t watch Rip the same way again after this.
Kayce and Monica Finally Shine
They arrive struggling—Kayce unsure of his place, Monica processing her trauma. But in this episode, we watch them lean on each other, step forward together, and take control. That quiet transformation hits home and cements them as more than just supporting characters.
John Dutton Starts Showing His Depth
Kevin Costner’s portrayal becomes sharper here. John isn’t just the stubborn patriarch—he’s a man with regrets, fear, and fragile hope. The finale shows flashes of what’s beneath his steely exterior—and it’s beautiful.
A Story That Fireflies and Gunshots Built
This episode doesn’t rely on big shootouts. Instead, it builds tension through subtle moments: eyes that shift, memories that haunt, decisions that weigh heavy. It’s cinematic storytelling—layered, restrained, full of meaning.
That mood set the tone for every season that followed.
What the Fans Say Today
Reddit discussions still circle back to it. Many say it was the moment Yellowstone stopped feeling like a TV drama and started feeling like an event.
“S1E8-9 was definitely the peak of the show,” wrote one viewer—“not so much because of action, but because we felt the characters grow.”
That emotional growth is what keeps it evergreen.
How It Compares to Later Blockbusters
Yes, episodes like season two’s Resurrection Day (Beth gets brutalized, Rip rides in to save her) and season four’s premiere Half the Money delivered BIG spectacle. Those are fan favorites. But “The Unraveling” was smarter, richer, quieter.
It was character-driven suspense.
The Legacy of the Two-Part Finale
This episode confirmed Yellowstone wasn’t just about guns and land grabs—it was about people. Broken, haunted, loving people doing their best in a brutal world.
It set the blueprint for future seasons, reminding audiences: you can have over-the-top violence and still care about the characters.
Where to Rewatch It
If you’re re-binging the series, treat episodes eight and nine of season one as the emotional cornerstone. They feel fresh no matter how many times you revisit them.
Still the Best? That’s Up to You
Some will argue a later episode beats it—and that’s fair. This show gave us jaw-dropping finales and raw-packed cliffhangers. But for deep emotional grounding, few episodes deliver like “The Unraveling.”
Conclusion
Seven years on, Yellowstone’s season one finale stands tall as the show’s greatest moment. It takes raw, unspoken pain and transforms it into storytelling that lingers. A character-defining masterpiece that proved this series wasn’t just sensational—it was substantial.
FAQs
1. Why is “The Unraveling” considered Yellowstone’s best episode?
It’s where the main characters’ backstories truly come alive, with emotional depth and resonance that shaped the series.
2. Wasn’t Resurrection Day even more intense?
It was intense, yes—but more explosive. “The Unraveling” was quieter, more reflective—and many fans find that more powerful.
3. Should new viewers start with season one finale?
Absolutely. Watching the build-up makes those emotional reveals hit even harder.
4. Do critics agree it’s the top episode?
While some critics focus on later shockers, many acknowledge this two-parter as the emotional foundation that gave Yellowstone its reputation.
5. What makes an emotional episode stand out compared to action-packed ones?
It’s the moments that leave you feeling something real—like vulnerability, loss, or growth. The Unraveling delivers that in spades.
