Introduction: The Love-Hate Relationship with Rip Wheeler
For years, Rip Wheeler (played by Cole Hauser) has been one of the most beloved characters on Yellowstone. He’s rugged, loyal, and fiercely protective of the Dutton family, especially Beth. But as the show nears its conclusion, fans are beginning to reevaluate his character, with many admitting that they now “can’t stand” him. Rip’s behavior has been under the microscope, especially following his treatment of certain characters like Carter, a young boy who joins the ranch. As fans gear up for the finale, the questions surrounding Rip’s morality and his place in the Yellowstone universe have become hot topics of debate.
Some fans continue to praise Rip for his tough but honorable personality, while others feel that his actions—especially his aggressive behavior and questionable moral decisions—can no longer be ignored. So, what is it about Rip that has caused such division among viewers? Let’s dive into the character of Rip Wheeler and explore why some fans are now finding him hard to love.
Rip Wheeler: A Tough Guy with a Soft Side… or a Bully?
When Rip Wheeler first appeared on Yellowstone, many fans were immediately drawn to his no-nonsense attitude and rough-around-the-edges charm. As Beth Dutton’s fiercely loyal partner, Rip quickly became one of the fan favorites, with many viewers seeing him as the ultimate cowboy hero. His rugged persona and his unwavering loyalty to the Dutton family were characteristics that many admired. However, as the series has progressed, Rip’s darker side has started to come to light, leading to a shift in how some fans view him.
Rip’s Loyalty: Admirable or Blind?
One of Rip’s most defining traits is his unwavering loyalty to John Dutton (Kevin Costner). Over the course of the series, Rip has been willing to do anything for the Dutton family, even resorting to violence when necessary. While loyalty can be a virtue, Rip’s blind devotion to John has often led him to make questionable choices. His actions have sparked heated debates among viewers, especially in scenes where Rip’s loyalty overrides common sense or morality.
For example, Rip’s role in handling situations at the ranch—whether it’s dealing with trespassers or helping to cover up violent acts—raises concerns about his ethics. While Rip certainly has a sense of honor and a commitment to protecting his family, some fans argue that his loyalty can blind him to what is right, making him more of a liability than a hero. Rip’s extreme loyalty to John, for instance, has made him seem far more interested in pleasing his boss than in making rational, moral decisions.
The Bully Problem: Rip’s Treatment of Carter
One of the most talked-about aspects of Rip’s character in recent episodes is his harsh treatment of Carter (played by Finn Little), the young boy who comes to the ranch after losing his parents. Many fans have expressed their frustration with Rip’s behavior towards Carter, particularly in the early episodes when Rip is shown bullying the boy and treating him as little more than a pawn.
One fan on Reddit explained their displeasure with Rip, stating:
“Rip came to the ranch under very similar circumstances, and John took him in, trained him, and treated him like a son. But the way Rip (and even Beth) treat this kid, who just lost everything and needs guidance, is despicable.”
For many fans, Rip’s treatment of Carter was unforgivable. Despite having been taken in by John Dutton under similar circumstances, Rip showed no empathy for Carter’s situation and instead bullied him. This behavior has left a bad taste in the mouths of some viewers, with many feeling that Rip’s actions reflect a troubling side of his character that can no longer be ignored.
Beth and Rip: A Toxic Relationship?
While Rip’s character has always been intertwined with Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly), their relationship has also been a point of contention for many viewers. On the one hand, Rip and Beth have undeniable chemistry, and their relationship has been central to the storyline for much of the series. However, some fans argue that their relationship is toxic and that Rip’s treatment of Beth—along with Beth’s own actions—has started to overshadow the once-beloved couple.
Rip and Beth share a tumultuous relationship, with moments of love and passion, but also intense volatility. Rip’s protective nature and Beth’s fiery personality have created an explosive dynamic, but it’s clear that their relationship is far from perfect. Many fans feel that Rip enables some of Beth’s worst traits, including her manipulative behavior and her tendency to resort to violence when things don’t go her way.
While their relationship is complex and multi-dimensional, Rip’s role in enabling Beth’s darker side has made some fans reevaluate their feelings for him. It’s clear that Rip’s loyalty to Beth is unshakeable, but his willingness to overlook her flaws and destructive behavior may be one of the reasons viewers have started to feel uncomfortable with his character.
Is Rip Really a Hero?
As Yellowstone heads toward its dramatic conclusion, the question of whether Rip is truly a hero remains up for debate. Many fans who initially loved Rip’s rugged, cowboy charm have started to see him as a morally ambiguous character at best, and a downright bully at worst.
Fans on Reddit have expressed their frustrations with Rip, arguing that his rough treatment of others—whether it’s his treatment of Carter or his blind loyalty to John—makes him a less sympathetic character than he once was. Some fans admit that they can no longer overlook his sins, while others defend him, pointing to his loyalty and moments of kindness as proof that he is still a hero at heart.
One fan admitted:
“There’s some charm to him, I guess. But there’s no denying that the guy is a murdering piece of garbage.”
For others, Rip’s violent actions—especially his role in handling various situations on the ranch—seem to tarnish his character irreparably. Despite his moments of kindness and protection towards Beth and others, some fans believe that Rip’s dark side outweighs his good intentions.
Conclusion: Is Rip Redeemable?
Rip Wheeler’s character arc has evolved over the course of Yellowstone, and as the show nears its end, fans are left to grapple with their feelings towards him. Some continue to support Rip, citing his loyalty and moments of tenderness as proof that he is a complex character who deserves redemption. Others, however, are unable to overlook his faults, including his aggressive behavior and moral lapses, and feel that his actions have made him a less-than-heroic figure.
As the Dutton family’s story reaches its final chapters, Rip’s future—and whether he will be redeemed in the eyes of fans—remains uncertain. One thing is clear: Rip Wheeler is a character that viewers love to hate, and his complicated personality will continue to spark debates long after the series concludes.
