With only so many episodes left before Yellowstone reaches its end, season 5, episode 10 does little to advance the show’s final story, wasting precious time with flashbacks. At least, the scenes in question appear to be flashbacks. Taylor Sheridan’s widely popular neo-Western drama is set to conclude following its fifth season finale (unless the reports about Yellowstone season 6 are true). So, it stands to reason that every second counts, but one wouldn’t be able to tell while watching “The Apocalypse of Change.”
Of course, the second episode of Yellowstone season 5, part 2 isn’t all bad. The hour contains a couple of intriguing moments important to the story and character development moving forward, especially concerning Kayce (and somewhat Beth and Jamie). Ultimately, though, Yellowstone episode 10 is mostly a snoozefest with only a handful of seemingly significant scenes.
The First Half Of Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 10 Is Confusing
The Story’s Timeline Isn’t Clear
When Yellowstone season 5, episode 10 opens, we’re taken back to Rip and the other ranch hands’ transport of the cattle and horses to Texas (more specifically, the Four Sixes Ranch). At first, it’s unclear when this scene with Teeter and the rattlesnake occurs. Is it a flashback, or is Rip back on the road for some reason? As time goes on, the confusion disappears slightly, especially when Beth arrives to surprise her husband and doesn’t mention John’s death or seem all that distraught. However, it takes almost 20 minutes to reach that conclusion, making the episode’s first half confusing.
| Yellowstone Season 5 Episode # | Episode Title | Director | Writer | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | “Desire Is All You Need” | Christina Alexandra Voros | Taylor Sheridan | November 10, 2024 |
| 10 | “The Apocalypse of Change” | Christina Alexandra Voros | Taylor Sheridan | November 17, 2024 |
| 11 | “Three Fifty-Three” | TBA | Taylor Sheridan | November 24, 2024 |
| 12 | TBA | TBA | Taylor Sheridan | December 1, 2024 |
| 13 | TBA | TBA | Taylor Sheridan | December 8, 2024 |
| 14 | TBA | TBA | Taylor Sheridan | December 15, 2024 |
It would have been easy for the Yellowstone editors to add a “one month ago” disclaimer at the episode’s beginning or a “one month later” when returning to the present day. Instead, we’re left to fend for ourselves. We need to know an episode’s timeline early on, otherwise we’re less focused on the scenes and their meaning and spend more time trying to figure out when they take place in the episode.
Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 10 Fails To Progress The Story
Fans Can Skip “The Apocalypse Of Change”
Not only is the timeline puzzling in episode 10, but the first half is also unnecessary. The divisive Yellowstone season 5, part 2 flashbacks don’t advance the show’s story at all. Yes, perhaps the rattlesnakes and Beth and Rip’s rendezvous in Texas are symbolic of what’s happening back in Montana. However, taking that much time to present metaphors and symbols is just a waste of time, especially when only four more episodes remain after “The Apocalypse of Change.”
Plus, many will be trying to understand the hour’s timeline instead of dissecting the meaning behind the rattlesnakes or Beth and Rip’s date. The first half of “The Apocalypse of Change” might make more sense on a second watch. But for now, the flashbacks are just getting in the way of progressing the impending war between Beth and Jamie. With the end of Yellowstone around the corner, every second is precious.
What Worked In Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 10
The Episode Made The Best Of Kayce’s Screentime
Although the first quarter is frustrating and confusing, the hour’s second half contains some important scenes. “The Apocalypse of Change” wraps up Summer’s story, which is necessary, but it’s also good that the episode doesn’t focus too much on the minor character. The episode also gives Beth confirmation that Jamie and Sarah are behind John’s death. Now, the real war between the Dutton siblings can begin. However, the most memorable part of episode 10 concerns Kayce.
Yellowstone season 5, episode 10 can be skipped as its rare important moments can be easily recapped in episode 11’s “previously on” segment.
Kayce has always been the most passive of the Dutton siblings. With his father gone, though, Kayce is ready to take action and be by Beth’s side when she takes on Jamie. The scene between Kayce and Tate is also significant as Kayce gives his son a choice regarding his future. Their conversation led me to believe that Tate (and likely Kayce) won’t take charge of the Yellowstone Ranch, leaving the responsibility in Beth and Rip’s hands. Nevertheless, Yellowstone season 5, episode 10 can be skipped as its rare important moments can be easily recapped in episode 11’s “previously on” segment.
