As Yellowstone barrels toward its Season 5 finale, fans and cast alike are grappling with the bittersweet reality that this chapter in the Dutton family saga might mark the end of an era. Luke Grimes, who has embodied the quiet strength and emotional complexity of Kayce Dutton since the series’ debut, recently opened up about his reaction to reading the script for the show’s potentially final episode—and it’s as raw and heartfelt as fans might expect.
A Reluctant Goodbye
For Grimes, approaching the script for the finale wasn’t an easy task. Knowing that the episode could be the last time he steps into Kayce’s boots, the actor delayed reading it until the very last moment. “I mean, it’s the end — the end-end,” Grimes shared in a recent interview. “I had no idea how the show was going to wrap up, and I wanted to save reading that episode for the very last second.”
This hesitation reflects the deep connection Grimes has to both the character of Kayce and the world of Yellowstone. Over the years, Kayce’s journey—from a reluctant rancher caught between loyalty to his family and his own moral compass to a devoted father navigating life’s toughest challenges—has been one of the show’s most compelling arcs.
Family Feuds Reach a Boiling Point
Season 5 has already set the stage for an explosive finale, with tensions between Kayce, his sister Beth (Kelly Reilly), and their estranged brother Jamie (Wes Bentley) reaching an all-time high. Following the murder of patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner)—a shocking twist that has sent shockwaves through the Dutton family—Kayce is determined to uncover the truth and hold the guilty party accountable.
Beth, ever the fiercely loyal and vengeful daughter, is convinced that Jamie is the culprit. As viewers know, their sibling rivalry has been nothing short of volcanic, with years of betrayal and resentment bubbling just below the surface. Whether or not Kayce agrees with Beth’s suspicions, it’s clear that the finale will put the family’s fractured relationships to the ultimate test.
An Emotional Rollercoaster
When Grimes finally did sit down to read the script, the impact was profound. “I was a mess,” he admitted. “It’s beautiful. It’s profound. It’s heartbreaking.” His words hint at a finale that will deliver the emotional depth and gravitas fans have come to expect from Taylor Sheridan’s writing.
While Grimes didn’t reveal specifics about the finale’s plot, his reaction suggests that the show’s conclusion will honor the emotional journey of its characters while staying true to the series’ themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the unrelenting pull of family ties.
The Fate of Jamie Dutton
Much of the speculation surrounding the finale centers on Jamie Dutton, the adopted son and perennial outsider who has long been at odds with his siblings. Beth’s vendetta against Jamie has fueled some of the series’ most explosive moments, and as the finale approaches, many fans are wondering if Jamie will meet his end—and, if so, who will deliver the final blow.
Beth has certainly made it clear that she wants Jamie gone, but Kayce’s role in the unfolding drama could complicate matters. As someone who has always tried to balance loyalty to his family with his own sense of justice, Kayce may be forced to make an impossible choice. And then there’s Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser), Beth’s fiercely protective husband, who has his own reasons for wanting to see Jamie punished.
Regardless of who pulls the proverbial trigger, the fallout is sure to be devastating for the Dutton family and the legacy they’ve fought so hard to protect.
A Finale Worth the Wait
Despite the heartbreak that comes with saying goodbye to Yellowstone, Grimes is confident that fans will find closure in the show’s final moments. “They won’t feel like they’ve wasted their time for the past six years,” he said. This reassurance speaks to the care and thoughtfulness that has gone into crafting a finale that honors the series’ rich storytelling and deeply layered characters.
For fans, the anticipation is bittersweet. Over the years, Yellowstone has become more than just a TV show—it’s a cultural phenomenon that has brought audiences together with its sweeping vistas, intense drama, and unforgettable characters. The possibility that the finale could truly be “the end-end” adds an extra layer of poignancy to the experience.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy of Yellowstone
As viewers prepare to say farewell to the Duttons, the impact of Yellowstone is undeniable. The show has redefined modern Western storytelling, blending high-stakes drama with themes of family, loyalty, and the fight for survival in a changing world.
Whether or not the series continues in some form—through spin-offs like 1923 and 1883 or new projects from creator Taylor Sheridan—there’s no doubt that Yellowstone has left an indelible mark on television.
In the meantime, fans can only wait and speculate about how the series will conclude. Will Kayce, Beth, and Rip find a way to protect the ranch and honor their father’s legacy? Or will the fractures within the family prove irreparable? One thing is certain: the journey to Yellowstone’s finale will be as unforgettable as the show itself.
