‘Yellowstone’ Gets Busy

Grade: B-

In the penultimate episode of Season 5 of Yellowstone, there is sorrow and pain, levity and surprise, and a satisfying if not discombobulating ending. One of the best scenes comes of course from Mrs. Beth (Kelly Reilly) Wheeler neé Dutton. She explains to her husband the way of business on the ranch. With her breakdown of the leasing issue and tax concerns, she explains the system. Rip (Cole Hauser) retorts with what Beth calls a “pipe dream.”

The memories of Colby (Denim Richards) and John Dutton (Kevin Costner) never fade as the officiant at the auction respects both of them. Teeter (Jennifer Landon) grieves the entire episode save for a venture at one of the new-age, transplant and touristy bars Beth takes her to later in the episode. She still mourns despite the gesture.

The star of the show is of course showrunner Taylor Sheridan as haughty Travis, who has appeared in previous episodes but not with this much flair and excitement. He started out in the entertainment business as an actor and though he is a gifted writer and director and producer, he serves up much needed laughs to balance the darker parts of the episode.

Scenes with the horses and their riders performing specific acts to enthrall the crowd seem disorienting, though. It’s all sizzle and with a bit of steak but not enough meat to eat off the bone. Mainly, the idea is to showcase the reality of the machinations of the ranch and the importance of keeping business smart, strong, and understood.

It’s tough to follow at times but what is straightforward is the game of strip poker that Beth engages in only with Travis. She removes her boots before realizing the whole thing is a ruse. This is one of the few times where Beth ever gets duped. It’s another sprinkling of lightness as Sheridan makes clear he can balance the mood of the project. What creates a problem is the mixture of emotion and notions of enterprise. There seems to be a disconnect with the entirety of the episode. It seems at odds with itself.

Kayce (Luke Grimes) seems to still be focused and ready to eliminate the men responsible for his father’s slaying. This is where the show gets its intrigue. Kayce carries the burden of the show with his no-nonsense and loyal disposition.

Jamie (Wes Bentley) is a complete trainwreck. He gets worse and worse as his character devolves and unravels. It is a wonder to witness such a display and Bentley plays the character with such equal measures of disgustingness and patheticness. His whole scheme is not totally explored here as Mr. Sheridan writes about horse maneuvers and cheering crowds mostly.

What keeps on paying dividends is the business side of the entire story. It powers the narrative and makes for excitement. With all of the hoopla of the shows of the multi-million-dollar horses, it must be remembered that the cattle and the land as well must all be accounted.

In all, the episode is still packed with laughs despite the somber tones. When Teeter gets up and confronts one of the patrons, she steps on the gas a bit much and Beth has to corral her. To be like a best friend and take her out of the situation of the rank is big of Beth. It shows her strength as someone who bears the fruits of a sassy and savvy lady.

Objective observations:

Taylor Sheridan flexes his muscles for the audience and he makes sure the camera picks up on the fact he’s been creating shows while going to the gym.

Can Monica (Kelsey Asbille) please get more screen time? She truly anchors the whole show.