Episode 11 of Season 5, Three Fifty-Three, marks the midpoint of the final six episodes in the second half of the season. Assuming the rumors that Season 6 may happen aren’t true, Taylor Sheridan has just three episodes left to bring Yellowstone to a satisfying conclusion. While the last two episodes leaned heavily on flashbacks, this installment largely stays grounded in the present, a refreshing shift that helps refocus the narrative after a somewhat meandering stretch. Three Fifty-Three premiered on the Paramount Network on Sunday, November 24. Read on for a recap and my thoughts on this pivotal episode.

Warning: The following review and recap contains spoilers from Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 11 “Three Fifty-Three”

YELLOWSTONE RETURNS TO FORM

To be honest, while I’ve still enjoyed them, the last two episodes of Yellowstone felt a bit disjointed due to their reliance on time jumps. Episode 11, however, makes a notable improvement, with only a brief flashback in the opening scenes before staying firmly rooted in the present. Having watched the last three episodes, I can’t help but wonder if presenting events in chronological order would have been a better approach, avoiding the narrative disruption caused by the time jumps. That said, I understand the challenge Taylor Sheridan faced in resolving the John Dutton storyline quickly, given the circumstances.

Three Fifty-Three is, without a doubt, the strongest episode of the second half of the season so far. Its opening moments finally shed light on what really happened to John Dutton. It confirms what fans already knew: John didn’t commit suicide but was murdered in a contract killing orchestrated by Sarah Atwood. While the reveal is satisfying, it’s a bit disappointing to learn that John was attacked in his sleep and killed while still in his pajamas, unable to put up a fight. Given John’s legendary grit, fans likely would have preferred to see him go out with his boots on. Unfortunately, due to the scheduling challenges with Kevin Costner, that wasn’t in the cards.

THE TRAIN IS BACK ON THE TRACK

After the opening credits, we dive into some strong moments for Kayce (Luke Grimes), setting the stage for his potential evolution in the episodes ahead. Much of Kayce’s recent arc in the series has centered on his relationship with Monica, sidelining him from the larger Dutton family drama. However, with his Navy SEAL background, he now seems uniquely positioned to tackle the fallout of his father’s murder. His persistence with the Medical Examiner leads to John’s death being ruled a homicide—a pivotal turn that puts the Duttons, their allies, and their enemies on a direct collision course.

Yellowstone

Regardless of the circumstances, the death of John has repercussions for the Duttons and the state of Montana. This episode introduces us to the Lt. Governor who quickly reverses the mandates that John made to help protect the ranch. Even going so far as to declare eminent domain and order Jamie to recuse himself from anything to do with the legal proceedings involving the ranch. Through the years, this might be the biggest threat the ranch has seen. Beth (Kelly Riley) seems to be running short on ideas to save the ranch, but it wouldn’t be Beth’s style to not try to come up with something. I can’t imagine Sherdian will let Beth go out with a whimper instead of a fight. Of course, time will tell what ultimately becomes of the family ranch, but things certainly look dire at the moment.

THE FIRST DOMINOE FALLS

Jamie (Wes Bentley) continues to be the character Yellowstone fans love to hate, and this episode offers a masterclass in Bentley’s portrayal. Shifting seamlessly between arrogance, shock, anger, and grief, he delivers some of his most compelling work to date. The final moments of this episode pack a punch, delivering a shocking moment that feels like the tipping point as the remaining dominoes begin to fall. The unexpected death of Sarah Atwood, mid-conversation with Jamie no less, is a jaw-dropper.

Most fans, including me, assumed Beth would have a part to play in the end of Atwood, but Sheridan threw us all a curve ball. It is one of the most startling moments the series has delivered in some time. It’s clear her killers are the same group she enlisted to take out John, raising the stakes for Jamie as may be considered a loose thread. The question now is how he will navigate this escalating threat, both from this shadowy organization and his own family.

Yellowstone
Yellowstone

This episode feels like a return to form for Yellowstone putting the train back on the track. Reigniting the tension and high-stakes drama fans have come to expect.

YELLOWSTONE SEASON 1-5 RECAP

If you need a bit of a refresher on the series to this point, Paramount has released this recap.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Sound off and tell us what you think. What did you think about the latest episode of Yellowstone? Also, what are your predictions for the series finale?

You can share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment below or finding me online @TheIndianaSlone. And be sure to stay up to date on your Entertainment and Pop Culture News by following us at ThatHashtagShow.com.

KEEP READING

‘Landman’ New Trailer Out For Taylor Sheridan’s Texas Oil Drama Series