Episode 12 of Yellowstone Season 5, Counting Coup, arrived with high expectations, especially after the previous episode set the stage for a frenetic, drama-filled homestretch. However, this installment leaned more toward filler than I had hoped. That’s not to say the episode was bad—it delivered some great character moments—but its pacing feels questionable with the series finale fast approaching. At this stage, every moment counts, and it’s hard not to wonder if this episode missed an opportunity to build more momentum. Keep reading for more thoughts on the latest episode.

Warning: The following review and recap contains spoilers from Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12 “Counting Coup”

AFTERMATH FROM LAST EPISODE

Following the shocking death of Sarah Atwood in the previous episode, this installment wastes no time picking up where things left off. The opening scene, set presumably several hours after her death, features Jamie and local police discussing the circumstances surrounding it. The police request to collect Sarah’s belongings, but the conversation quickly escalates when Jamie refuses. The detective’s veiled implication that Jamie might now be a suspect feels unnecessarily confrontational. Realistically, without a warrant, the police would have no grounds to expect access to the home of Montana’s Attorney General.

Surprisingly, this scene is the only glimpse of Jamie in the episode. I was eagerly waiting to see Jamie deal with the loss of Sarah and how he’d balance his grief with self-preservation. With just three episodes remaining, I expected much more attention on the fallout of Atwood’s death and its implications for Jamie’s increasingly precarious position. The lack of follow-up feels like a missed opportunity to build tension around his storyline. But there are still two episodes left that could remedy that.

AN UNEXPECTED DEATH AT YELLOWSTONE RANCH

This episode delivers yet another death—one that felt completely out of nowhere. However, in hindsight, the phone exchange between Teeter and Colby should have been a warning. After zero on-screen interaction between the two in the return episodes, we suddenly get a heartfelt “love you” moment. Unfortunately, as is often the case in TV, this spelled doom for their relationship.

Colby’s tragic death comes at the hooves of the unruly horse that has been mentioned in passing over the last few episodes. In a selfless act, Colby enters the stall to save Carter, who is trapped, but is brutally kicked multiple times by the horse. To say this death was unexpected would be an understatement. Colby hadn’t featured in any episodes during the second half of the season, only to reappear now for the sole purpose of being killed off.

Yellowstone

While his death provided emotional moments for Rip, Beth, and Carter, I couldn’t help but wonder if this storyline would have been better suited for an earlier season rather than in one of the final three episodes of the series. It felt like an odd choice at this late stage, with so much else in motion.

MEANWHILE IN TEXAS

It seems the Yellowstone cowboys’ time in Texas is wrapping up far sooner than expected. Rip places a call to Travis (Taylor Sheridan) to arrange the sale of the show horses, revealing that they’re trying to raise money quickly. During the call, Rip also shares the devastating news of John Dutton’s death. But admits he doesn’t have the heart to break the news to Jimmy. This hesitation from Rip, who is typically stoic and unflinching, is surprising but deeply telling. It reveals a crack in his emotional armor. An acknowledgment that the loss of John, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding the ranch’s future, has shaken the foundation of everything Rip has known since his youth.

From a storytelling perspective, it’s reassuring to see that the Texas crew—Walker, Teeter, Ryan, Jake, and Gator—will be heading back to Montana. I had concerns that these characters might fade into the background if they remained in Texas during the final stretch. Fortunately, it looks like they’ll all be back at the Dutton Ranch. Reuniting for what promises to be an emotional and dramatic conclusion to Yellowstone.

KAYCE AND WHAT’S NEXT FOR YELLOWSTONE

The episode’s ending delivered another surprising moment. Kayce, with help from a former military friend, tracks down the group responsible for his father’s murder. While his ability to locate them wasn’t unexpected—given his background and connections—the way he handled the situation was. Instead of seeking revenge, Kayce strikes a deal. The organization agrees not to target the Dutton family further, and in return, Kayce lets the matter rest. If this truly marks the end of the murder-for-hire subplot, it feels a bit hollow. Allowing the group to profit from John Dutton’s death and walk away unscathed doesn’t seem like the resolution fans were hopig for.

At this point, it’s difficult to predict where the story will go next—likely by design, as Sheridan keeps us guessing. It feels increasingly likely that the finale will focus less on action and more on strategic maneuvering and long-simmering conflicts. Jamie and Beth finale confontation that has been brewing for seasons is a given. But the future of the Dutton family and the ranch remains uncertain. With only two episodes left, Sheridan will need to pull out all the stops to deliver a conclusion worthy of the series’ legacy.

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.

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‘Yellowstone’ Season 5 Episode 11 – A Return to Form Raises The Stakes [Review]