![‘Yellowstone’ Season 5 Episode 13 – The Penultimate Episode Sets the Stage [Review]](https://thathashtagshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4ab81b38-2168-46ab-a7bc-beab2d435701-1280x640.jpg)
As the penultimate episode of Yellowstone, much was riding on Season 5, Episode 12, Give The World Away. Thankfully, this episode gets the series back on track as it heads toward the finale. The previous episode did little to advance the overarching narrative, with the abrupt and somewhat forced death of Colby feeling more like filler. However, this episode offers a welcome slight course correction, laying the groundwork for the series’ conclusion. While a few lingering threads remain unresolved, leaving me concerned they might not be addressed, this episode mostly succeeds in steering the story toward a satisfying finale. Even if there are still some unessary subplots making their way into the episode.
Warning: The following review and recap contains spoilers from Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 13 “Give The World Away”
WHAT HAPPENS IN TEXAS…
A significant portion of the episode centers on Beth (Kelly Reilly) making a last-minute trip to Texas to ensure Travis (Taylor Sheridan) doesn’t mishandle the sale of their show horses. While this detour doesn’t do much to advance the overarching plot, it does provide some entertaining moments. That said, it’s hard not to question the necessity of this side-trip at this late stage in the series. Under normal circumstances, every moment counts when wrapping up a show, but with Yellowstone facing an accelerated conclusion and only six episodes to tie everything together, the importance of each scene is amplified. Still, for sheer entertainment value, it’s hard to complain too much—though the urgency of the series’ endgame looms large.
…GOES BACK TO TEXAS
In what could be a hint at the future of the Yellowstone franchise, Beth is shown browsing ranch properties for sale during her flight to Texas. If her comment in Episode 10 about Texas’ lack of tourists being a major perk wasn’t clear enough, this scene certainly drives the point home. The implication is hard to miss: Rip, Beth, and possibly others may have a future in the Lone Star State.
This potential move ties back to the long-awaited 6666 spinoff, which was previously announced in 2021. Portions of Season 4 served as a setup for that spinoff, and Season 5B was originally intended to partially take place at the 6666 Ranch. However, since then, we’ve had the writers’ strike and Kevin Costner’s departure, clearly throwing a wrench into things. Given these breadcrumbs and plans Sheridan had, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Beth and Rip anchor a Teaxs-based series (whether 6666 or otherwise named). Characters like Jimmy, Walker, Teeter, Carter, and others could seamlessly transition into that storyline, keeping the Yellowstone legacy alive in a new setting.
YELLOWSTONE IS STILL A LITTLE LIGHT ON THE JAMIE
The lack of screen time for Jamie (Wes Bently) in the past two episodes remains puzzling. Leading up to Episode 12, the drama surrounding the adopted Dutton was escalating rapidly. After declaring eminent domain, the Lieutenant Governor announced that Jamie was to recuse himself from the legal proceedings concerning the Ranch. His girlfriend, the mastermind behind John Dutton’s murder, had just been killed. Beth delivered several slaps and a chilling threat to him in his office. All signs seemed to be pointing towards heavy doses of tension and maneuvering by Jamie.
Yet, despite all of this, Jamie’s presence in the last two episodes has been minimal. He’s seen briefly interacting with the police investigating Sarah Atwood’s death and in another short scene seeking advice from Christina, his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child. While there’s still one episode left to tie up loose ends and deliver a thrilling conclusion, it feels strange that such a pivotal character has taken a backseat during this crucial stretch of the series. That being said, the scene with Jamie and Christina, was fantastic. It was great seeing her again and laying out a plan for Jamie to get out of his predicament.
KAYCE HAS A PLAN FOR THE YELLOWSTONE
The episode’s biggest revelation comes in its final moments. While dancing with Monica to the Turnpike Troubadours, who make a surprise appearance as themselves performing at the ranch auction, Kayce hints at having a plan for the ranch but refuses to reveal it just yet. Later, we get a subtle clue when he discusses sales tax implications with Beth. While the details remain unclear, it seems we now have a glimpse of what the endgame might be.
If I had to speculate, Thomas Rainwater and the Confederated Tribes of Broken Rock appear to be the most likely candidates to take over the Yellowstone. Whoever takes over the ranch would need the resources to handle its substantial taxes and upkeep. The Tribe, with its casino and steady revenue stream, would be in a strong position to do so. They could also work to protect the land from development, particularly the oil pipeline they’ve long opposed.
This theory gains further weight from a key detail mentioned in 1883, the Yellowstone prequel. It was said that the Dutton family could settle the land, but after seven generations, it would be reclaimed. Tate, Kayce’s son, represents the seventh generation and has a direct connection to the Tribe through his mother, Monica. It feels intentional that Taylor Sheridan included this dialogue in 1883, potentially foreshadowing this eventual resolution.
With only one episode left, we’ll soon find out what lies ahead for Yellowstone and the characters we’ve come to love—and sometimes love to hate.
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