We all know how emotional Yellowstone can make us. While the plot keeps us on the edge of our seats, there are moments in the show that make us hold our breath, bring tears to our eyes, and genuinely touch our hearts.
1. John’s Final Ride with His Dad
It’s a beautiful, yet heart-wrenching scene. John and his dad, John Sr., go out for a ride. But as they soak in the beauty of the ranch, we’re hit with the realization that this is their final moment together.
John Sr.’s admission of what he misses — his youth, the innocence in the eyes of the young, his wife, and John’s brother — paints a melancholic picture. The scene is so poignant, especially when he admits that he misses all this more than he thought.
And in the midst of it all, John Sr. entrusts his son with the legacy of the ranch. The weight of that promise hangs heavily over John as we move through the series.
2. Beth’s Heartbreaking Secret
Beth Dutton is a force to be reckoned with, but even the toughest characters have their vulnerable moments. The big revelation about her past was a complete gut-punch. She is young and pregnant with Rip’s child, and her brother Jamie takes her to a clinic, only for her to unwittingly undergo a hysterectomy.
This wasn’t just about Beth’s personal loss, but it shed light on the disturbing reality of forced sterilizations. It also deepened the rift between Beth and Jamie, coloring our understanding of their relationship for the rest of the series.
3. Lee’s Unexpected Departure
Sometimes, the characters we grow attached to leave us all too soon. Lee Dutton was that character. With his ever-present smile and love for the ranch, Lee seemed almost invincible in the world of Yellowstone. Yet, the shocking turn of events leading to his death left us heartbroken.
The clash between the Duttons and the Standing Rock tribe culminates in a tragic encounter, resulting in Lee’s death. The scene where Kayce comes home, carrying his lifeless brother on his horse, hits like a ton of bricks. This tragic beginning sets the tone for the intricate web of relationships, alliances, and betrayals that follow in the series.