Only six episodes remain in Yellowstone, meaning that Beth and Jamie Dutton’s ongoing feud will finally come to an end in season 5, part 2, and the winner is quite obvious. The Paramount Network’s neo-Western drama TV series, created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, premiered in June 2018 and has been a massive success. Yellowstone launched a franchise, which includes two released spinoffs and three others in the works. However, the story that started it all is set to conclude in Yellowstone season 5, part 2, and viewers will finally get answers concerning Beth and Jamie’s war.
Of course, the final episodes of Yellowstone season 5, part 2 must also address Kevin Costner’s exit as John Dutton III. The actor, who has been with the show since the beginning, left following the season 5, part 1 finale. So, Sheridan and co. had to figure out how the ending could work without Costner. Thankfully, Yellowstone has plenty of other characters, most of whom have rich storylines, like Beth and Jamie.
Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2’s Dutton Family War Explained: Beth Vs. Jamie
Why Beth & Jamie Have Been Feuding For Years
Neither Beth nor Jamie has been shy about their hatred or desire to kill one another in Yellowstone, and their feud can be traced back to their childhood. When Beth was a teenager, she got pregnant with Rip Wheeler’s baby. Jamie took his sister to an abortion clinic on the Broken Rock reservation, which sterilized Beth by performing a hysterectomy without her consent. Now, Beth can never get pregnant, and ever since that day, Beth has loathed her brother. Jamie, who never seemingly fit in with the rest of his family, also developed a deep hatred for Beth after that moment in Yellowstone.
It certainly doesn’t help that Beth blackmailed Jamie with evidence that he killed his biological father, Garrett Randall, and disposed of his body at the Dutton family’s notorious train station burial ground. Beth forced Jamie to obey her every order. However, Jamie became fed up with his sister’s tyrannical rule and turned on her and the rest of the Dutton family in Yellowstone season 5, part 1.
Given the strength of their sibling rivalry, the only way [Beth and Jamie’s] feud can end is in blood in Yellowstone season 5, part 2.
Jamie called for the impeachment of his father, John Dutton III, who was the Governor of Montana. He also disclosed the family’s secrets concerning the train station. Consequently, Beth declared war on Jamie. Given the strength of their sibling rivalry, the only way their feud can end is in blood in Yellowstone season 5, part 2. There will be no forgiveness from either party.
Wes Bentley Is Seemingly Done With Playing Jamie Dutton After Season 5
Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Will Likely Be Bentley’s Last Outing As Jamie
Context clues and the Yellowstone season 5 cast’s statements about their future in the franchise might spoil how Beth and Jamie’s war ends. Whereas some stars will reportedly return to the Yellowstone universe, Wes Bentley, who plays Jamie, is ready to say goodbye to his character and the show after season 5, part 2. Bentley told Entertainment Weekly:
“It’s one of the biggest things I’ve ever been a part of, and it’s a character that’s a double-edged sword. It’s both very satisfying to play a character who’s given so much emotional work to do, but it also takes its toll. I’m excited to let him go, but I’m also sad to let him go.”
Once Yellowstone season 5, part 2 wrapped filming, Bentley seemingly felt as if it would be his last time playing Jamie. Bentley even expressed that he was “excited” to let Jamie go and move on from the neo-Western drama. So, if the actor is done with Yellowstone, and Kelly Reilly isn’t, the outcome of Beth and Jamie’s war is easily predictable.
Kelly Reilly Could Return As Beth For Yellowstone Season 6 Or A Sequel Show
Reports Claim Reilly Will Continue Playing Beth After Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2
Perhaps Wes Bentley is set to move on from Yellowstone, but Beth’s portrayer, Kelly Reilly, evidently isn’t. It was first reported that Reilly would reprise her role as Beth in a Yellowstone sequel series alongside her costars Cole Hauser (as Rip Wheeler) and Luke Grimes (as Kayce Dutton). Then, later reports claimed that Paramount and Taylor Sheridan were contemplating just turning the sequel series into Yellowstone season 6, with Reilly returning as Beth.
Paramount has yet to confirm or deny these rumors, but while speaking to Entertainment Weekly in September 2024, Reilly addressed the Yellowstone season 6 and spinoff rumors. Reilly revealed that discussions were being had about continuing Yellowstone. The actress also claimed she is open to returning as Beth in future projects. Reilly said:
“There’s potentially another chapter. It’s being talked about now … Nothing is set in stone. But if [series creator] Taylor [Sheridan] wants to write it, I would want to do it. That’s it. Because he’s the one that’s written every single line I’ve ever said. She came from his imagination. But we’re both in agreement that there’s a shift that has to take place. Because you can’t keep telling the same story. This story is ending. Yellowstone as we know it is ending, but if there is more story to tell with some of the characters, it’s going to be a little different.”
If Paramount greenlights a sequel series or if Yellowstone season 6 happens despite Kevin Costner’s exit, Reilly will likely reprise her role as Beth in either project. Meanwhile, Wes Bentley has come to terms with his time in the Yellowstone universe coming to a close. Based on the two stars’ comments, the winner of the Beth vs. Jamie war is already settled.
Beth Winning Makes Far More Sense Than Jamie For Yellowstone Season 5’s Ending
Beth Is More Connected Than Jamie
It seems obvious at this point that Beth will come out on top in Yellowstone season 5, which is objectively the right decision for the story. Beth’s victory just makes sense. She has more connections and strong relationships within the Dutton family, while Jamie is against almost the whole lot. If Beth and Jamie’s Yellowstone rivalry ends with Jamie winning, that would also likely mean the death of the Dutton family dynasty. Jamie is fully against the Duttons after season 5, part 1’s finale. His victory would probably end with their ruin, while Beth would carry on the family’s legacy.
Does Beth Winning Mean Jamie Dies In Yellowstone? And If So, How?
Yellowstone Has Been Suggesting That Either Beth Or Jamie Will Die
The Yellowstone season 5, part 1 finale insinuated that Beth and Jamie’s feud can only end when one of them kills the other. Of course, Jamie’s death isn’t confirmed. However, based on all the evidence, it might be safe to bet on Wes Bentley’s character dying in the show’s final episodes.
If Jamie is going to die in Yellowstone season 5, part 2, it will undoubtedly have to be by Beth’s hand. For thematic purposes, it would only make sense if Beth were the one to kill her brother. Beth murdering Jamie would bring this chapter of Kelly Reilly’s character’s story to an end, meaning she could move on to other things if (and when) she returns in a future Yellowstone project.