Fans Call ‘Yellowstone’ Season 5 Finale the ‘Worst’ – Major Death and Ending Explained

The Yellowstone Season 5 finale brought intense drama, emotional turmoil, and a significant shift in the Dutton family’s long-running saga. With the loss of a central character, family feuds reaching violent heights, and a symbolic end to the iconic Yellowstone ranch, the episode was anything but subtle. However, despite its monumental moments, many fans felt it missed the mark, calling it one of the most disappointing finales in  television history.

What went wrong? Let’s break down the major events, character arcs, and fan reactions to the Yellowstone Season 5 finale.

A New Era: The Symbolic Shift of Land Control

The finale sets its tone early with a powerful opening scene. Under the cover of darkness, Indigenous activists dismantle the controversial oil pipeline that had been a focal point of conflict throughout the season. The act is both symbolic and literal, signaling a reclaiming of control and the inevitable loss of Dutton power.

• The Sinking Pipes: As the metal pipes are dragged away and submerged into a nearby lake, the imagery underscores a larger theme of land ownership and the fading influence of the Dutton family.
• Beth’s Revelation: In a quieter but equally impactful moment, Beth reveals to Rip that she has purchased a new 27,000-acre ranch. Her decision to move on from Yellowstone signals a personal and symbolic departure from the family’s legacy.

The shift in control sets the stage for what follows — the end of the Dutton dynasty as we know it.

John Dutton’s Death: A Shocking Loss

After seasons of speculation, Yellowstone finally bids farewell to its patriarch, John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner). His death, confirmed early in the episode, casts a heavy emotional shadow over the finale.

• The Funeral: The burial is an intimate affair, staying true to John’s rugged roots. The ranch hands dig his grave by hand, a nod to the hard-earned values John held dear.
• Beth’s Tribute: Standing at her father’s grave, Beth promises to uphold his legacy: “There may not be cows on it, but there won’t be condos either. We won.” Her words resonate as both a tribute and a reluctant acknowledgment of change.

John’s passing marks not only the end of his leadership but also the unraveling of the family’s connection to the Yellowstone ranch.

The Beth and Jamie Feud Reaches Its Brutal Conclusion

No rivalry in Yellowstone has burned as intensely as the one between Beth and Jamie Dutton. In the finale, their conflict explodes into a violent and tragic showdown.

• Beth Confronts Jamie: Suspecting Jamie’s involvement in their father’s death, Beth attacks him with bear spray and a tire iron. The fight quickly turns brutal, with Jamie choking Beth in retaliation.
• Rip Intervenes: Just as Jamie gains the upper hand, Rip arrives to stop him. Beth seizes the opportunity to drive a knife into Jamie’s chest, delivering a fatal blow.
• The Train Station: Following family tradition, Rip and Lloyd dispose of Jamie’s body at the “train station,” a grim location where the Duttons have hidden their enemies’ bodies for years.

While the fight ends in Beth’s favor, some fans felt the resolution was rushed and anticlimactic, leaving years of tension behind with little emotional payoff.

Kayce Dutton Sells the Yellowstone Ranch

One of the most significant moments in the finale — and perhaps the series — is Kayce’s decision to sell the Yellowstone ranch to the Broken Rock Indian Tribe.

• A Symbolic Deal: Kayce proposes selling the land for $1.25 per acre, a call back to the value it held in 1883 when first settled. The deal secures East Camp, a small piece of the ranch, for Kayce, Monica, and their son Tate.
• The Removal of the “Y” Brand: The most poignant moment comes when the iconic Yellowstone “Y” brand is removed from the barn. It’s a visual representation of the family’s loss and the beginning of a new chapter under Indigenous control.

Kayce’s decision to sell the ranch marks a complete departure from John’s lifelong mission to protect it, leaving fans divided over the symbolic resolution.

New Beginnings for Beth, Rip, and Kayce

While the finale marks the end of the Yellowstone ranch, it also hints at new beginnings for key characters.

• Beth and Rip: The couple begins a fresh chapter on the 27,000-acre ranch Beth purchased. Free from the burdens of the Dutton legacy, they plan to build a life on their terms. Rip’s final walk through the empty barn is a somber farewell to their past.
• Kayce’s Family: Kayce, Monica, and Tate settle on East Camp, finding a quieter and more peaceful life. This small victory offers Kayce a chance to heal and reconnect with his family.

While these endings provide closure, they also feel bittersweet. The Dutton family’s reign may be over, but their struggles are far from forgotten.

Fan Reactions: Disappointment and Criticism

The Yellowstone Season 5 finale was met with mixed reviews, with many fans voicing their frustrations online.

• Lazy Writing: Viewers criticized the finale’s pacing and plot development. One fan wrote, “The Yellowstone finale was rushed and lazy. Years of buildup for an ending that felt empty.”
• John’s Departure: Fans were particularly upset about John Dutton’s death. Kevin Costner’s portrayal was the backbone of the series, and many felt his departure marked the show’s decline.
• Beth and Jamie’s Feud: While some appreciated the dramatic showdown, others found the resolution unsatisfying and over-the-top. One viewer commented, “Beth killing Jamie should’ve been more impactful. It felt rushed and pointless.”

Amidst the disappointment, some fans praised the emotional depth of the finale. They viewed the ending as a natural conclusion to the series’ themes of legacy, sacrifice, and the cost of power.

The Legacy of Yellowstone: What’s Next?

Despite the divisive finale, Yellowstone remains one of  television’s most iconic modern dramas. The ending leaves room for future stories, including the much-anticipated spin-off focusing on Beth and Rip’s new life.

• The Dutton Legacy: While the ranch may be gone, the Dutton family’s struggles continue to resonate. Themes of power, land ownership, and family loyalty remain as relevant as ever.
• Spin-offs and Sequels: Creator Taylor Sheridan has promised more from the Yellowstone universe. Whether these new stories can live up to the original series remains to be seen.

Final Thoughts

The Yellowstone Season 5 finale marked the end of an era, delivering a mix of closure, heartbreak, and unresolved questions. While it fell short for many fans, its themes of loss, redemption, and legacy leave a lasting impression.

As the dust settles on the Yellowstone ranch, one thing is clear — the Dutton family’s story may have ended, but its impact on television history will endure. Whether future spin-offs can recapture the magic remains uncertain, but for now, fans are left to reflect on a finale that was as polarizing as it was unforgettable.