Yellowstone, the original TV series and the key title in Taylor Sheridan’s contemporary Western franchise most probably came to an end with the 14th episode of its 5th season.
The last season of the famous Paramount Tv Show was a bumpy ride. Kevin Costner’s departure and questionable writing with many repetitive interactions between the characters brought the lowest IMDB ratings of around 7 for each episode.
However, the final episode, titled Life is a Promise, gave satisfying closures for most of the plotlines. Was the promise to the dedicated audience well kept ? Let’s find out with our ranking of the most iconic Yellowstone scenes.
1. Rip handles a motorcycle band, Season 3, ep.4
Trespassing motorcycle gang experiences Rip Wheeler’s signature level of brutality with the words – You leave now, or you leave never. It’s fun scene considering the fact that the show creator Taylor Sheridan was part of the famous show – Sons of Anarchy, which in his words gave him inspiration for Yellowstone.
2. Beth ruining a boutique store, Season 2,ep.9.
A scene about discrimination and women solidarity featuring the fan favorite Yellowstone character – Beth Dutton and her sister-in-law – Monica Long. One of the bitterly ironic details of the scene is the fact that the boutique store is selling indigenous style jewelry and clothing while accusing native American woman of stealing without any proof.
3. Finding Peace, season 4, episode 1
A Native American comes to bury his father on James Dutton’s land. The interaction between the Indians coming to their ancestral lands and the first patriarch of the family – James Dutton was filled with sorrow and yet mutual respect. This scene warms the heart of every fan of 1883 Yellowstone Prequel, showing the deep connection between the Dutton family and the native people built during their long journey to the land.
4. This is America, season 2, ep.10
The death of Dan Jenkins. The Californian businessman and main antagonist of season 1, played by Danny Huston, becomes ally to the Duttons in season 2. Nevertheless, he meets his death with the quote – I have the right to be here, this is America. These words erase the differences between the so-called protectors of the land and traditional way of life on one side and the businessmen who seek new opportunities in rural Montana on the other side. By this quote, all characters are included in the large context of the American dream.
5. Final Scene of the 14th episode of season 5 – Elsa Dutton’s narration
Elsa describes how a single man can’t own wild land without ruining it, which her family never did. Elsa’s monologue adds a rich depth for Yellowstone viewers who watched the Duttons’ 1883 and 1923 stories and witnessed her family making a deal with Spotted Eagle to settle in Paradise Valley.
Elsa Dutton is the true pioneer and the main reason her family settled in this part of Montana. Elsa’s father makes a promise to the Indigenous people that he will return the land in seven generations. This promise was kept, with Beth and Kayce selling the land for little price to the Broken Rock Reserve.
Therefore, Elsa’s words bring her family’s story to a satisfying conclusion and a memorable Yellowstone series finale. The land found new protectors. The remaining protagonists are now free to pursue their personal happiness since the Heaven and the Hell are coexisting on this Earth and God is the Land.
Bonus scene (s)
Every visit to the train station. True fans of the show know that the notorious train station is in Wyoming, right behind the sign welcoming visitors with the slogan FOREVER WEST.
