Yellowstone recap: A new wrinkle in John’s murder investigation complicates matters for the Dutton clan

Dual Timelines in “Yellowstone”

The last season of “Yellowstone” has cleverly and skillfully weaved the two main timelines: the events surrounding and following the death of John Dutton, the family’s head. The third episode, “Three-Fifty Three,” aptly embodies such a narrative style through a flashback that starts by exposing the period before the incident.

In this episode, we witness Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Rip (Cole Hauser) winding down their passionate stay in Texas, enjoying each other’s company before saying goodbye. At the same time, Kayce (Luke Grimes), Monica (Kelsey Asbille), and Tate (Breckin Merrill) are depicted getting used to the farm life and embracing it, and finding warmth and happiness. Although Beth’s internal sorrow at having to leave Rip is the underlying fact, the siblings relish a temporary calm and time of harmony. Nonetheless, this brief serenity soon gives way to brewing storms.

The serenity experienced by the Dutton family proves to be the calm before the storm. These cherished moments are soon overshadowed by the looming darkness of John Dutton’s murder. The episode skillfully transitions to a gripping scene that depicts the chilling events of that fateful night at the Governor’s mansion. Under the cover of darkness, three mysterious figures dressed in black strategically cut the power to John’s estate. They silently infiltrate his bedroom, swiftly incapacitating him without alerting anyone to their presence. The assailants then proceed with their sinister plan, dragging John’s unconscious body to the bathroom. There, they plant a bottle of Oxycodone in his medicine cabinet and administer a drug via a needle between his toes, setting the stage for a fabricated narrative of overdose.

Execution of the Final Act

With meticulous precision, the intruders place a pistol in John’s hand, positioning the barrel against his temple. In a final, calculated move, they pull the trigger, effectively staging a suicide to cover up the true nature of his assassination. This orchestrated act of violence marks a pivotal moment in the series, dramatically altering the course of the story and deeply affecting the Dutton family’s future. At the time of the Dutton estate’s tragedy, another equally heart-wrenching event occurs as John gets brutally attacked. At the same time, his daughter Beth, whom Montana is rushing to, is suddenly struck by a vision of something dreadful. Giving no thought to anything else, she just drives her car to the side of the road.

Without any hesitation, she grabs her phone and calls Rip asking him if he’s out of danger. Just then, Kayce goes through a weird sensation; he lies down near Monica, even though he keeps away from horror-stricken and with his clothes soaking in sweat. It is the time when the pressure reaches its zenith; then his phone starts beeping and cuts the light, hence viewers feel more excited as the credits roll out the opening sequence.

As the story returns to the present, the political landscape is shifting dramatically following Governor Dutton’s death. His interim replacement swiftly assumes office and immediately begins to undo John’s legislative efforts. In a scene filled with political maneuvering, Jamie (Wes Bentley), Lynelle (Wendy Moniz), and John’s devoted assistant Clara (Lilli Kay) are summoned to the new governor’s office. It quickly becomes apparent that the new leadership is marked by a ruthless, greedy disposition, alienating Lynelle and Clara with their aggressive approach to the future of the ranch.

Moral Dilemmas and Strategic Alliances

In a surprising turn of events, the new governor extends a job offer to Clara, who initially accepts, intrigued by the new opportunity. However, it doesn’t take long for her to perceive the unsavory characteristics of the new governor. Disgusted by the unethical behavior she witnesses, Clara decides to reject the job offer, choosing to maintain her integrity. After the disheartening meeting, Clara and Lynelle regroup to discuss their next moves. Recognizing a potential ally in Clara, Lynelle proposes a strategic partnership and subtly encourages her to expose the sensitive information discussed in the governor’s office.

This sequence of events sets the stage for a potential uprising against the new governor’s harsh policies. As Clara and Lynelle conspire to safeguard the ranch and uphold John Dutton’s legacy, they prepare to navigate the treacherous waters of state politics. Their association provides a ray of hope which is the fact that these two individuals can team up to expose the truth and also counter the reckless decisions being made at the top levels of the government. The episode develops a complicated set of personal ties, political plots, and ethical problems whereby the plot moves forward with ever-increasing tension.

Kayce, who cannot accept the version of his father’s death given to him, by the authorities, enters into a meeting with the medical examiner to dig deeper and examine the details of the autopsy report. The coroner stands by her initial conclusion, asserting that John died by suicide. However, Kayce, unable to shake his doubts and driven by his role as the Livestock Commissioner, adamantly challenges this finding. He leverages his military training in a dramatic display, physically subduing one of the coroner’s assistants to underscore his belief that his father was murdered, not self-inflicted.

A Breakthrough in the Investigation

This intense encounter prompts the medical examiner to reevaluate the evidence. Through a thorough examination of the body, she finds irrefutable proof that John was restrained physically before his death – these aspects were not mentioned or mishandled in the initial report. The coroner changed her mind about the cause of death to “undetermined” in front of the new proof and she was sorry to Kayce about the mistake, admitting that there could have been a conspiracy. Fuelled by the revised findings, Kayce meets with the lead detective on the case to discuss the implications of the new evidence.
During this meeting, the detective presents the murder weapon to Kayce, revealing a shocking twist: the pistol used in John’s death is registered to Kayce and had been reported stolen from the Livestock Commission’s office. This revelation adds a complex layer to the case, suggesting a possible setup or theft aimed at implicating Kayce indirectly in the crime.

Kayce’s relentless search for the truth about his father’s mysterious death leads him directly to the attorney general’s office. With determination, he ensures Jamie’s assistant cannot interrupt by escorting her away from the scene. Once inside, Kayce confronts his brother Jamie with intense physicality, pinning him against his desk. Jamie, desperate and fearful, vehemently denies any involvement in their father’s death. Unlike his previous evasive encounter with Beth, Jamie maintains steady eye contact with Kayce throughout the confrontation, delivering a compelling plea for his innocence. He argues that his actions are in defense of the ranch, although he admits that selling a portion of it might be necessary to prevent losing it entirely. Jamie’s persuasive demeanor and desperate explanations manage to stave off further aggression from Kayce—for the moment.

Tensions Rise at Market Equities

The scene shifts to a cunning duo from Market Equities, Ellis Steele and his scheming associate Sarah Atwood, who are seen discussing their ongoing plans over lunch. They reassure their clients that the development of the Dutton land into a tourist-friendly airport is progressing smoothly. However, the atmosphere tenses when Atwood notices a live press conference on a nearby television. Although she cannot hear the broadcast, the visual of a news ticker transforms her confident demeanor into one of alarm. The ticker reveals a critical update: John Dutton’s death is now officially being investigated as a homicide.

The news of the homicide investigation sends shockwaves through those involved in the dark dealings surrounding John Dutton’s death. The hitman, secretly employed by Atwood to carry out the murder, is also among the viewers of the press conference. Realizing the gravity of the situation and the potential implications for himself, he immediately makes a phone call, likely to coordinate his next moves or secure his own safety. This reaction underscores the escalating tension and the widening repercussions of the investigation into John Dutton’s death.

As the political drama intensifies back at the state capitol, the newly appointed Governor prepares to address the legislative assembly. Just before stepping up to the podium, he confides in Jamie about his apprehensions concerning the latest developments in John Dutton’s death investigation. He expresses concern that their association with Market Equities might now appear suspicious, potentially implicating them in unethical conduct. Despite these fears, he proceeds with his agenda, pushing for a vote to revoke John’s orders—a motion that passes, aligning with his and Jamie’s planned directives.

Beth’s Moment of Desperation

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Kayce reunites with Beth, who has been closely monitoring the political maneuvers on television. In a rare display of despair, Beth acknowledges to Kayce that their options are dwindling fast; they might have to face the painful reality of selling part of their cherished land. Her acknowledgment of their dire situation is a poignant admission of their dwindling control over the ranch’s fate. Despite this somber realization, Beth’s resilience shines through. Her sharp wit remains undiminished, even in such a grim moment. The scene softens with the arrival of Rainwater (Gil Birmingham), who comes to express his condolences. His offer to assist the Dutton family in any way he can is met with a mix of sarcasm and sorrow from Beth. Through tears, she laments the inevitable loss of their land, bitterly predicting that a Costco might one day replace their iconic barn.

This interaction underscores Beth’s intense emotional connection to the ranch and her fierce determination to fight for it, even as she voices a seemingly defeated outlook. This moment captures Beth at her most vulnerable yet defiant, illustrating the depth of her despair intertwined with her indomitable spirit. As tensions mount at the ranch, Beth and Rainwater engage in a significant discussion about the future of the land they both cherish, though for vastly different reasons. Their conversation revolves around finding potential strategies to preserve portions of the Dutton estate, acknowledging the unique value it holds for each of them. This dialogue underscores the complexity of their alliance, rooted in a mutual interest yet divided by differing motivations and cultural values.

Kayce’s Personal Dilemma

Simultaneously, Kayce finds himself in a soul-searching conversation with Mo (Moses Brings Plenty). Struggling with a dilemma that has plagued him since the previous week—a choice between his familial obligations and the future of the ranch—Kayce confides in Mo. Monica had previously expressed her concerns to Tate about the very same issue, highlighting the family’s deep-seated fears. Mo, in his characteristically enigmatic manner, offers Kayce reassurance, advising him that he will find clarity and know the right course of action when the crucial moment arrives.

Meanwhile, Sarah, the ruthless attorney caught in the turmoil of the investigation into John Dutton’s death, is seen unraveling under pressure. Driven by desperation, she storms into a local cell phone store, her anxiety palpable. In a fit of stress-induced frustration, she sharply reprimands the unsuspecting salesman before hastily purchasing a burner phone. Her behavior goes further when in the heat of the run rushes home, and urgently dials a number she has secretly kept in her purse, only to discover that the line has been disconnected. Ultimately, in her almost unbearable despair, she hammers the phone into the ground along with the tremendous fear and intense actions she would take to make sure of her privacy.

The tension between Sarah and Jamie suddenly is at its highest when furious Jamie attacks her and starts brutally criticizing her. Their word battle soon turns into a physical fight with both slapping each other across the face savagely. Amidst this chaos, Sarah, clutching a bottle of Ketel One, reveals her calculated involvement in John Dutton’s murder. She assures Jamie that he has nothing to fear; she has orchestrated the plot meticulously, taking on all the risk to ensure that no evidence could trace back to him.

A Tumultuous Reconciliation

Despite the volatile encounter, Sarah doesn’t get far before her phone rings—it’s Jamie, calling to apologize. Their conversation tentatively bridges their earlier conflict, and Sarah manages to persuade Jamie to place his trust in her once again. However, their attempt at reconciliation is abruptly disrupted. As Sarah drives away, a seemingly innocuous encounter takes a dark turn. A couple pulls up next to her Range Rover under the guise of asking for directions. While the woman engages Sarah with a request for help, the man in the passenger seat scrutinizes Sarah intently. Recognition dawns on him, and without a moment’s hesitation, he pulls out a pistol. In a shocking burst of violence, he shoots Sarah in the head and continues firing into her chest, ensuring her demise.

On the other end of the phone call, Jamie is left in horror as he hears the gunshots. His first response is to shout Sarah’s name with fear and doubt. Overcome by emotion and the seriousness of the situation, he hastily calls 911. He informs the dispatcher by yelling out his phone number—his voice cracking with weeping—indicating that his worry goes beyond Sarah’s safety.. He is acutely aware that his number being the last one dialed by Sarah could implicate him in this new crime. As Jamie continues to sob, the dispatcher’s voice cuts through, asking him to state his emergency. This intense moment marks a dramatic and suspenseful conclusion to the third episode of “Yellowstone’s” fifth season, leaving viewers on edge for what is to come.