Yellowstone’s latest episode was a momentum shifting one for each of the Dutton children as John took a back seat for a change.
After last week’s back to back episodes, John, Beth and Jamie got to grips with their new political roles in Montana, while Kayce and his wife Monica dealt with the loss of their unborn child.
A new problem emerged as some of the Yellowstone ranch hands accidentally shot a group of protected wolves. They tossed the tags to try and cover their backs, but it seems inevitable that they’ll get found out.
What Happened in Yellowstone Episode 3?
Yellowstone Season 5 Episode 3, “Tall Drink of Water,” opens with a flashback, as we saw a younger John Dutton (Josh Lucas) lead some of his ranch hands on a horse ride, a young Rip being one of them.
They split up and find a group of animals that have died and been eaten by wolves. John Dutton attends a town meting where dozens of angry Montanans are complaining about the wolves who’re invading their land. John takes his seat on the council board as commissioner, proving he’s got political experience. He explains how ranchers’ support allowed the wolves to be reintroduced into the wildlife as an endangered species, but they appear to have gotten out of hand.
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Perhaps the continuation of this flashback story means that it will eventually come into play with the present day Yellowstone ranch.
Back in the present day, Rip wakes up to see Beth as she’s preparing for a trip to Salt Lake City. She walks out to the porch where her daddy, John, is sitting. During a light conversation she drops the ball when admitting to her “first threesome.”
“God damn, Beth,” is all John can reply. After reminiscing about Beth’s late mother, she urges him to find someone else to love, as much as it may have hurt the daughter to tell him.
Bunkhouse Birthday
Elsewhere on the ranch, we see the ranchers get ready for the day in the bunkhouse, as everyone wishes Lloyd a happy 58th birthday, and also joke about how he looks older.
Rip shares a sweet moment with Carter, who fell off a horse last week, in the stables. Telling him to saddle up, Rip tells his adopted son “if we’re gonna make a cowboy out of ya, we’re going out every day.”
Interrupting the sweet moment, the thing Rip was dreading actually happens. Law enforcement investigating the missing wolves park up and start interrogating him. Rip plays dumb, but the officials insist he ride out with them to track the wolves.
Rip accompanies them to the spot where the wolves were actually killed, but it appears they’ve covered their tracks and ploughed the land, removing all evidence. He leaves the two there and informs them the river they’re looking for is past a treacherous mountain. This storyline will no doubt be revisited next week.
Kayce and Monica
Talking with members of Monica’s tribe, Kayce and Monica discuss how they’re going to say goodbye to their son’s spirit. It’s the fourth day since the death of the child, which means the ceremony should take place then.
After Monica walks away, he reveals that his vision told him he had to choose between his job as a Livestock Agent, and his marriage. Instantly he chooses Monica and his son Tate. He asks Thomas Rainwater for a job on the reservation, but he’s unable to give him anything. Instead it’s suggested that he ask his brother Jamie for a job as an investigator for the Montana Department of Justice in their region.
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Inside the house, Monica screams and cuts off her hair in a fit of rage. It’s the first time we’ve seen her express her grief since losing her child.
Kayce arrives later at Yellowstone, a place we’ve not seen him visit for a while. He arrives to talk to his father, the governor of Montana. He asks John if they can bury their baby there, so it can be a place to visit him. It’s quite reminiscent of James Dutton (Tim McGraw) in the prequel series 1883, who buried his daughter Elsa on Yellowstone land, which is how they came to settle in Montana.
He also informs John that he’s quitting his job. Begrudgingly, John accepts his decision.
Jamie in the Crosshairs
Jamie arrives to his office where he’s been served by Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri) and the members of Market Equities. As we know from last week, she plans to get her way by utilizing Jamie’s uneasiness with his family and hers.
Initially Jamie has the upper hand in the meeting as he rattles the councilor Ellis accompanying Sarah, but after he leaves, she gets to work on him. She appeals to Jamie financially, believing she knows he knows he’s made a mistake in canceling the lease. Sarah tells Jamie she’s not there for the lawsuit, she’s there to find “a soft landing, for the both of us.”
She works her magic and invites him out to dinner at the Deer Field Club. As she leaves the room, it turns out she and the councilor were toying with Jamie the whole time. Again, Episode 4 is likely to see what happens when Sarah attempts to manipulate Jamie
Beth Dutton’s Genius and Hubris
Beth, who has a controlling interest in investment firm Schwartz & Meyer, is in the city to offer up her shares in exchange for the real estate. Rob, the man she’s meeting, claims it’s too good to be true, so he doesn’t trust her. In private, she informs him that she’s giving up all of her power because Market Equities will be coming after her stake in a lawsuit.
Without too much convincing, Rob signs the complicated deal, much to Beth’s delight. And with that, she leaves Salt Lake City and heads back to Yellowstone.
Beth is thrilled, but Caroline Warner, CEO of Market Equities is fuming to see Burson International has acquired Schwartz & Myer. As she’s recalled by the higher ups to New York, Caroline tells Ellis to “ruin this family” referring to the Duttons.
Wanting to celebrate her victory, Beth, Rip and Carter head to the bunkhouse where they’re celebrating Lloyd’s birthday with a card game. Bored with this, Beth suggests they go bigger and head to a bar in Bozeman. Rip attempts to put his foot down, but Beth gets her way.
Abbey, played by real life country music star Lainey Wilson, happens to be in the bar. She danced with Ryan in Episode 1, and seems much happier to see him and dance with him this time around.
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Inevitably, just as Rip warned, things get out of hand when a woman starts flirting with him. She makes the unwise decision to approach an angry Beth, who breaks a bottle over her head. A bar brawl ensues, but the police come to settle things down. Even outside Beth holds a grudge against the woman and punches her in the face.
The police let all of the ranchers go, but Sheriff Ramsey informs Rip that Beth will be charged with aggravated assault. As the police vehicle carts Beth away, another episode ends with a big problem for Rip.
Yellowstone returns to Paramount Network with Episode 4, “Horses in Heaven,” on Sunday November 27.
