Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Yellowstone season 5, episode 14, “Life Is a Promise.”
Although the future of Yellowstone remains unclear following the airing of “Life Is a Promise,” it’s clear the season 5 finale is designed to act as a series finale, but it fails to achieve all the great qualities of one. Taylor Sheridan’s TV show seemingly ends with conclusions to most of the characters’ stories, which is a good thing at first glance. Under the surface, though, each development in Yellowstone season 5, episode 14 lacks surprise and impact, making the hour quite forgettable despite its perceived significance to not only the neo-Western drama series but also to TV history.
Since its 2018 premiere, Yellowstone has taken television by storm. The show has been successful in drawing a wide audience and keeping them hooked. Critics and viewers alike have loved Yellowstone and often given Sheridan his flowers for creating such a gripping story about a complex family who owns the largest ranch in Montana. However, the series has fallen short of expectations in its fifth and perhaps final season.Yellowstone season 6 might still happen, giving Sheridan a chance to fix his mistakes. For now, though, the show ends on a disappointing note.
The Yellowstone Season 5 Finale Is Predictable From Beginning To End
The Show’s Last Episode Contains Little To No Surprises
Following the painfully uneventful Yellowstone season 5, episode 13, many had the same predictions regarding what would happen in the finale: Beth was going to kill Jamie, Rip would dispose of his body, and Kayce would sell the ranch to Chief Rainwater and the Broken Rock Reservation. Unfortunately, for those hoping to be wrong and be surprised, the events of Yellowstone season 5, episode 14 play out exactly as expected.
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Following John’s funeral, Beth finally has the drive to get revenge for her father’s death and heads to Jamie’s house. Beth attacks her brother and right when Jamie gets the upper hand, Rip arrives. While Rip holds him, Beth stabs Jamie, killing him, and winning the long-winded Yellowstone Dutton family war. Almost everyone knew that Beth would be the one to murder Jamie, and anyone could predict that Kayce would sell the ranch to Chief Rainwater and create his own with his family after episode 13. Consequently, the finale’s big events are dissatisfying.
Jamie’s Death Is Underwhelming & Disappointing
Beth Kills Jamie (As Everyone Predicted)
Given the neo-Western drama’s history and previous stakes, someone had to die in the Yellowstone finale. Jamie was the character at the top of everyone’s list heading into the season’s final episode. Because his death was expected, I hoped that Jamie’s demise would at least be satisfying and effective. Instead, Beth killing her brother lacks intrigue or suspense. For a character who has been so important to Yellowstone‘s story, Jamie’s death scene is anticlimactic (even though it should be one of the show’s biggest moments).
The Best Part Of Yellowstone’s Last Episode Is John’s Funeral
The Duttons Pay Tribute To Kevin Costner’s Character
If there is one thing the season 5 finale does right, it’s John Dutton’s funeral. Ever since Kevin Costner exited Yellowstone ahead of season 5, part 2, it was only a matter of time before the series paid tribute to his character. Thankfully, Taylor Sheridan picked the right time to do so, as the Dutton family’s farewell to the patriarch is heartfelt, poignant, and memorable.
Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Episode # | Episode Title | Director | Writer | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9 | “Desire Is All You Need” | Christina Alexandra Voros | Taylor Sheridan | November 10, 2024 |
10 | “The Apocalypse of Change” | Christina Alexandra Voros | Taylor Sheridan | November 17, 2024 |
11 | “Three Fifty-Three” | Christina Alexandra Voros | Taylor Sheridan | November 24, 2024 |
12 | “Counting Coup” | Christina Alexandra Voros | Taylor Sheridan | December 1, 2024 |
13 | “Give the World Away” | Michael Friedman | Taylor Sheridan | December 8, 2024 |
14 | “Life Is a Promise” | Taylor Sheridan | Taylor Sheridan | December 15, 2024 |
Each Yellowstone season 5, part 2 character (at least, those who were close to John) gets to say goodbye to John during the finale. As a result, John’s story finally feels like it has come to a proper end. Now the family can move on from Costner’s character and the ranch without having to look back. If the majority of the Yellowstone season 5 finale was similar to John’s funeral scene, the episode would have been much better.
4/10
Yellowstone
- The Yellowstone finale has an emotional and effective sendoff to Kevin Costner’s John Dutton
- Kayce selling the ranch to the Broken Rock Reservation brings the show’s story full circle
- Almost every scene is predictable (e.g., Beth killing Jamie)
- The Yellowstone season 5 finale is simply forgettable
- Jamie’s death is underwhelming and fails to have much of an impact on the audience