Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Yellowstone season 5, episode 14, "Life Is a Promise."
After Beth learns her father died in Yellowstone season 5, part 2, it is only a matter of time before she seeks vengeance, and she certainly does during the finale. Kelly Reilly's Beth has been a significant presence in the Paramount Network neo-Western drama since its beginning. Whether fans love or hate her, Beth is one of Yellowstone's most important characters. So, it makes sense why Beth has such a big role in the finale and why she is the one to avenge John Dutton by the time Yellowstone comes to an end.
Prior to the Paramount Network's airing of Yellowstone season 5, episode 14, Deadlineconfirmed that Taylor Sheridan is developing a spinoff focusing on Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton and Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler following the events of the finale.
Beth had a very close relationship with her father in Yellowstone. After discovering he had been killed, Beth's emotions get the best of her (to no one's surprise), and it's honestly baffling that she holds off on getting revenge for as long as she does. However, attending John's funeral during the Yellowstone season 5 finale is just the push Beth needs. After saying goodbye to him, Beth seeks justice for her father's murder, and nothing is going to stop her from getting it by the end of Yellowstone season 5, episode 14, "Life Is a Promise."
Beth's Promise To "Avenge" John Dutton Set Up Her Killing Jamie
Kelly Reilly's Character Murders Jamie During The Yellowstone Finale
Beth struggles to get through John's funeral in Yellowstone season 5, episode 14 without breaking down. She even tells Carter that she doesn't want to be there. Nevertheless, Beth pushes through, and when it's time to say goodbye to her father, she makes him a promise. Beth whispers to John's coffin, "I will avenge you," referring to her brother, Jamie. She knows that Jamie was involved in their father's assassination, and to avenge John, she believes she must kill Jamie. Beth leaves the funeral and attacks Jamie at his house. After he almost chokes her to death, Rip arrives and holds Jamie back while Beth stabs him.
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
Beth and Jamie's sibling rivalry in Yellowstone has been going on since they were young. He had her sterilized without her consent, and she has hated him ever since. So, John's death gives Beth an excuse to finally get rid of Jamie. Before John's murder, Jamie filed articles of impeachment against him and was sleeping with a woman (Sarah Atwood) who wanted to ruin the Duttons. Shortly after learning her father died, Beth confronts Jamie, knowing he played a part in John's death. Later, Beth finally decides to act on her need to avenge John, which is why she kills Jamie.
Was Beth Killing Jamie Really Avenging John's Death?
Sarah's The One Who Hired John's Assassins
Beth wholeheartedly believes that killing Jamie will bring John the justice he deserves in Yellowstone season 5, part 2. However, perhaps her hatred is a bit misguided. While Jamie told Sarah he wanted his father dead at the end of Yellowstone season 5, episode 8, he stupidly didn't think she would actually arrange John's execution. So, when assassins stage John's suicide during the season 5, part 2 premiere, Jamie is shell-shocked. Sarah hired the killers without telling Jamie, but it's not like he is 100 percent innocent.
The Yellowstone finale answered many questions and closed various storylines, but the episode could not solve every mystery about season 5.
Jamie expressed a desire to see his father dead, giving Sarah the greenlight to order John's assassination in the Yellowstone season 5, part 2 premiere. Then, he finds out about Sarah's actions and does nothing with this knowledge. So, even though Jamie didn't pull the trigger, he is just as guilty as Sarah is in Beth's mind, which is why she feels justified in killing her brother. If Sarah was still alive in Yellowstone season 5, episode 14, Beth certainly would have taken her to the train station, too.
Did Yellowstone's Ending Honor John Dutton's Legacy?
The Yellowstone season 5 finale features all the characters heading in different directions, setting up various spinoffs for the future.
They can't afford to maintain ownership, but they can hand the Yellowstone over to someone who will take good care of it — Chief Thomas Rainwater. Kayce offers to sell the ranch to Chief Rainwater and the Broken Rock Reservation for $1.25/acre. This price lowers the land's taxes, allowing the tribe to take over without worrying about money. Chief Rainwater agrees, of course, and Yellowstone's ending finally fulfills 1883's prophecy. The rights to the Yellowstone return to its original owners, while the Duttons remain buried on the property, and John's living children honor his legacy by starting ranches of their own.
What's Next For Beth After Killing Jamie?
Beth Buys A New Ranch In Dillon, Montana
After Beth kills Jamie and seemingly gets away with it, she can finally move on with her life, leaving all her burdens back in Paradise Valley during the neo-Western drama's finale. Beth and Rip buy a new ranch two hours away from the Yellowstone in Dillon, Montana. They want to live a nice, quiet life away from tourists. So, their home after leaving the Yellowstone is perfect for them.
Their story will continue in the upcoming Yellowstone spinoff featuring Beth and Rip (it's unknown if Carter will appear), meaning Beth murdering her brother might be an important part of her arc in her next show.
Beth and Rip bring Carter along with them to Dillon, and the ending of Yellowstone previews the family's new life together. Rip and Carter work on the ranch, while Beth finds the perfect bar in town. Their story will continue in the upcoming Yellowstone spinoff featuring Beth and Rip (it's unknown if Carter will appear), meaning Beth murdering her brother might be an important part of her arc in her next show.
Your changes have been saved
Yellowstone stars Kevin Costner and centers on his character John Dutton. Dutton and his family live on a cattle ranch just a few hours away from Yellowstone National Park. The series chronicles the family’s struggle to defend their home from an Indian reservation and land developers. As if their life wasn’t complicated enough, the Duttons also have medical issues, political aspirations, and family secrets stacked against them.
Release Date
June 20, 2018
CastKevin Costner
, Finn Little
, Brecken Merrill
, Gil Birmingham
, Denim Richards
, Ian Bohen
, Danny Huston
, Kelly Reilly
, Forrie J. Smith
, Cole Hauser
, Kelsey Asbille
, Wes Bentley
, Jefferson White
, Luke Grimes
, Ryan Bingham
Custom image by Ana Nieves
English (US) ·