Quick Summary
Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12, titled “Counting Coup,” offers a mix of character-driven moments but ultimately falls short in advancing the show’s central plot. The episode features the unnecessary death of Colby, which many fans feel detracts from the emotional impact of previous character losses. While Kayce’s dark confrontation with Grant stands out as a highlight, the episode as a whole lacks the intensity and progression expected from the series at this stage. With only a few episodes remaining in the season, fans are left wondering if this episode is a bump in the road or a sign of things to come.
Yellowstone has captivated audiences since its debut, blending action, drama, and deeply personal stories within the rugged landscape of the American West. However, in Season 5, Episode 12 (“Counting Coup”), the show takes a detour that leaves fans disappointed. In this review, we’ll break down why this episode, while important in some ways, feels like a misstep, especially with the unnecessary death that distracts from the central narrative.
What Happens in Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12?
Plot Recap and Key Events
In Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12, the Dutton family is dealing with some crucial developments that will set the stage for the series’ conclusion. However, the episode feels like it’s treading water rather than advancing the story in meaningful ways.
- John Dutton’s Investigation: After the shocking death of Sarah in Episode 11, John Dutton is thrust into an investigation, and in this episode, the police begin questioning Jamie. At first, he is not considered a suspect, but his nervous reaction when detectives look into Sarah’s belongings raises suspicion, leading to his inclusion on the suspect list. This subplot contributes to the larger political intrigue that has run through the series but doesn’t significantly progress.
- Rip’s Struggles: Rip is busy trying to save the ranch from financial ruin. He takes action by selling livestock to raise money, adding to the show’s long-standing theme of survival and sacrifice.
- Kayce’s Pursuit of Justice: The episode also highlights Kayce’s relentless quest for justice regarding his father’s death. His military contacts provide him with crucial information about Grant, the hitman who was hired to assassinate John. This leads to a memorable confrontation in which Kayce tracks Grant down and threatens him in a tense, chilling scene that proves Kayce is a force to be reckoned with.
- The Death of Colby: This is the episode’s most talked-about moment. Colby, a beloved ranch hand, meets his tragic end while trying to save Carter from a violent horse. His selfless act results in his death, leaving the ranch family reeling. While the death is emotional, it doesn’t serve the larger narrative in a significant way, especially when compared to earlier, more impactful losses in the series.
The Death of Colby – A Disappointing Moment
Colby’s death is one of the most talked-about aspects of Episode 12, and for many fans, it feels like an unnecessary narrative choice. Colby, a character who has been a part of the show since the early seasons, was loved by both the Dutton family and the viewers. So, when he dies in a rather mundane and somewhat anticlimactic manner, it leaves a lot to be desired.
Why was Colby’s death disappointing?
- No major impact on the plot: Unlike other character deaths in Yellowstone, Colby’s passing doesn’t move the plot forward. It’s a tragic moment, yes, but it feels more like a filler event rather than a turning point for the show.
- Underdeveloped emotional payoff: The emotional weight of Colby’s death is supposed to be significant, especially for his close friends like Teeter and Ryan. However, because the show has already dealt with major deaths in Season 5, including Sarah’s, Colby’s loss doesn’t have the same emotional resonance. The previous deaths already set a precedent for tragedy, making Colby’s feel less meaningful.
- Lack of narrative closure: Colby’s death doesn’t resolve any ongoing plot threads. It’s a tragic moment that, while heartfelt, is overshadowed by larger, more pressing issues within the Dutton family. As a result, his sacrifice seems wasted.
While this moment is tragic for the characters involved, it doesn’t add the necessary weight to justify his departure. Yellowstone has a history of using death as a powerful plot device, but Colby’s feels more like an afterthought.
The Issue with Unnecessary Deaths in Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12
How the Deaths in Season 5 Diminish Emotional Impact
When a series like Yellowstone starts killing off characters left and right, the emotional impact begins to lessen. This is evident in Season 5, Episode 12, where Colby’s death doesn’t have the same punch as previous key moments in the series.
- John Dutton’s Fate: In the Season 5 premiere, John Dutton’s near-death experience was a central event that affected everyone in the series. His potential loss was a moment that had major emotional weight, showing the deep stakes of the Dutton family’s survival. However, with constant deaths throughout the season, the emotional impact starts to fade.
- Sarah’s Shocking Death: The death of Sarah in Episode 11 was initially shocking and seemed to promise a new direction for the story. Her passing had the potential to drive the plot forward, especially in terms of shifting power dynamics. However, after such a major event, Colby’s death feels like it doesn’t matter much in comparison.
As more characters die, especially in an emotional but underwhelming way like Colby’s, the stakes start to feel lower, making viewers less invested in the outcomes.
Was Colby’s Death Essential to the Storyline?
A common question fans have after Colby’s death is whether it was truly necessary for the story. From a narrative standpoint, his death adds very little to the series’ progression.
- Colby’s role in the series: While Colby had his moments, he was never the primary focus of the show. He played a supporting role, providing stability and camaraderie for the Dutton family. However, he wasn’t a character whose death would significantly change the direction of the plot.
- Missed opportunities for greater storytelling: Colby’s death could have been used to create tension or to further explore the emotional depth of the ranch hands, particularly Teeter and Ryan. Instead, it’s a quick moment that doesn’t allow for deep emotional exploration, which could have added more substance to the storyline.
This brings up an important point: Yellowstone needs to be more careful about which characters it kills off. When deaths are used too frequently without purpose, they lose their significance and fail to provide the emotional payoff that makes the show so compelling.
Yellowstone Season 5: Character Development and What’s at Stake
The Importance of Character Arcs in the Final Episodes
As Yellowstone enters its final episodes, character development should take center stage. With only two episodes remaining in Season 5, every moment counts. Yellowstone has spent years building complex, multi-dimensional characters like John, Beth, Rip, and Kayce, and now it’s time for their stories to come to a satisfying conclusion.
- Beth and Jamie’s Feud: One of the most anticipated storylines is the ongoing conflict between Beth and Jamie. Their complex relationship has been central to the show’s drama, and fans have been waiting to see how it unfolds. Episode 12, however, barely touches on this dynamic, which feels like a missed opportunity.
- Rip and John’s Legacy: Rip’s journey of loyalty and sacrifice has been one of the most consistent arcs throughout the series. As the ranch faces financial strain and uncertainty, Rip’s actions will likely play a major role in the series finale. The way his character is handled in these final episodes will be key to the show’s legacy.
- Kayce’s Redemption: Kayce’s path towards justice and redemption is another significant aspect of Yellowstone Season 5. As the show progresses, Kayce’s personal growth has been evident, and in Episode 12, his pursuit of Grant is a crucial moment. His darker side emerges, showing that he is not afraid to do whatever it takes to protect his family and honor his father’s memory.
These characters and their evolving arcs should be the driving force of the final episodes. But in Episode 12, the lack of significant developments for key figures like Beth and Jamie leaves much to be desired. This episode, while still important, feels like a filler that stalls their progress.
How Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12 Affects the Show’s Narrative
The Disruption of the Main Plot
In Yellowstone, every episode is a piece of a larger puzzle, where each character’s actions contribute to the central narrative: the survival of the Dutton family, the ranch, and their empire. However, Season 5, Episode 12 feels more like a distraction than a contribution to the overall story.
The episode doesn’t significantly progress the main plotlines and instead focuses on smaller, often unimportant moments. While it advances the mystery around Sarah’s death, it does so without adding meaningful developments or providing new insights into the characters involved. The decision to kill off Colby, for instance, feels like it exists to shock the audience, rather than to push the story forward.
- The Slow Progression of Political Drama: With John Dutton’s political future hanging in the balance, one might have expected more focus on the strategies and alliances surrounding him. However, the episode spends more time on unrelated events, diminishing the importance of the political drama.
- Lost Momentum for Rip and Kayce’s Storylines: Both Rip and Kayce’s arcs are crucial to the final resolution of Yellowstone. Yet, the episode drags out the inevitable confrontations with secondary conflicts, which doesn’t provide the necessary setup for the larger conclusions that fans are hoping for.
This disruption in the flow of the show has left some fans questioning the direction the narrative is heading in.
A Missed Opportunity for Deeper Plot Development
The 12th episode of Season 5 could have used its time to dive deeper into the unresolved conflicts from previous episodes. Instead of using Colby’s death as a filler, it could have focused on:
- Beth and Jamie’s increasingly toxic relationship, which has been building since the beginning of the series.
- Rip’s fight to save the ranch, which is becoming a ticking clock as financial problems escalate.
- Kayce’s moral descent, as he faces greater pressure to either follow the family’s legacy or forge his own path.
Without advancing these crucial arcs, the episode risks losing some of the emotional depth and urgency that Yellowstone has been known for.
Looking Ahead – What’s Next for Yellowstone in the Final Episodes of Season 5?
Anticipated Showdowns and Key Plot Points
The remaining episodes of Yellowstone are critical for concluding several high-stakes storylines. As the show approaches its finale, fans can expect:
- Beth and Jamie’s Reckoning: The tension between Beth and Jamie has been brewing for seasons, and with only a handful of episodes left, it’s likely that their conflict will come to a head in a dramatic showdown. The long-standing resentment and betrayal will likely reach a boiling point, resulting in either an emotional reconciliation or an irreversible break.
- Rip’s Final Act of Loyalty: Rip Wheeler has always been the Dutton family’s most loyal soldier. As the ranch faces its greatest financial threat, Rip will likely make a desperate move to ensure the family’s survival, even if it means sacrificing his own future. The question remains: Will Rip finally take the reins of the ranch, or will he continue to play second fiddle to John Dutton?
- Kayce’s Return to Justice: Kayce’s storyline has been somewhat subdued in Season 5, with his internal struggles taking center stage. As the series heads toward its finale, viewers can expect Kayce to embrace his darker side as he confronts enemies from his past. His pursuit of justice may bring him into direct conflict with the very forces that want to bring down his family.
- John Dutton’s Political Future: The ultimate question that fans are grappling with is what happens to John Dutton. Will he be able to hold onto his position as governor and protect the family ranch, or will external forces and family betrayals tear his legacy apart?
These are just a few of the key questions that will likely unfold in the final episodes. The stage is set for high drama, but the show’s pacing and emotional stakes will determine whether it can stick the landing.
Fan Reactions and Critic Reviews of Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12
Mixed Reactions from Fans
As with any long-running show, Yellowstone has a dedicated fanbase that is both passionate and vocal. After Episode 12, fan reactions have been mixed, with some expressing frustration over the direction the show is taking, while others appreciate the quiet moments of character development.
- Disappointment Over Colby’s Death: Many fans were upset by the death of Colby, as it felt like a cheap plot device to evoke emotion without actually advancing the narrative. Fans expressed how much they loved Colby’s character, and his death seemed to be a last-minute decision that lacked emotional depth. Some viewers took to social media, suggesting that Colby’s exit didn’t make sense given his history on the show.
- Praise for Character Moments: On the flip side, some fans enjoyed the quieter, more reflective moments in the episode. Scenes that involved John Dutton and Kayce working through their complex father-son relationship were seen as a positive addition to the episode, offering glimpses into the emotional core of the show. Fans also appreciated the focus on Rip’s loyalty, which continues to be one of the series’ strongest elements.
Critic Reviews: A Critical View of Episode 12
Critics were generally underwhelmed by Episode 12, feeling that it failed to live up to the expectations set by previous episodes in the season. Many pointed out the lack of significant plot movement, particularly in regard to the show’s core political and family drama. Some noted that the show’s attempt to balance personal drama with larger societal conflicts often felt uneven.
However, critics did praise the performances, especially from the main cast. Kevin Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton continues to be a highlight, as does the growing tension between Beth and Jamie. Yet, even the stellar performances couldn’t overshadow the feeling that the episode was simply filler before the final episodes.
Final Thoughts on Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12
In Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12, the show takes a step back rather than pushing forward with the high stakes and drama we’ve come to expect. The episode has its moments, but it feels like a misstep in an otherwise exciting season.
While there are some great character moments and emotional beats, the unnecessary death of Colby and the lack of significant plot development left many viewers disappointed. The show’s ability to deliver shocking twists and emotional moments has made it a fan favorite, but this episode failed to build on that momentum.
For Yellowstone to maintain its high standards, the final episodes of Season 5 will need to focus on resolving the major storylines in a way that honors the complexity of its characters and the stakes involved.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity or Just a Bump in the Road?
Season 5, Episode 12 of Yellowstone is, ultimately, a bump in the road. While it didn’t live up to the intense, action-packed episodes we’ve come to expect from the show, it doesn’t necessarily spell disaster for the final episodes of the series.
The emotional weight of Colby’s death and the stalled character arcs are disappointing, but there’s still time for the show to course-correct. If the remaining episodes can focus on the unresolved tensions and character developments, there’s hope that the show will stick the landing.
In the end, Episode 12 might just be a pause before Yellowstone ramps up for its thrilling conclusion. But for now, it feels like the series took a moment to breathe—and that pause, unfortunately, wasn’t as impactful as it could have been.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12?
In Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12, titled “Counting Coup,” the show focuses on several character-driven moments but fails to move the central plot forward significantly. After Sarah’s shocking death in the previous episode, the police begin questioning Jamie, and his reaction makes him a prime suspect. Rip struggles to sell livestock to raise funds for the ranch, while Kayce continues his quest for justice regarding his father’s murder. The episode also features the heartbreaking and unnecessary death of Colby, which feels like a filler moment rather than a plot-driven development.
Why did Colby have to die in Episode 12?
Colby’s death in Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12 felt unnecessary to many viewers. While his death was meant to be an emotional moment, it didn’t push the story forward. His passing occurred after the death of Sarah in Episode 11, which had already shaken up the storylines. Some fans believe Colby’s death was a way to introduce emotional drama but lacked the impact that other character deaths in the series have had.
How does Episode 12 affect the overall story of Yellowstone?
Episode 12 doesn’t significantly advance the show’s main narrative. It lacks the pivotal developments fans have come to expect from Yellowstone and feels like a filler episode before the final confrontations in the remaining episodes of Season 5. However, some key moments, like Kayce’s dark confrontation with Grant, hint at future developments in his character arc.
What should fans expect in the final episodes of Yellowstone Season 5?
As the series approaches its conclusion, fans can expect significant resolutions to long-standing tensions, particularly regarding Beth and Jamie’s toxic relationship, Rip’s loyalty to the Duttons, and Kayce’s internal struggles. The final episodes will likely build up to the ultimate showdown for control of the Dutton ranch and its legacy, with each character facing their own personal reckonings.
Why are fan reactions mixed for Episode 12 of Season 5?
Fan reactions to Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12 have been mixed because, while some appreciated the emotional beats and quieter character moments, others felt the episode didn’t offer enough plot development. Colby’s death, in particular, felt like a forced shock rather than a meaningful narrative choice. Fans were also disappointed that key storylines, such as Beth and Jamie’s feud, were barely addressed.
Was Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12 a disappointment?
Many viewers considered Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12 a disappointment because it didn’t live up to the series’ usual high standards. While it had some strong character moments, it felt like a filler episode with little to no progress in the central plot. The death of Colby and the slow-moving narrative left many fans hoping that the final episodes would get back on track.
How does Kayce’s storyline develop in Episode 12?
In Episode 12, Kayce’s storyline takes a darker turn. After being involved in reopening his father’s murder investigation, Kayce tracks down Grant, the hitman who was hired to kill John. In a tense and violent confrontation, Kayce makes it clear that he’s not someone to be messed with. This dark side of Kayce’s character has intrigued many fans, and it looks like it will play a central role in the upcoming episodes.
Will Yellowstone redeem itself in the final episodes of Season 5?
While Episode 12 of Yellowstone has left many fans and critics questioning the direction of the series, there is hope that the remaining episodes will redeem the show. The unresolved character arcs and high stakes of the political drama are still in play, and the final episodes may focus on tying up loose ends and delivering the explosive conclusions fans expect.
Author’s Note
As a long-time fan of Yellowstone, it’s always exciting to dissect each episode, but also sometimes a bit frustrating when a pivotal episode feels like a missed opportunity. Yellowstone has set a high bar for intense drama, rich character development, and unexpected twists, so it’s only natural that viewers have strong reactions when an episode like Season 5, Episode 12 doesn’t quite hit the mark. That being said, while this particular episode may have left some feeling underwhelmed, there’s still plenty of hope for the remaining episodes to deliver the explosive conclusion we’ve all been waiting for.
I understand that each fan’s opinion is valid when it comes to discussing a show as beloved and complex as Yellowstone. Some may have appreciated the quieter, character-driven moments in Episode 12, while others, like myself, may have felt it lacked the urgency needed to wrap up the remaining arcs. One thing is for sure: with only a few episodes left in Season 5, there’s a lot at stake, and I’m excited to see where the show takes us.
As the show nears its end, it’s important to remember the depth of Taylor Sheridan’s storytelling. His ability to intertwine personal battles with grand political stakes has always been one of Yellowstone’s strengths. I look forward to seeing how the series wraps up these storylines and gives the characters the send-offs they deserve. Hopefully, the remaining episodes will pull us back into the drama and excitement that has made Yellowstone one of the best dramas of our time.
By SSonko David
Ssonko David is a skilled entertainment news writer with a wealth of experience spanning over four years in the industry. Having collaborated with several reputable media outlets, David combines his extensive knowledge with a genuine passion for storytelling to create engaging and insightful articles.
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