SPOILER ALERT: This article reveals key plot points from the Season 5 return of Yellowstone, which aired Sunday.

The long-awaited return of Yellowstone's fifth season kicked off with chaos at the governor’s mansion, as Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) arrives to find the scene overwhelmed with emergency vehicles. Unbeknownst to her, the family’s patriarch, John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner), has been tragically found dead just before facing an impeachment tribunal orchestrated by his own son, Jamie (Wes Bentley), the Montana attorney general.

Authorities hold Beth at bay, but Kayce (Luke Grimes) arrives to assert his authority, revealing a shocking truth: John Dutton’s lifeless body bears the marks of foul play, made to appear as a suicide by a single gunshot wound to the head. Jamie, revealing his sinister hand, provides a cause of death, confirming the murder was staged.

As the news breaks on the radio, Beth is left distraught, accusing Jamie of irrevocably tarnishing everything their father stood for. In a desperate bid for revenge, Beth reaches out to Rip (Cole Hauser), whose fierce loyalty to John is evident. Rip's willingness to dispose of bodies at the infamous Train Station cements the Duttons' brutal reputation as they navigate this treacherous family betrayal.

With Kevin Costner's departure firmly cemented in the plot, the ninth episode of Season 5, titled "Desire Is All You Need," showcases a dramatic exit that many felt lacked the shock factor associated with other iconic TV character deaths. This exit was foreshadowed by rising tensions between Costner and series co-creator Taylor Sheridan, pointing towards a looming end for the series, despite the potential for spinoffs.

While Yellowstone fans were once treated to rumors of Matthew McConaughey stepping in for a new series, those plans have shifted. Instead, several familiar faces including Kurt Russell and Michelle Pfeiffer are lined up for an anticipated spinoff, likely focusing on the 6666 cattle ranch in Texas – a storyline introduced in previous episodes that left viewers yearning for more.

Meanwhile, Jamie's machinations with Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri), a cunning lawyer for the Duttons’ adversary, Market Equities, add another layer of intrigue. Their arrangement hints at Jamie’s desperation, leading him to consider hiring a hitman to eliminate his father and seize control of the Dutton legacy.

The episode also alternates between the present and recent past, as various characters plot their futures against the backdrop of familial strife. Sarah’s chilling interactions with a shadowy figure who orchestrates hits only heighten the stakes. In this betrayals-laden universe, the idea of John Dutton's notable survival instincts is put to the test as his life hangs by a thread.

The departure from Yellowstone not only impacts its core narrative but also reflects the shifting dynamics within the Paramount network. The studio’s choice to terminate the series—fueled by an unwise streaming deal—opens the door for new projects that promise to bring familiar faces back to the small screen, including beloved characters from the Dutton saga.

Despite the turmoil, Costner’s contribution to Yellowstone cannot be understated. His Oscar-winning talent brought invaluable depth to a series that revitalized interest in modern-day Westerns. As filmmakers navigate this transition, the irony remains: while the characters deal with bloodshed and betrayal, the spectacle has made them all incredibly wealthy and influential in television.

The stage is now set for motivations driven by revenge. Jamie, having faced his demons and inciting tears over his father, is slowly being molded into the villain of the story. As Beth declares her intentions for vengeance against him, it becomes clear that the bloodshed is only just beginning in the Dutton family saga, leaving viewers eager for what lies ahead.