Yellowstone season 5 episode 11 recap: Three Fifty-Three

Yellowstone season 5 episode 11 recap: Three Fifty-Three

As a long-time fan of the Yellowstone series, I must say that this latest episode was a rollercoaster ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. The death of Sarah Atwood, the nasty woman who seemed to be causing nothing but trouble for the Dutton family, was both shocking and satisfying. It’s always a treat to see justice served, especially when it comes to characters like her.


John Dutton’s kids are still struggling with the shock of their father’s sudden demise. With each passing minute, the grief seems to last for hours. At 3:53, it’s just a time, but that day will be forever remembered as a dark and devastating chapter in the Yellowstone universe’s history.

In episode 10, I delved into unraveling my father’s mysterious death. Meanwhile, I paid a visit to Jamie, facing off with the beast I suspected all along. My suspicions were spot-on, as it turned out. The cowardice in him couldn’t meet my gaze, adding fuel to my fears. Yet, even though I wasn’t entirely surprised by this revelation, there was still a flicker of disbelief. Despite our longstanding animosity, we remained family. When I confronted Sarah Atwood, it became clear as day what that Bonnie and Clyde duo had been hiding.

At the Barfield Hotel, Rip prepares to depart from his wife. Despite Beth’s eagerness to chauffeur her husband, he suspects she’d grumble throughout the journey. Her discontent is already affecting her. He advises her in future to inform him of her visits, to avoid catching him off-guard and allow for better scheduling. However, Beth doubts if she can sustain this routine for an entire year. She harbors a wish to delegate Lloyd to Rip’s care instead.

At Kayce and Monica’s residence, the process of settling in commences. Regardless of one’s desires, life carries on. For an entire minute, they attempt to fine-tune a picture hanging on the wall. Whether it was essential or not, it was heartening to witness them as a content family once more.

As Thanksgiving approaches, Monica expresses gratitude over their food, home, animals, and land. Meanwhile, Tate maintains his sarcastic demeanor, earning him a playful slap from Kayce for it. It’s heartening to observe some positivity in their family dynamic, but Tate’s constant remarks about his parents’ affection – like telling them to stop being so lovey-dovey or find another place to express it – are becoming repetitive. After all, having spent his entire life with his parents, such behaviors should not be surprising to him by now.

How did John Dutton really die?

A flashback of John being wrestled down by three masked men on his bed is witnessed, of course before death. They choked him out and carried him off the bed and into the bathroom. He was given a shot of something between his toes and had the gun placed in his hand. In a count of three, they shot him in the head to make it appear like he took his own life. It was only mere seconds later dispatch was called after hearing that fatal shot.

Previously, before John passed away, Beth sensed something was amiss and quickly reached out to Rip to check if everything was all right. You could attribute it to her motherly instincts, though I’m not certain when Beth developed psychic abilities. I find the narrative method of alternating between timelines somewhat disjointing. I believe Sheridan could have crafted a more coherent tale for fans by starting from the past and moving forward in time, instead of abruptly killing John and hopping around like a pinball.

Lynette continues to be puzzled about John’s death and Jamie’s possible role in it. She advises Jamie to allow himself time to mourn and forgive, implying that she finds it unusual for someone romantically linked to John to suspect his suicide. Jamie is now making efforts to get closer to the temporary governor. Lynette cautions him to tread carefully and think twice about his actions.

Initially, Jamie opposed eminent domain, but currently, he appears to favor it. The preservation of a part of the ranch can only be achieved by giving up some of it. It seems Jamie is attempting to evade taxes. While he might be playing a long game, I believe he’s underestimating what the state can afford. In the end, Lynette steps in to defend John. I find this action too late. He knows his siblings will never sell, so if the state wants the land, they must take it. His political tactics are relentless.

The investigation into John’s death is back open

Kayce seeks information from the coroner, requesting access to the autopsy report and examination of the body. However, they did not perform a toxicology test. Kayce expresses doubts but lacks the necessary authority. Therefore, he contacted the detective handling the case who agreed to have John Dutton re-examined for further testing.

Despite others finding the reason for death apparent, Kayce persists with his inquiry. He chooses to observe the autopsy being carried out. As they place his father’s body onto the table, all Kayce can do is stand there, filled with dread and sorrow.

The oldest Dutton ponders what a coroner would search for in a homicide case, as they remain convinced there’s no evidence of a physical altercation that led to it. Kayce demonstrates how effortless it can be to overpower someone without resistance. It becomes clear that he struck his opponent on the neck and forehead during their fall to the ground.

In the end, the doctor discerns scrapes on his toes, likely from being dragged across the floor. The situation has become more complex. There are depressions along his back due to pressure on his skin and on his lower legs. Ultimately, the examiner acknowledges that there were indications he was restrained. She chooses to categorize his death as ‘undetermined’. While it’s not sufficient evidence for a homicide verdict, this revelation casts doubt, reopening the investigation once more.

In the investigation of John’s murder, the lead detective presents Kayce with the weapon used in the crime. Interestingly, this gun was a service pistol that Kayce had himself and it was stored at the Livestock office. Fortunately, there are cameras there, which the detective can access with Kayce’s permission. The detective wants Kayce to make a statement about this, but such revelations might put them in danger. They may not discover the identity of the perpetrator, but they will uncover who commissioned the crime.

Brothers reunited

In a surprising turn of events, Kayce forcefully enters Jamie’s office and pushes him onto a table. Kayce firmly advises Jamie not to trust Beth and asserts his own innocence regarding the death of his father. Looking directly at Jamie, he emphasizes that he had no hand in the tragedy. Jamie insists he has nobody left but continues to defend Yellowstone. He suggests they must sell parts of it to preserve the whole ranch. Although Kayce harbors doubts about Jamie’s actions, he secretly hopes deep within him that his brother didn’t carry out this deed.

Initially, the police chief has reclassified the incident from a suspected suicide to an undetermined cause, implying there might be evidence of a potential murder. As such, they have invited the ATF and FBI to join in the investigation due to the high-profile aspect of the case. This development leaves Sarah Atwood feeling uneasy as Helena PD now suspects his death was a homicide.

The incoming governor seems to share responsibility by reversing all actions taken by John Dutton just before the murder announcement was made. The framework of government remains intact, but he cancelled a legal agreement when he terminated the lease. However, he has now overruled that decision. Additionally, he instructs the attorney general to step aside from any cases related to condemnations and investigations or prosecutions involving Governor Dutton.

Even Beth knows they will have to start selling off. It’s what John left them with. It’s what Jamie has been saying all along but he never went about it the right way.

Yellowstone season 5 episode 11 ending explained

Beth believes that there’s no way to save this location; instead, it’s just postponing its decay. Now they have an unobstructed view of its deterioration. Regrettably, Beth understands that she can’t prevent it. They could choose to sell the animals and land, but even that would only slow down the impending fate.

Sarah Atwood is starting to feel the threads of her situation coming apart. She needs to reach out to the team she’s hired and understand their next steps. Unfortunately, the phone number on the card she was provided no longer works. Given the circumstances, it’s not surprising. It seems the assassins are also feeling the pressure as they’re being cornered. The trap is closing in around them.

Jamie silently materializes in her kitchen, looking upset due to being publicly humiliated at the assembly. He’s convinced that once Sarah is exposed for her role in the murder plot, he too will face similar consequences. There’s no question in his mind that she’s the most vile woman ever to step foot in Montana. With John’s death, his influence waned and whether or not Jamie retains his last name, it no longer carries the clout it once did.

When Jamie phones to express regret for a brawl with Sarah, a vehicle pulls up next to her seeking directions. In a startling moment, a gunshot rings out, striking Jamie’s head and multiple times in her upper body, silenced by a suppressor. The perpetrators clean up their crime scene, leaving Jamie writhing in pain as she succumbs to her injuries. Though this seemed like the ultimate retribution, Jamie’s debt is not yet fully paid off. Justice will be meted out soon through Beth.

Don’t forget to catch a fresh installment of “Yellowstone” next week at 8/7c on Paramount Network! The gripping family drama continues as the Dutton family ranch faces threats from an Indian reservation and land developers. Expect more secrets, more chills, and new challenges for this family in every twist and turn.

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2024-11-25 05:58

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