When Yellowstone ended, Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler were setting up a life in Montana. As Dutton Ranch begins, they’re stationed in South Texas. What happened?
This isn’t the most pressing plot about this new Yellowstone spinoff, and quite frankly, after the new show offers a satisfying explanation, I’ll never think of it again. It’s likely real-world factors like tax incentives, royalties and permits came into play, but nobody really cares about that.
Beth and Rip are stubbornly proud Montantans. Why would they pick up and leave in a flash?
It’s one of several topics being discussed during this week’s episode of the Dutton Rules podcast, live at 2PM CT Tuesday. Join us or find a summary below.
3 Reasons Why Beth and Rip Moved to Texas:
I’ve yet to watch anything that’s not publicly available for all Dutton Ranch / Yellowstone fans. That means I’m relying on trailers, interviews and especially photos shared by Paramount.
The most obvious theory is the lawman is catching up to them.
Listen, both halves of this couple committed numerous crimes over the last few decades, and if someone figured it out, they’d be off to jail for decades. Taking up a new life in South Texas might just take the metaphorical heat off of them, although it’s hard to believe Beth will ever live quietly.
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My second theory is that John Dutton’s memory is just too strong in Montana.
Beth is a daddy’s girl, and she only moved a few hours away from the Yellowstone Ranch. You can’t blame a girl for wanting to start fresh, and she was kind of Texas-curious during S4 and S5 of Yellowstone.
This last theory makes more sense, however.
The trailer for Dutton Ranch shows Rip rounding up cattle as a wildfire spreads. This snippet comes after we see one of the villains flicking a lighter. The suggestion is Rip’s new enemies start the fire.
However, the above pic of Rip on horseback under a red sky comes from Season 1, Episode 1. That’s way too soon for a feud to escalate to the point of arson. I think a fire in Montana forces Beth and Rip out.
Perhaps they upset a neighbor, or someone from their past turned up to set the place ablaze. Of course, I could be wrong, and Rip could merely be helping a neighbor in danger, as he seems like the kind of guy to do such a thing for a friend.
How to Watch Dutton Ranch?
Ep. 1 and Ep. 2 of Dutton Ranch will stream on Paramount+ starting Friday (May 15) morning. At 8PM ET, they’ll air on Paramount Network.
The rest of the nine-episode season will arrive on Fridays. If there is one new episode each week, the finale of Dutton Ranch will air on July 3.
‘Dutton Ranch’ Season 1 Pictures Reveal New Villains
Let’s start with the two people you’re tuning in to see before getting to a new nemesis, a Hollywood legend and an update on young Carter’s love life.
Scroll through these Dutton Ranch ahead of the season premiere. That’s on May 15 via Paramount+ and Paramount Network.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
17 Most Stunning Yellowstone Franchise Deaths
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
