Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS ahead for Yellowstone season 5, episode 9!Yellowstonestar Luke Grimes addresses Kayce and Rip’s potential conflict about running the ranch following the show’s season 5 return.Yellowstoneseason 5 part 2began by revealing the death of John Dutton (Kevin Costner) offscreen, opening a hole in leadership for the ranch that Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) begins to step into. This comes with Beth (Kelly Reilly) seemingly having the most power over the family’s heritage, something that could lead to greater conflict as the final episodes continue to develop.
Speaking withScreen Rant, Grimes teased possible conflict between Kayce and Rip inYellowstoneseason 5 part 2, especially since they haven’t always seen eye-to-eye throughout the show. However,the actor does say the events happening in later episodes are “bigger than their squabbles,“forcing a whole host of characters to join forces. He also expressed interest in the pair teaming up because of how much their teamwork in particular would contribute to the series. Check out what Grimes had to say below:
Yeah, clearly these guys have not really liked each other for a while. They fight like brothers, but like Yellowstone brothers, which is a little bit worse than nhw most brothers fight, right? [Chuckles] It’s so tough, because there’s not much we can really say about what you can look forward to any of that. But I will say, I think at some point it becomes bigger than their squabbles, and becomes bigger than the ranch and the family. It becomes something that everyone sort of has to come together, rather than be at odds…. I mean, Rip and Kayce would be a pretty bada** team if they just work together, right?
What Grimes' Statement Means For Kayce & Rip In Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2
The Final Episodes Might See Them Working Closely Together
So far, the start of season 5 part 2 has seen thecharacters inYellowstonegrieving John’s loss, forcing them to try putting the pieces of the Ranch back together following his suicide.At the end of season 5, episode 9, Rip returned from Texas, with Beth running crying into his arms, signaling previous confirmation that he will be taking a more prominent leadership role in the Ranch. However, it’s unclear what this means for Kayce, who may begin to feel more responsibility for the ranch following his father’s death.
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Even so, Grimes' statement makes it sound like,even if Kayce and Rip disagree with one another, they’ll eventually set aside their differences in the wake of John’s death. Whatever threat is coming to the family and the ranch in future episodes, they’ll seemingly have to set aside their differences to protect their home and the people around them. While it’s still unclear if this will connect to theupcoming spinoffThe Madisonor a continuation of the main series, it does emphasize how this current story arc will likely end with the pair on the same side.
Our Take On Kayce & Rip’s Relationship In Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2
We Want To See Them Come Together For The Sake Of The Ranch
Given John’s sudden death, we think it would be better for Kayce and Rip to set aside their differences to help make sure the ranch is stable into the future. While this will no doubt prove a challenge for them, especially given the conflict that will undoubtedly crop up, allying with each other might be the only way to save the Dutton family’s heritage. AsYellowstonecontinues to develop its final episodes, the threat teased by Grimes will no doubt show up to push the characters closer to each other.
New episodes ofYellowstoneair Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Paramount Network.
Yellowstone
Cast
Yellowstone follows the Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton, as they defend their expansive ranch against external threats from land developers, an Indian reservation, and America’s first national park. Released on July 26, 2025, this series examines the complex dynamics and violent conflicts surrounding the largest contiguous ranch in the United States.
