Cole Hauser Reveals Why Rip's Final Choices in Yellowstone Are Exactly What John Dutton Would Want

Leading up to the finale of “Yellowstone”, there was much speculation about how Kevin Costner’s departure would affect the show and its characters. However, when Season 5’s last episode aired, it became clear that John Dutton had been killed, leaving his children to decide the fate of the ranch. Reflecting on his character’s position within the family, Cole Hauser commented that Rip’s actions in these closing scenes represented “what John Dutton would have chosen.

Prior to making that statement, Hauser clarified his unwavering commitment to his wife Beth and their family, stating he would be “completely there for them.” Approximately a week before the finale aired in December 2024, he expressed that Rip was working on finding the optimal path forward. In an interview with People, he explained that this was what John Dutton would have wanted.

That’s what John Dutton would want. That’s what he’s been taught throughout his life.

It seems to me that he’s correct; Rip’s actions mirror what I believe John would have preferred. He consistently guarded his wife with great zeal, and in each situation, they made decisions they believed were in the best interests of their ranch.

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In Yellowstone, as Beth and Rip strive to safeguard the ranch, my mind wanders to the thoughts of Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser on their characters anticipating John might lose control.

Although John’s dream was to preserve the ranch as a family legacy and dedicated his life to achieving this goal, I believe he wouldn’t mind the actions taken by Rip, Beth, and Kayce.

At the close of “Yellowstone,” it became clear that the Dutton family couldn’t hold onto their land without giving it up for maintenance. Therefore, Beth and Rip orchestrated Jamie’s removal from the equation and eliminated Market Equities as a threat, effectively halting any external corporate entities trying to claim the property.

As a cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that the land, once held by James Dutton, is now back in the hands of Thomas Rainwater and the Broken Rock people – just as prophesied in the series 1883. It gives me peace to think that this piece of earth will remain untouched, preserved from the clutches of civilization and those who sought to claim it.

It’s due to the decisions Rip, Beth, and Kayce made at the close, and I believe that John would have been pleased. They discovered a method to preserve the land while ensuring the family’s safety, and I imagine that Costner’s character, the patriarch, would have admired it all.

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In the final scenes, it was clear that Rip had always followed the lessons instilled in him – he stood by and shielded the Duttons. He met the standards set by the Yellowstone brand, and his actions in the closing moments solidified his devotion to Beth and the entire family. Indeed, I believe Rip’s choices at the end were exactly what John would have hoped for.

If you’d like to ponder over this topic independently, consider watching “Yellowstone” on Peacock. Keep an eye out for updates, as Rip and Beth’s narrative will carry forward in a spinoff, promising an exciting continuation of the Dutton family saga following the original Western series.

2025-04-19 22:07