As a long-time fan of the Yellowstone series, I must say that this week’s episode “Three Fifty-Three” was a rollercoaster ride filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The plot developments were intense and thought-provoking, particularly the tragic end of Sarah, which left me stunned.
It’s important to acknowledge the truth: The series “Yellowstone” continues to impress with a strong episode like “Three Fifty-Three”. This installment surpassed the previous two episodes in the current half-season, effectively keeping me engaged for its entire duration. It’s intriguing to ponder why the show can’t maintain this level of quality more often.
It’s unfortunate to note, yet one of the reasons this episode is effective is because it exclusively centers around the characters who are most relevant at this stage: Beth, Kayce, Jamie, and Sarah Atwood. The Texas crew, along with other ranch hands, are noticeably missing, allowing for a narrative that zeroes in on these key figures. Rip, Monica, and Tate make a brief appearance in the extended opening flashback, but they’re absent from the rest of the episode as well.
True to his word, Jamie is currently immersed in the process of reversing the impact left by his deceased father. This endeavor necessitates the collaboration of Steven Rawlings, who is set to take over from John as the top figure. During a strategic meeting, they devise a plan: they aim to reverse the canceled Market Equities lease and seize the land using eminent domain. Interestingly, this was a strategy that Jamie once opposed. However, Lynelle Perry, in her analysis, deems it an exploitation of state power, regardless of how much Jamie maintains that this project will significantly boost Montana’s economy. She cautions him, suggesting Bozeman could soon resemble Jackson Hole if this development proceeds.
A lot of this is pretty ironic considering the massive (and polarizing) real-life influx of tourists that Yellowstone has brought to Montana. And look, I don’t know much about eminent domain or conservation easements, so I can’t make any judgments about the realism of this type of political maneuvering. But what matters here is that Jamie’s plan is moving forward successfully. It’s only unfortunate for John’s old assistant Clara, who makes the principled decision to turn down Rawlings’s chief of staff opportunity after witnessing the corruption. But at least she earns the trust of Lynelle, who may have a job for her.
Switching perspectives now, let me tell you about my visit to the coroner’s office where I managed to change my father’s cause of death to ‘undetermined.’ It’s downright puzzling how the medical examiner insists on her initial verdict that it was a suicide, given the glaring signs of something fishy we found just by taking another quick look at his body. We noticed multiple indications of a struggle right away – bruises around his neck and forehead, abrasions on his toes, and other marks and dents on his legs. My description of my military training for handling sleeping targets seems to align eerily well with the possible scenario: A trio of men broke into our house, knocked Dad unconscious, staged evidence to make it look like a suicide. As we saw earlier in this very episode, that’s exactly what happened.
Detective Dillard resumes the case and, prompted by Kayce, convenes a press briefing regarding it. It appears suspicious that John would travel to the livestock office for his service weapon, only to bring it back to the governor’s residence, despite Jamie arguing to Rawlings that this is just circumstantial evidence at most. The subsequent speech delivered by Rawlings is particularly significant; as the newly appointed governor, he addresses the gathering and highlights John’s unlawful actions, reinstating the lease agreement and employing eminent domain. Despite the questionable timing, his speech is well received by the assembly. However, a twist arises: the governor declares that Jamie will step aside from any investigation into his father’s death, potentially jeopardizing his ability to maintain control over Dutton land.
Jamie’s behavior is escalating, not just due to the recent developments. After a long wait, Kayce finally storms into his office, accusing him of John’s murder. This scene is especially intense given that Kayce has just witnessed their father’s death. It’s intriguing to see Jamie attempt to convince Kayce of his innocence for once, showing off his acting skills and even resorting to a lie. “I could never do that to you,” he says, a line that will undoubtedly sting when Kayce discovers the truth.
The situation at the ranch appears bleak, giving us a rare glimpse of Beth grappling with the possibility of a catastrophic outcome. With John gone, she now sees him more clearly and understands the limited choices he left for his family. Chief Rainwater arrives, painting a dismal picture of dealing with the Department of the Interior, yet offering any assistance he can provide. At one point, Rainwater coveted this land for himself and his tribe, but it seems increasingly likely that neither the tribe nor the Duttons will retain ownership in the end.
An open offer to be used is exactly the kind of opportunity Beth would usually seize on, and Rainwater does put forth some ideas of partnerships that could lengthen their partial hold on the land. But she doesn’t see much of a path forward now, either. It’s striking to see Beth in this mode, musing about how the fantasy world of the ranch destroyed her father and so many others. There’s no preserving this place, only prolonging its collapse.
As we approach the penultimate three episodes of Yellowstone, it’s captivating to witness a genuine exploration of what it might mean to lose a place that so many people consider home. Moreover, Beth’s character finds herself at her lowest ebb, consumed by grief, despair, and unbridled anger. However, the most tension-filled moments unfold in the closing scenes, following Sarah’s acquisition of a disposable phone but her inability to reach the assassination agency she intended to contact.
In a typical scenario, Sarah’s altercation with Jamie would be the pivotal point, marking a shift in their relationship that leaves it irrevocably changed. Trying to pacify him and assure him of his innocence regarding the assassination, Sarah emphasizes that the governor lacks the authority to dismiss Jamie. However, her tone angers Jamie, particularly her assertion that she sacrificed herself for Jamie’s sake while he merely faces an accessory charge. As a result, he strikes her in anger. In response, as anticipated, Sarah retaliates with a slap of her own and storms out. It’s clear neither is immune to manipulation; both are equally selfish and driven by greed, reaping equal benefits from their arrangement.
Except, in the end, that arrangement gets her killed. Jamie calls Sarah almost immediately after she leaves to apologize, and they do make up. But moments after saying “You have nothing to fear,” Sarah is getting gunned down at a stop light in broad daylight. It’s a pretty shocking moment, especially because this show doesn’t kill people off that often these days. But even outside that ending, “Three Fifty-Three” provides some solid evidence that Yellowstone still has some gas left in the tank. Let’s see if we can keep that going for the last three.
The Last Roundup
The flashback at the start links the previous episode’s flashback (Beth and Rip’s date in Amarillo) with the current storyline, as we witness Beth and Kayce both feeling a strong unease when their father passes away. However, I would have preferred if these events were presented in the premiere itself for a smoother transition.
frankly, I’m taken aback that yet another “get a room” moment occurred between Tate and his parents, kissing in all. It’s starting to feel like I’m being pranked on Punk’d.
Kayce taps one of the technicians lightly, just to demonstrate some old military tricks. “What on earth are you doing?” “Pardon me.
Hearing Beth growl “let him be mine” caused me to chuckle. It appeared she was truly concerned that her sibling might deprive her of the chance to eliminate her other brother.
• Mo visits and shares some insight with Kayce about how making a decision between his family and the ranch might seem inevitable, as if it’s destiny. However, I can’t help but think it would be nice for them to have a conversation where Kayce is the one asking about Mo first. “By the way, what’s up with you? How are things going?
I’m fortunate to be stepping into some significant roles for Kevin Costner this season, and it’s quite unexpected.
I see, so you don’t accept cash payments here. I guess we’ll find another way then.” (Or) “Ah, I see you don’t take cash. Let’s find an alternative method for payment.
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2024-11-25 06:54