Yellowstone Finale: The Plot Holes That Left Fans Baffled!

The greatest Western drama of the 21st century has finally reached its conclusion. It was a thrilling ride filled with unexpected twists, intense conflicts, and plenty of off-screen controversies.

Now, as Yellowstone comes to an end, fans are left reflecting on the journey—one that was as chaotic behind the scenes as it was on screen. But while the series creator, Taylor Sheridan, has confirmed that there won’t be a sixth season, there are still whispers of potential spin-offs.

Yet, for many fans, the finale wasn’t just bittersweet—it was more bitter than sweet. Between off-screen drama and unresolved plotlines, many are wondering: Was this really the ending Yellowstone deserved?

Beth’s Secret: Why Didn’t She Tell Rip?

One of the biggest unresolved questions revolves around Beth Dutton’s secret about her past abortion and infertility. In Yellowstone Season 3, Episode 5, Cowboys and Dreamers, viewers learned that as a teenager, Beth became pregnant with Rip’s child. Seeking help, she turned to her brother Jamie, who took her to a clinic on a Native American reservation. Without Beth’s knowledge, Jamie signed off on a procedure that left her permanently sterile.

The revelation explained Beth’s deep-seated hatred for Jamie, but it left another major question unanswered—why didn’t Beth ever tell Rip the truth?

For a character as fiercely loyal and emotionally intense as Beth, keeping this secret from Rip felt out of character. Rip loved her unconditionally, and if he had known the truth, his fury toward Jamie would have matched, if not exceeded, Beth’s. Some fans speculated that Beth feared Rip’s reaction, while others theorized she wanted to be the one to take Jamie down herself. Either way, the lack of closure on this storyline was frustrating.

Sarah Atwood’s Plan: What Was Her Endgame?

Throughout Yellowstone, the Dutton family has faced one adversary after another, all seeking control over the ranch. In Season 5, Sarah Atwood emerged as a new villain—a cunning and manipulative businesswoman working for Market Equities. She seduced Jamie and convinced him to turn against his own family, orchestrating a political and legal attack on John Dutton.

But despite her formidable presence, Sarah’s character arc was cut short. Just as she seemed poised to deal a final blow, she was killed by the very hitman she had hired. The mystery surrounding Sarah deepened when Beth discovered that “Sarah Atwood” was an alias. Who was she really? What was her ultimate plan?

The show never provided answers, leaving fans wondering whether her character was a rushed addition or if there were deeper connections we’ll never know about.

Angela Blue Thunder: The Forgotten Storyline

Angela Blue Thunder was introduced in Season 3 as a fierce tribal lawyer brought in to help Thomas Rainwater fight Market Equities. Her aggressive approach to reclaiming tribal land made her a compelling character, and her interactions with Beth hinted at a potentially powerful alliance.

But after disappearing in Season 4, Angela reappeared briefly in Season 5—only for her storyline to vanish into thin air again. Fans expected her to play a major role in Rainwater’s conflict with the Duttons, yet her arc was seemingly abandoned. Was she meant to be a bigger threat? Why did Sheridan introduce her character only to leave her story hanging?

Casey Dutton: The Heir That Never Was

Throughout Yellowstone, Casey Dutton struggled with his place in the family legacy. Torn between his loyalty to the Dutton Ranch and his commitment to his wife Monica and their son Tate, Casey often seemed caught in the middle.

In the finale, Casey ultimately handed the ranch over to the Native American tribe, fulfilling a prophecy hinted at in the prequel 1883—that one day, the land would return to its original people. While this was a fitting conclusion in some ways, Casey’s arc still felt incomplete. His final scene, where he tells Monica he is “finally free,” left fans puzzled. What exactly was he freeing himself from? His strained relationship with John? The pressures of the ranch?

For a character who had been so integral to the show, Casey’s ending felt abrupt and unsatisfying.

Who Told Jamie About the Train Station?

One of Yellowstone‘s most infamous locations is the so-called “train station”—a remote spot where the Duttons dispose of their enemies, ensuring they disappear without a trace. Throughout the series, only a select few knew its exact location—John, Rip, Lloyd, and Casey.

Yet, by the final season, Jamie not only knew about the train station but used it to his advantage. Who told him? Given how much effort John went through to keep this secret, it seemed unlikely that Jamie would have stumbled upon it on his own. The show never addressed how he learned about the train station, making it one of the most glaring plot holes in the series.

The Bomb on the Plane: A Forgotten Threat

Back in Season 2, Yellowstone introduced the Beck Brothers, two ruthless businessmen who became major threats to the Dutton family. Casey, along with one of Dan Jenkins’ security team members, planted a bomb on the Becks’ private plane, seemingly as an insurance policy.

But the bomb was never detonated. The Becks continued their reign of terror until Casey killed them in a direct confrontation. So why introduce the bomb in the first place? If it was meant to serve as a backup plan, why was it never mentioned again? This dangling plot thread left fans scratching their heads.

The Uncertain Fate of the Four Sixes Ranch

One of the most anticipated Yellowstone spin-offs was supposed to be Four Sixes, centered around Jimmy Hurdstrom and his life at the legendary Texas ranch. The show was even hinted at within Yellowstone, with Jimmy leaving to start anew in Texas.

However, after a series of delays—including the departure of Kevin Costner and failed negotiations with Matthew McConaughey—the Four Sixes spin-off has been put on hold indefinitely. Instead, Taylor Sheridan announced The Madison, an entirely new series with a different premise. So, was Jimmy’s storyline a dead end? Will Four Sixes ever happen? Fans are still waiting for answers.

John Dutton’s Impeachment Case: Dropped Without Explanation

One of the biggest conflicts in Season 5 was Jamie’s campaign to impeach John as Governor of Montana. He launched a smear campaign and even had legal authorities investigating John for killing endangered wolves.

But once John was killed, the entire case was seemingly dropped. Given the legal trouble he was in, the state should have continued their investigation into his closest allies. Were there consequences for anyone? Apparently not, as this plotline was abandoned without resolution.

Final Thoughts: Did Yellowstone Deserve a Better Ending?

Despite its monumental success, Yellowstone‘s finale left many loose ends. Some storylines were rushed, others were ignored completely, and fan-favorite characters were sidelined. While Taylor Sheridan has built an impressive Yellowstone universe with prequels and spin-offs, the main series deserved a more satisfying send-off.

What do you think? Were these plot holes a sign of rushed storytelling, or did they not bother you as much? Let us know in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this breakdown, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more deep dives into your favorite shows.