Yellowstone is returning to the screens with the final episodes of its season 5 on November 10, 2024. As the succession battle for the ranch gets intense between Beth Dutton and Jamie Dutton, their loved ones are also caught up in the struggle.
The trailer and promotional videos of the season have hinted that nobody is safe as things turn violent, with cars being burned, people getting pushed off a cliff, and characters going out for blood with their guns blazing.
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As Yellowstone season 5B is being touted as the final season of the neo-Western series, fans are concerned about the fate of their favorite characters. Especially, Rip Wheeler, played by Cole Hauser, seems to be in trouble as he is at the forefront of the struggle to protect the legacy of his wife, Beth’s ranch.
While it is not yet confirmed if Rip will make it out alive of season 5, Cole Hauser has addressed fans’ concerns about his character in various interviews.
Will Rip Wheeler survive the events of Yellowstone Season 5B?
The debate around Rip Wheeler’s fate began when Yellowstone’s official Instagram handle posted a clip of the character with a cryptic caption ahead of the season 5 premiere in 2022. The caption read:
“Celebrating Rip Wheeler today and always," read the caption. “PS: Get ready, #YellowstoneTV fans. Something big is coming.”
As the show teased that ‘something big’ would happen with Rip, audiences started to wonder if it was a hint toward his death. Fortunately, he survived the first part of season 5; however, fans are still worried about his fate in season 5B.
Beth and Jamie’s hatred for each other is all set to turn violent, and Rip is in the middle of everything. Since he is extremely loyal to Beth, he could end up paying the price for her obsession with revenge against Jamie.
Rip’s loyalty to the Dutton family, especially to John, might lead to his tragic ending. In past episodes, Rip hinted he would give his life to protect the ranch. Additionally, Beth once said she couldn’t imagine life without him, which makes people think both could be in danger.
However, what works in Rip’s favor is that there have been reports of a spin-off series or a new season based on him and Beth after Yellowstone Season 5 ends. If the makers want to continue the ranch’s story with the couple, they will have to keep Rip alive by the end of season 5B.
Cole Hauser addresses Rip’s fate in Yellowstone season 5B
When asked if Rip’s life will be spared in the final episodes of Yellowstone season 5, actor Cole Hauser neither confirmed nor denied the character’s death. He said the viewers will have to wait to find out what happens with the ranch hand. He stated in an interview with Parade:
“You’ll have to wait. Listen, Rip does a lot of the killing. I’ll tell you that.”
He also addressed a potential spin-off series with Beth, stating:
“I mean, obviously it would be amazing. There are talks about it, and we'll see how it shakes out.”
In an earlier interview with Today, ahead of season 5A’s release, Hauser confirmed that Rip is safe for now. He said at the time:
“My mom’s told me a couple of them and I said, ‘Mom, I do the killing. Don’t worry about it.'"
When further pressed if Rip would be gone by the end of the season, Hauser said "I think we’re OK. For now.”
However, the filming of the final episodes took place after the above interview, so Rip’s fate hangs in the balance for now. Things will get clearer once Yellowstone season 5B premieres on Paramount Network on November 10, 2024. The show will release six episodes weekly until December 15, 2024.
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