Yellowstone has never failed to impress the audience with its engaging storyline, driven by some interesting characters. As the Duttons deal with the struggles of managing and controlling the largest ranch in the country, their interpersonal dynamics take center stage in the plot.
In the third season of the neo-Western drama, the audience is introduced to Garrett Randall, who eventually changes the course of Jamie Dutton’s character arc and his relationship with his sister, Beth Dutton.
Played by Will Patton, Garrett is the biological father of Jamie with a twisted past. Since Jamie is the adoptive son of John Dutton, he searches for his real father. However, Garrett ends up suffering a tragic fate at the hands of his own son in Yellowstone season 4.
Garrett Randall is shot and killed by Jamie Dutton in Yellowstone
Garrett Randall is Jamie Dutton’s biological dad in Yellowstone. In the past, he was married to a drug-addicted woman named Phyllis. The two had a son together who they named James Michael Randall, later known as Jamie Dutton.
When Jamie was only three months old, Garrett returned home and found the baby crying from hunger while Phyllis was getting intimate with another man in exchange for drugs. In a fit of rage, he killed Phyllis and was sentenced to life in prison.
Meanwhile, Jamie was adopted by John and Evelyn Dutton. After serving thirty years, Garrett was released on parole. In Yellowstone season 3, Jamie learns he is adopted and tracks down Garrett.
There is some tension between the two on their first meeting, but Garrett explains why he killed Phyllis, claiming he did it to protect Jamie. As the father and son reconnect, Garrett starts influencing Jamie and turns him against the Duttons.
He even suggests Jamie take control of the Yellowstone ranch by killing John, which sets the stage for the ultimate conflict in the show. Garrett later plans attacks on the Dutton family, as he holds a grudge against John for not helping him during his trial and for raising Jamie.
As per Garrett's plan, his former cellmate Terrell Riggins attacks John, Beth, and Kayce. Though the family survives, they suffer from severe injuries. Meanwhile, Garrett helps Jamie buy land, encourages him to run for Governor of Montana, and urges him to break free from John’s control.
However, Jamie is torn between his loyalty to the Duttons and his greed for power. On the other hand, Kayce finds evidence that shows Garrett is linked to Riggins and is behind the attack. Jamie then confronts his father, but Garrett denies being involved and manipulates Jamie.
When Beth learns about Garrett’s role in the attacks, she uses it against Jamie. She points a gun toward Jamie's head and gives him a tough choice: either kill Garrett or get his own life destroyed. Meanwhile, Garret decides to leave the ranch, realizing that his presence is damaging his son’s campaign.
With threats from Beth, Jamie makes an unexpected decision. He meets Garrett for one last conversation. Garrett expresses his love and belief in Jamie. However, Jamie shoots Garrett in the head and kills him.
He then disposes of his father’s body at the ‘train station,’ a remote location the Duttons use to get rid of their enemies. Beth secretly follows Jamie and takes a picture of him dumping the body. She uses the photo to blackmail him and ensure that he remains loyal to the Duttons.
Garrett might have died, but his influence leads Jamie on a dangerous path. As his hunger for power and his rivalry with Beth keep getting intense, it results in a succession war between the two siblings.
Yellowstone season 5 will air its final episode on December 15, 2024.