Unresolved Storylines and Character Arcs in "Yellowstone" Season Five

In "Yellowstone" season five, several key story arcs were not fully developed, leaving fans with unanswered questions. One critical narrative revolves around Rip, who remains oblivious to Jamie's actions that caused Beth immense pain, particularly the forced hysterectomy that left her infertile after teenage pregnancy. This tragic history complicates Beth's relationship with Rip, especially since he is the father of her lost child. By the finale, Rip still seems unaware of these past events, which could have added layers to their dynamic.

Sarah Atwood's character was introduced as a manipulative antagonist in season five, stepping into the void left by the demise of Jamie's biological father. Her involvement with Market Equities included orchestrating schemes to undermine the Duttons, even to the point of plotting violence against John Dutton. However, her character arc ultimately concludes abruptly when she becomes a victim of the very forces she employed. This ending raises questions about her true intentions and depth, as well as a potential switch in allegiance towards Jamie.

Another narrative thread concerns Angela Blue Thunder's efforts to unseat Thomas Rainwater as chairman. Despite her ambitions introduced early in the season, her storyline dissipates without resolution in the latter half, leaving viewers curious about the future leadership of the Broken Rock Reservation. Likewise, Kayce's emotional struggle regarding the Yellowstone ranch is briefly touched upon—it is presented as a burden rather than a privilege, yet the roots of this conflict with his father remain vague.

Lloyd's character, a long-standing ranch cowboy, also faces an unsatisfactory conclusion as the cowboys disperse and he opts out of opportunities elsewhere. While his decision to leave signifies his deep attachment to the Yellowstone ranch, viewers are left without insight into his future endeavors. Meanwhile, the focus on the 6666 ranch and Taylor Sheridan's personal ranch appears to serve plot purposes without tangible narrative payoff, suggesting a potential setup for future projects.

Finally, the wolves storyline, introduced with much intrigue, disappears without a trace in the second half of the season. This was unexpected, especially considering John Dutton's connection to animal rights through his relationship with activist Summer Higgins, leading audiences to wonder whether this moment was a critical plot point or merely an oversight in storytelling.