Yellowstone official trailer
Warning - this article contains major spoilers for Yellowstone season five.
The hit series Yellowstone has drawn the ire of its loyal fan base once again, with viewers left aghast after a beloved character's tragic fate was sealed in the latest episode.
After an agonising two-year hiatus, the second segment of the riveting fifth season is now unfolding on Paramount, leaving fans on the edge of their seats with startling developments each week.
The twelfth instalment titled Counting Coup delves into the heart-wrenching aftermath of John Dutton's (played by Kevin Costner) demise, as explored through the eyes of Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) and his fellow cowboys.
Rip finds himself too besieged by grief to break the grim news to Jimmy Hurdstrom (Jefferson White), instead deferring the task to equine expert Travis (series creator Taylor Sheridan). Meanwhile, a tender moment arises between Colby (Denim Richards) and Teeter (Jen Landon), culminating in Colby's surprising declaration of love.
Yet, what transpires shortly thereafter leaves fans utterly dismayed: a harrowing incident involving an enraged horse results in Colby being tragically killed while trying to shield Carter (Finn Little), reports the Mirror US.
The event sends shockwaves through the ranch, with manager Rip consumed by rage over his absence during the calamity. The furious aftermath sees the offending horse put down and subsequently abandoned as fodder for the wolves.
Yet, even Rip's anger pales in comparison to that of the devoted Yellowstone followers, who are voicing their sorrow and indignation across social media platforms. A Reddit user passionately exclaimed, "That was a VERY UNNECESSARY death!!!" met with echoes of frustration from another viewer saying, "So unnecessary. Just really p***ed."
Another viewer vented their disappointment online: "Omg I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks this... and the way he died is so stupid!
"If they wanted to kill off his character at least do it by him fighting to save the ranch or something other than getting kicked by a horse...It made me so mad because it was so unnecessary."
On X (formerly Twitter), viewers vented their outrage following the episode, with one commenting: "That was not cool. I hate that they killed Colby. If ANYONE deserved a happy ending when this series ends, it was these two.
"Felt so bad for Teeter upon hearing the news. After they just said 'I love you' to each other too."
Some followers of the series are even threatening to abandon the show entirely, with a decisive viewer posting: "Y'all killed Colby. I'm good. No more #Yellowstone for me."
As the season of Yellowstone draws close with only two episodes remaining, speculation is ripe amongst the Dutton devotees.
Suspense isn't letting up among the fandom, who anticipate further shocking plot twists. One observant fan hinted at an unsettling foreshadow on Reddit: "Kayce (Luke Grimes) and Tate (Brecken Merrill) talking about death has me thinking that was foreshadowing to Kayce's death."
To which another added fuel to the conjecture stating: "That's what I'm starting to think too. They're off-ing characters like there is no tomorrow."
As the ranch descends into turmoil in the wake of John's demise, Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) remains resolute in her quest for vengeance against Jamie (Wes Bentley) for his role in the assassination.
Will Jamie be sent packing to the train station, or could he unexpectedly emerge victorious?
Regardless of responses to the recent startling turn of events, countless fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome.
Yellowstone season 5, part 2 continues Sundays on Paramount and the following Monday on Paramount+.
