This episode kicks off just prior to John's demise, drawing us into the Yellowstone crew's sojourn in Texas. As dawn breaks, Rip (played by Cole Hauser) awakens to find Teeter (Jen Landon) still confined within her tent's confines. Upon checking on her, he discovers her shivering in fear, whispering that a rattlesnake is perched atop her. Rip swiftly grabs the reptile and dispatches it, then scolds Teeter for failing to secure her tent. Their subsequent discovery of more snakes within Teeter's tent reveals they've inadvertently set up camp atop a snake den, prompting Rip to declare they must relocate.
Meanwhile, an unexpected visitor is en route, as Beth races down a Texas highway towards her husband, perhaps a bit too hastily, as she's soon pulled over by the law. Preparing to employ her feminine wiles on the officer, she's taken aback to find it's a female officer, rendering her tactics ineffective. However, mentioning her husband's station at the Four Sixes ranch earns her a newfound respect from the officer, who asks her to convey her gratitude to Rip. When Beth inquiries the reason, the officer explains that this is cattle country, where the vital work of cowboys is deeply appreciated for its role in putting food on tables.
Upon Beth's arrival at the camp, she informs Rip of a hotel reservation for their stay. Rip, loyal to his comrades, declines, but Beth is relentless. She offers the cowboys the opportunity to fly whoever they wish down the following weekend, allowing her and Rip a night away from the camp's rigors. The cowboys eagerly accept, reassuring Rip that they've got everything under control.
At the hotel, Beth learns that this is Rip's maiden voyage beyond Montana's borders. She envisions the myriad destinations they could explore if not tethered to the ranch. Rip, however, insists that he's "tied down" there by his own choosing and isn' t inclined towards wanderlust. Nonetheless, he's all for dancing, and the pair descend to the hotel bar. There, Beth takes note of Four Sixes' own vodka (a clever cross-promotion, Mr. Sheridan) and remarks on the absence of tourists, with only industry insiders present. Rip wonders what's brewing in her mind. She's unsure yet, but there's definitely something cooking.
Kayce steps into the threshold of his family's newly rejuvenated abode, a house they have meticulously restored to its former glory. Monica (played by Kelsey Asbille) offers her solace for the grief loss of John and tenderly volunteers to accompany him, sensing his need to seek solace at the main ranch for a while. As the emotional weight settles, Kayce embarks on a leisurely stroll with Tate (portrayed by Brecken Merrill).
During their walk, Kayce inquiries curiously about Tate's aspirations for the future, wondering aloud what endeavors his young heart dreams of pursuing. Tate admits that he hasn't pondered deeply over it, always assuming that taking up the mantle of the ranch would be his destined path. Kayce responds thoughtfully, pledging to support Tate in continuing the legacy that John so valiantly safeguarded. Yet, Tate voices his hesitation, uncertain if he wishes to steer the ranch in the same direction as John, whose life's dedication ultimately led to his untimely demise. Instead, Tate finds himself more drawn to the charming confines of their new, modest home.
When Kayce gently probes if there's anything else Tate wishes to articulate about John, the young boy confesses his bewilderment at the unfair twist of fate. Kayce solemnly vows to unravel the entire narrative for him in time, but for now, poses a profound question: Shall he cherish the memories of John's vibrant life or be consumed by the sorrow of his tragic end? Shall he mourn his loss or harbor resentment? Tate, with a heartfelt simplicity, chooses to remember John with fondness. Kayce, acknowledging the wisdom in his choice, nods in agreement.
Jamie (portrayed by Wes Bentley) harbors the hope that immersing himself in work might help navigate the tangled emotions surrounding John's demise. However, his intentions swiftly derail as Beth awaits him in his office, her presence like a storm brewing. She strikes him, insisting he confront her with his gaze. When he fails to comply, she repeats the gesture, yet his eyes remain averted. Beth, acutely aware of the reason behind his avoidance, grants him one final opportunity. His continued refusal earns him a chilling warning: the next time their eyes meet, it will mark his final moments.
As Beth exits, she encounters Sarah Atwood (played by Dawn Olivieri) and Ellis (John Emmet Tracy). Sarah's overt mockery provokes Beth to seize her by the throat and press her against the wall, but Sarah merely responds with laughter. Beth's departure is followed by a call to Kayce, where she confirms Jamie's involvement in John's murder, aided by Sarah.
Kayce's anger ignites, his lip biting and bleeding as he struggles to reign it in. He reaches out to an old military comrade now in the private sector, inquiring about contacts who might run such operations; he vows to delve into the matter. Monica then engages Kayce in conversation, but her husband reassures her that he's coping. Though Monica lets him be for now, her conversation with Tate later underscores their need to ensure Kayce doesn't become detached from the unfolding events.
Back in Jamie's office, he acknowledges that Beth will fiercely oppose their efforts to reinstate Market Equities' lease, potentially uncovering complications. Yet, he remains confident that within a year, they can resume construction. Ellis, pleased with Jamie's work, vows to support him in his gubernatorial bid during the special election. After Ellis's departure, Jamie reveals to Sarah that Beth knows their secret, but Sarah remains unperturbed. Jamie has emerged victorious, and now, as the new ruler, it's time to revel in the rewards of his conquest; in this moment, Sarah stands before him, her dress unzipping as a symbol of their unspoken alliance.
