The fifth chapter of Yellowstone's exhilarating fifth season, entitled "Watch 'Em Ride Away," introduces a narrative lull amidst the crescendo of preceding episodes. This installment, while meticulously crafted, steps aside from the season's raging conflicts, opting to pave the way for imminent story arcs. Essentially, it serves as a foundation-laying episode, convening the Dutton clan at the ranch for the culminating chapter of this half-season's journey. While it accomplishes this task adeptly, it also teases viewers with the impending crescendo of tensions yet to unfold.
Bookending the episode are two scenes, decades apart but harmoniously united by their serene ranch backdrop: an ethereal dawn where John and his trusty ranch hands embark on the spring cattle roundup. This ritual serves as a sanctuary for John, a respite from the relentless political machinations of his gubernatorial role, allowing him to rediscover his roots. The branding ceremony transcends mere tradition; it's a political statement, showcasing the way of life the Duttons fiercely protect to the world. John's poignant exchange with Rip underscores the significance of this ritual and the urgency to awaken society's consciousness to the essence they strive to preserve.
For Kayce, Monica, and Tate, their week-long sojourn to the ranch is a balm to their recent wounds, a fresh start amidst the ashes of adversity. Beth's deliberate exclusion from these hallowed traditions ignites a spark within her, driving her to join the gathering, her seamless integration into the ranch's tapestry a heartening turn of events. However, the narrative's undue emphasis on Summer Higgins clouds the promise of these captivating storylines.
Summer's character emerges as the episode's focal point, painted as a disconnected, urban-bred progressive, a caricature of dislikability and futility. Her conversations grate on the ears, her encounters with the ranch hands and the Duttons marred by disdain. The scripting relegates her to a one-dimensional portrayal, impeding viewers' ability to empathize with or invest in her character's arc.
The episode's pivotal conflict hinges on Summer's intrusion into the ranch's tranquility, her relentless butting heads with the family's cherished values. Her encounters with Carter exude an air of condescension, while her steadfast refusal to partake in the spring festivities stirs a ripple of frustration within John's being. The family dinner scene steals the spotlight, where Summer's astonishment and indignation at the array of meats on display are met with Monica's mischievous laughter, painting a vivid contrast.
Yet, the subsequent altercation between Beth and Summer falls prey to the overused trope of dominance and submission, with Summer's eventual capitulation to Beth's will feeling all too predictable. The episode concludes with a makeshift truce in Beth's crusade against Summer, but the resolution lacks the authenticity that would have resonated deeply. Summer is compelled to relinquish her principles, while John's character remains entrenched in stagnation, a disheartening reality given the rich potential for personal growth and transformation inherent in her narrative arc.
The closing moments hint at Summer's character continuing to unfold, yet the implications for the overarching story remain nebulous. In essence, "Watch 'Em Ride Away" emerges as a stumbling block in Yellowstone's fifth season, setting the groundwork for future plot twists but falling short of igniting the anticipated sparks of escalating conflict and profound character evolution. By dwelling excessively on Summer's character, the episode inadvertently overshadows the more captivating narratives woven around the Dutton clan, and its resolution seems like a lost chance to usher in meaningful change. As the season unfolds, one can only speculate whether the momentum lost here will be regained, and if the characters will be granted the opportunity to evolve in ways that enrich the narrative and captivate audiences.
