Spoilers for the latest episode of Yellowstone Season 2, Episode 8 (“Behind Us Only Grey”) are discussed below.
Is Yellowstone killing off a major character soon? That is the upsetting question that the Western has me asking following Season 2, Episode 8. Why is the show making me wonder? Because there was a lot of ominous foreshadowing in this installment, and it all sadly centered around Monica Long-Dutton (Kelsey Asbille).
At one point, she wanted to leave the ranch with husband Kayce and son, Tate. After having a chat, Kayce agreed to move into town and commute to the ranch. Then, John (Kevin Costner) talked to his daughter-in-law and asked her to give life on the Yellowstone a try. She agreed to do that.
Yellowstone seemed to be moving Monica and Kayce (Luke Grimes) into the happily-ever-after stage. At least, to the extent that many of their marital issues seem more resolved than they have been in a while.
Monica even happily talked about expanding the family. It all sounded too good to be true, and a scene featuring a particular Yellowstone villain instilled the dread that it may be.
By the end of the episode, Season 2 big bad Malcolm Beck (Neal McDonough) had settled on his next target. He moved Tate's picture over into a pile, leaving Monica's exposed. It is unclear which of them he chose.
I do not think that Yellowstone would go so dark as to hurt Tate. Or at least, I hope not. However, I could see Monica stepping in to save Tate and getting hurt in the process.
The trailer for Yellowstone Season 2’s final three episodes ominously showed Beth (Kelly Reilly) horrified and huddled over an unconscious person. Could that person be Monica? I really hope not for so many reasons.
Monica is one of my favorite characters, and hers and Kayce’s romance is one worth rooting for. They are such a great couple, and they have what it takes to power through so much story together. Yellowstone losing Monica would be a catastrophic loss. She has been an integral part of the show, and it needs her.
Monica's bonding with the Duttons has just gotten started. There is hers and Beth's relationship as sisters-in-law to explore, as well as Monica's hopefully building bond with her father-in-law. Maybe Jamie too? It all has the capacity to be something wonderful to watch unfold.
Yellowstone likes to draw parallels between John and Kayce, though. Like John was with his own wife, Kayce is madly in love with Monica. If he were to lose her, it would be another tragic thing that he shares in common with his dad.
I really hope that I am wrong and that if anything happens to Monica, she readily recovers. Yellowstone needs her too much. As for the other developments on Yellowstone…
Beth’s Bizarre Threat To Jamie
Beth worked to recover from the brutal attack she suffered in last week’s episode. She and Jamie (Wes Bentley) did not come in contact until the end of this week’s Yellowstone. When they did, Beth again unleashed a torrent of verbal outrage at her brother.
We still do not know why she hates him. That is a question that remains unresolved heading into Yellowstone’s next episode. However, Beth offered another hint at how deep her hatred goes, as she told Jamie that someday someone would love him. When that happens, she will take it from him, adding she would kill it with her bare hands if she has to.
Yes, the threat that Beth made in the trailer had nothing to do with Malcolm Beck, as I had thought. It was all about Jamie. His sister’s menacing threat was made all the more inexplicable by Jamie not asking why she feels this way. What is going on?
Will Rip And Beth Ever Get Together, Officially?
In a super moving scene (pictured above), Beth watched as Rip (Cole Hauser) talked with Tate (Brecken Merrill) about his horse. Was she thinking about what a great dad Rip would be? I'm not entirely sure. However, it was more apparent than ever how much Beth loves and longs for Rip. What is holding them back?
They obviously love one another and there is nothing visible standing in Beth and Rip's way. John does not seem against them being a couple.
Regardless, Rip powered through the pain of his injuries to get back to business as usual, and life in the bunkhouse. Why can he and Beth not just get married, paving the way for Rip to move into the main house already?
Hopefully, they can officially get together before Season 2 ends. If not, there is always Season 3.
Why Did Jamie Think He Was Going To Get Killed?
As has already been established, Jamie is not the biggest fan of questions. He does not ask Beth any, and he did not have many for Kayce late in the episode. For whatever reason, Jamie thought that Kayce had woken him up to go to the “train station.” Also known as taking the ride you never come back from on Yellowstone.
John eventually realized that Jamie thought something was amiss. The question I have is why Jamie thought his dad and brother were going to kill him? John went out of his way to save Jamie’s life in the last episode. Why turn around and kill him now?
Jamie’s fear of his family remains palpable, and while I get being frightened of Beth, I do not understand his fear of Kayce and his dad.
Yellowstone is barreling towards its final chapter with a sense of urgency. This episode set the stage for the showdown to come between the Duttons and Malcolm Beck. Will they be able to deal with him and his brother before Beck takes someone away from the Duttons? Here is hoping the Duttons get him first.
Tune in to see if Monica survives Season 2 when new episodes of Yellowstone air Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on the Paramount Network. After Yellowstone’s second season ends, many other fall favorites will premiere to fill the void.
