Spoilers for Yellowstone’s Season 3 finale (“The World is Purple”) are discussed below.
Rip and Beth have been one of Yellowstone’s main couples for fans to root for, though the Season 3 finale dealt them a potentially deadly blow. A lot of foreboding dialogue had hinted at Rip being the one whose life would be in jeopardy, but in the end, it turned out to be Beth, upon whom peril was visited. While cleaning out Beth’s former office, Beth’s assistant opened a box, which exploded. That said, star Cole Hauser sounds pretty optimistic that she will pull through.
Though Yellowstone left Beth’s fate in question, along with those of her father and brother, Cole Hauser believes that Rip and Beth's relationship is far from over. When asked ahead of the Season 3 finale if he thinks Beth and Rip could end up together, Hauser told Esquire:
I got to say–out of everybody, she's such a pleasure to work with. We have so much to do together. Being able to act them with her is an honor. [Regarding Rip and Beth], absolutely. I think that world is starting to open up. That's absolutely something that could happen. You're going to see how it shakes out at the end, but... we'll see where Taylor takes us. I don't sit with him and say, "Hey, by year seven, are we here or there?" That relationship, it could go many different ways, but I think it could go in the way of us being together.
This is presuming that Beth survives, of course, and let’s face it, I cannot imagine Yellowstone having that cliffhanger play out any other way. Beth and Kelly Reilly are instrumental parts of the show’s cast, and the character's relationship with Rip has many viewers pulling for their love story to succeed. The Season 3 finale did leave their future in flux, though it was clearly not because of any relationship drama.
Season 3 witnessed Rip and Beth’s coupling get a massive boost as the two became engaged. Though Beth has continued to keep an important secret from Rip, Yellowstone left the two in a reasonably happy place that didn't feel like it was in peril because of that secret. Cole Hauser explained what Rip’s "happily ever after" scenario with Beth would entail, saying:
[Rip's best case end] is with Beth, in a shack. I think they're somewhere happy. It would be a real success story for both of them. Not just for Rip, because they'll have each other.
In Hauser's eyes, Rip just wants to be together with Beth for the long haul, and when he catches up with whoever tried to blow up the love of his life, it should be their last meeting. Yellowstone has definitely set Rip and Beth up for an interesting Season 4.
Personally speaking, I for sure want Rip and Beth to end up together. They will have to get through whatever Beth’s physical condition is in the aftermath of said attack when Yellowstone resumes. It is obviously believable that she could survive, but that doesn't mean whoever the culprit behind the attacks is won't try to harm her again.
Rip will have to track them down fast, and depending on Kayce’s condition, Rip could be going on that revenge mission with or without him. Kayce and Rip working together would be a formidable force for any enemies to contend with when Yellowstone returns. As for Beth, I imagine she'll be wanting to get up and running much like her father.
Whatever happens, Season 3 was an incredible gift for Beth and Rip fans up until the end. They actually got a chance to be happy together, despite outside issues. It was everything that Cole Hauser had ensured heading into the last episode. Was that all just the calm before the storm? Fans of Yellowstone will have to tune in and see.
While you wait for Yellowstone Season 4 to arrive, keep your eyes out for this fall’s premieres. Meanwhile, re-watch Beth and Rip’s best moments during the first two seasons on NBCUniversal’s new streamer, Peacock.
