Spoiler Alert for 1883, 1923, & Yellowstone season 5, part 2
Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) might have made a life-changing decision inYellowstoneseason 5, saving himself from the Dutton family curse. Kayce’s story has had many compelling turns as he balances the responsibilities of trying to save the Dutton ranch while prioritizing Tate (Brecken Merrill) and Monica (Kelsey Asbille). After Mo (Moses Brings Plenty) helps Kayce interpret his visions following the death of his father, John Dutton (Kevin Costner), his path becomes clear.Kayce’s visions in theYellowstoneseason 4 finalesuggesttheyoungest Dutton would have to choose between the ranch and his family, and inYellowstoneseason 5, he has.
After a conversation with his son indicates Tate doesn’t see himself running the Yellowstone ranch,Kayce plots a course for his family’s future and goes full speed ahead. After his actions cause the state to reopen the investigation intoJohn Dutton’s deathand rule it a homicide, Kayce contacts an old Navy SEAL buddy and hunts down the man responsible. Instead of exacting vengeance and killing Grant Horton (Matt Gerald),Kayce"counts coup"inYellowstoneseason 5, episode 12. Kayce’s unwillingness to murder Grant or Jamie (Wes Bentley) and compromise his safety may save the youngest Dutton inYellowstoneseason 5’s finale.
The Dutton Curse In Yellowstone Explained
Death And Tragedy Saturates The Dutton Family Tree
A curse seems to follow the Dutton family, and it’s inherently tied to their struggle to keep their massive Montana ranch. Tragedy saturates the1883 Yellowstoneprequel, whereJames (Tim McGraw) and Margaret (Faith Hill) Dutton make a northwestern journeyfrom Texas to Montana. The Duttons travel with their children, John (Audie Rick) and Elsa (Isabel May). Elsa meets a tragic fate in1883,causing her family to end their travels abruptly and settle in Montana. Elsa’s sad demise, cast in harm’s way because of her father’s dream, marks the first time the Duttons fatally suffer for their land.
Yellowstone’s Dutton Family Tree Explained (Including 1883 & 1923)
The Dutton Family Tree in Yellowstone comprises characters from 1883, 1923, and Yellowstone, growing with Taylor Sheridan’s Neo-Western universe.
TheYellowstonesaga continues to center on tragedy in1923,whenHarrison Ford and Helen Mirren take over the ranch as Jacob and Cara Dutton. James Dutton’s brother and his wife move to Montana after they receive news of James' untimely fate, and when they arrive, Margaret Dutton is dead. While Jacob and Cara raise James and Margaret’s children as their own, war breaks out, and the middle child, John (James Badge Dale), dies in the crossfire. Tragedy surrounds the Duttons' attempt to maintain their legacy, which continues withLee Dutton’sYellowstonedeathin the modern era and capped with John Dutton III’s fate.
Kayce’s Non-Attachment To The Dutton Ranch Could Save His Life In Yellowstone
Kayce Isn’t Willing To Die To Save The Yellowstone
By prioritizing his immediate family,Kayce may avoid his family’s curseand live to see another day when all is said and done at the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Kayce’s decision to act in the best interest of his family rather than maintain the Dutton family legacy proves he isn’t willing to die for the ranch, and the decision could save his life.
As theYellowstonestory comes to a head in the season 5 finale, Kayce’s decisions highlight his deep alliance with the Broken Rock tribe, with his connections to Mo and Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) guiding his course.
Yellowstone
Cast
Yellowstone follows the Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton, as they defend their expansive ranch against external threats from land developers, an Indian reservation, and America’s first national park. Released on July 24, 2025, this series examines the complex dynamics and violent conflicts surrounding the largest contiguous ranch in the United States.
