“Yellowstone” shocked viewers with its latest episode.

*WARNING: THERE ARE SPOILERS BELOW. Consider yourself warned.*

The tenth episode of season five of the popular neo-Western series – titled “The Apocalypse of Change” – aired Sunday night on Paramount Network after a solid start to Season 5B last week.

I understand that many people were disappointed with the John Dutton staged suicide/murder storyline, but it was really the only option for Taylor Sheridan after Kevin Costner left the show.

That may be a tough pill to swallow for some, but it is 100% true. Now it’s all about everything unfolding after the murder/staged suicide.

That’s what we looked at with ‘The Apocalypse of Change’.

“Yellowstone” surprised viewers with its latest episode. (Credit: Paramount Network)

‘Yellowstone’ airs a heartbreaking episode.

There are a few big things to take away from this episode, and let’s start with the biggest of them all. Jamie has accepted the situation Sarah has placed him in.

Market Equities orchestrated his father’s murder to take control of the ranch. Whether that was really his intention or not, that’s what happened.

The company killed John Dutton under Sarah’s watch, and it’s now up to Jamie to deal with the aftermath. It’s not a position he really wanted to be in, but he is.

Bet’s reaction? She went to him and promised that her face would be the last face he would ever see on this earth. The stakes are clear.

One will die. One will live.

Who survives remains to be seen, but it’s clear that now they’ll both try to kill each other. This is what fans have been craving since the series premiered in 2018.

Any attempt to paint it as anything else is over. Beth wants Jamie dead. The feeling is mutual. Beth has Rip, Kayce and the ranch behind her. Jamie has an $80 billion company behind him. Take your bets.

But there is more!

Sarah and Market Equities got Jamie to run for governor of Montana in a special election. He will have their full support after making it clear that he will use all possible legal maneuvers to make the ranch work in their favor.

Since there are only four episodes left, I have a feeling we’ll never see this special election happen. Also, the sex scene between Jamie and Sarah was a bit much! Talk about really turning up the heat.

“Yellowstone” (credit: Paramount Network)

Which brings me to the really heartbreaking part. I almost had tears in my eyes watching Kayce talk to Tate about Jon Dutton’s death.

That was a punch in the stomach. One of the reasons I’ve always resonated with “Yellowstone” is because I’m the grandson of a great American who built an agricultural empire in Wisconsin.

My grandfather was a hero in the family for generations. Born into extreme poverty and surviving the Great Depression, he built a legacy that will last for decades.

My grandfather passed away a few years ago. To be clear: not at all like John Dutton. He died in his nineties, sharp as a tack, and going fast. He joked, knowing this was the end of the line. That’s all you can ask for.

Watching Kayce talk to his son about the death of Tate’s grandfather brought tears to my eyes. It’s hard for a lot of people to understand, but at that point, I’m not sure I’ve ever been more connected to “Yellowstone.” Losing a larger-than-life figure who was known to all is not easy.

The new episode “Yellowstone” featured a very emotional moment between Kayce and Tate after John’s death. There are now only four episodes left of Taylor Sheridan’s hit series. (Credit: Paramount Network)

It’s a lot harder when that guy built something that involves exceptions that are passed down from generation to generation.

In that scene, all I thought about was my father, my uncles, and my father’s siblings who were already on the other side waiting for my grandfather.

Many people will never understand the weight children of such people feel when the torch is passed. Taylor Sheridan did a great job writing that scene, and if I ever see another scene from “Yellowstone,” it will be my favorite.

Heartbreaking, inspiring and uplifting at the same time. Below is a photo of my grandfather shortly before his death. Gone but never forgotten. A John Dutton figure long before the world was ever introduced to the character.

The best friend a man can have, and not the kind of person you want to be on the wrong side of the fence against.

A few more quick points to break down:

• I enjoyed seeing Summer again. She is clearly shocked by John’s death, and her interaction with Beth is proof that John’s only daughter is an absolute piece of work. That made me irrationally angry. I hope we see summer again this season. A liberal fool, but someone with a good mind.
• It’s great to see Kayce and Monica living on their own private property. Of course that’s over now, they’re packing for the ranch. It’s a painful reminder that any bit of happiness they find ends quickly.
• The snake storyline made me panic. I hate snakes. Hate them.
• Who else was crushed when Lloyd and Rip talked about how the ranch was the only thing they’d ever known and the only place they’d ever been? That cut deep. I expect both will play an important role in the murders that await us.
• Sarah and Jamie not cradling Beth when she visited the latter’s office should have led to an all-out brawl.

Overall, a very emotional, heartbreaking and amazing episode. Only four more episodes until we find out how the ‘Yellowstone’ saga ends. Are you excited? I certainly am. Hit me up with all your predictions and thoughts [email protected].