Yellowstone Season 5 Episode 5 Review: Watch ‘Em Ride Away
There’s something deeply genuine about Yellowstone Season 5 Episode 5, “Watch ‘Em Ride Away.”
Perhaps it has to do with the fact that this will be a longer season than usual, which is likely why the season’s pace feels a bit slower than we’re used to with this series.
That also seems to mean we’re getting more and more flashbacks, which do serve a purpose but really do feel like they take up too much of the story, especially this season.
That said, what’s really significant, is the contrast between Beth watching Rip ride away in the flashback versus Beth riding away with him in the present. That shows plenty of development on her part, but it really shows development in their relationship.
The entire episode leads up to that journey with the branding. It’s what brings Kayce, Monica, and Tate back up to the ranch, which is nice to see.
The welcome break for their family is really a welcome break for us too — Monica even bursts into a fit of laughter at the dinner table when everyone gathers around a table full of meat, with vegan Summer like a fish out of water. It’s a great moment.
That dinner scene is wildly uncomfortable, a little funny, and a little bit over the top. It’s too bad Summer is portrayed in a way that’s so cliché. Her ego and outspoken nature are the worst of it, especially considering her circumstances.
It does offer some interesting banter, with the discussion of what’s more natural to eat in the first place.
Then there’s the fight. It’s gratuitous, yet satisfying to watch Beth and Summer beat the hell out of each other. What I do appreciate about the fight is that it’s not about the male gaze. There’s nothing sexy about it. They truly beat one another to a pulp — then when they’re done, they come to an understanding that they’ll get along with each other now.
It’s almost endearing.
The branding is also what has John back at his ranch. Thank goodness — it’s nice to see him back in his element for a bit. He declares he’ll be working from there for a while, to which Clara finds value in pretty quickly.
I have to say, I like Clara quite a lot. She’s up for anything, and as we learn by the end, is no stranger to riding horses herself.
So, they’ll plan a party with the goal of showing the county what the ranch is all about, and that feels like it will be a turning point. Summer is already learning about that a little herself, and I imagine Beth is right that she’ll change her a tune a bit about what they do at the ranch.
The ending of the episode is heavy. The way they start the day, from the mood at the bunk house to the silent breakfast at the dinner table (again with Summer completely out of her element), sets a somber tone.
Then they gather, with extra help, to get ready to ride off. John explains their journey, including the fact that they won’t have a way to set up camp. It’s going to be arduous, and personally, it leaves me with a bad feeling about what’s to come.
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Yellowstone airs Sundays at 8/7c on Paramount Network.
New Yellowstone spinoff series 1923 is streaming December 18 exclusively on Paramount+. Try it FREE!
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Ashley Bissette Sumerel
Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as Eulalie Magazine. Ashley has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches Entertainment Journalism, Composition, and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.