Yellowstone: The Risky Consequences of Beth & Rip Leaving Montana

Spoiler Alert: The following contains details from Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 14, titled “Life Is a Promise.” Fans of Yellowstone might have hoped that Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Rip (Cole Hauser) would embark on a new chapter away from the rugged terrains of Montana. However, even with Kayce’s (Luke Grimes) recent sale of the Dutton family’s cherished ranch, the couple finds themselves still bound to their home state. In a significant twist during the season finale, Kayce sells the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch to the Broken Rock Tribe, which liberates Beth from the weight of her father John Dutton’s (Kevin Costner) legacy, allowing her to relocate to a ranch in Dillon, Montana, alongside Rip and Carter (Finn Little) and start anew.

In this latest episode, the trio begins to settle in their expansive Montana property. This newly acquired estate boasts over 7, 000 acres of deeded land, complemented by an additional 20 acres leased from the Bureau of Land Management. Beth estimates that Rip can run around 600 pairs of cattle here. This land, situated 40 miles west of Dillon, offers no tourist attractions but provides a stunning panoramic view of the mountains—a reminder of the fond memories they shared during their trip to Texas, as seen in past episodes.

Rip’s Undocumented Status: Implications for the Future

Laying Low: A Necessity for Beth, Rip, & Carter

Beth and Rip after a critical event in Yellowstone

Season 3 marks a pivotal moment in Beth and Rip’s relationship when she finally approaches her father to propose marriage to Rip, leading to a joyous occasion. However, Rip’s complicated legal circumstance rears its head as he confides in Beth that he cannot get married at a courthouse due to his undocumented status. Despite having a heartfelt ceremony at the Yellowstone Ranch—albeit somewhat unconventional involving a kidnapped priest—the reality of their situation persists. If they were to leave Montana, the undocumented aspect of Rip’s identity could pose significant challenges.

Rip’s lack of formal documentation may stem from his attempt to evade legal consequences for taking his father’s life in self-defense during his teenage years or could indicate that he was born at home, never officially recorded. This status unknowingly benefits John Dutton, as authorities cannot easily trace Rip, a detail that adds layers to the Dutton family’s dynamics (via Reddit).

With the community at large familiar with Rip and his fellow Yellowstone ranch employees, the stakes are raised should they venture outside the borders of Montana. While fabrication of documents could help establish Rip’s identity, it is perhaps wiser for the couple to proceed with caution. Additionally, given that Beth took drastic action against Jamie in the season finale, any movement from the couple might raise eyebrows should authorities take an interest, although suspicion has not yet fallen upon them.

Potential Challenges from Rip’s Status in Their Upcoming Spinoff

Navigating Life without John Dutton’s Connections

Rip and John Dutton outside a cabin in Yellowstone

The much-anticipated spinoff will delve into Beth and Rip’s new beginnings away from the Yellowstone Ranch, presenting Rip with challenges he hasn’t faced in years—specifically the absence of a safety net that came with working on the Dutton family’s vast landholding, the largest contiguous ranch in the U. S.Despite remaining in Montana, Rip’s undocumented status may create complications in their daily lives.

Previously, Rip enjoyed the privilege of thousands of acres without needing to justify his existence to anyone, collecting a paycheck without the need for legal documentation. Now that Beth has lost the ranch, those privileges are no longer guaranteed.

Significantly, John’s presence served as a protective layer. In their spinoff, Rip will find himself navigating society without the backing of the Dutton name and the associated networks. This absence could complicate even mundane processes like opening bank accounts or obtaining licenses, which would be daunting for someone with Rip’s particular circumstances.

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