User reviews

First of all Chief Joseph is liking this episode from heaven. Love the acting from the family room , Rip driving scene was cool. Bunk house was laid back. Kasey and his guys in a shoot out. John Dutton showing he still could kick some butt in front of people. Beth , Jamie , Jimmy all stand out as good supporting charactors.

Always appreciate seeing the "father" side of a rough, tough cowboy. A real man spends time with his family, cares for his family. And that's John Dutton - the fighting man who melts when his little girl hurts.

Also, I'm glad to see Beth's positive changes as she deals with her past trauma. Rip is another real man - tough when he needs to be & so tender and loving with his woman.

Good to see the characters in the bunk house, too. A fun, hard-working bunch, each with their own vibrant personality. A great bunch of actors & each a master at his own role. I'm excited to see the stories continue in the next episodes!

I love this show but feel it has lost its way a bit. The acting just doesn't seem as intense as it was before. The Dutton family is disappearing in front of me.

Was it just me, or did anyone else think John and Jamie would have a good ole fashioned beatdown, thanks to the title of the episode? Haha. Jokes aside, that scene at the end between Jamie and John was something special. Also, that scene between Beth and John where he apologises for her not thinking that she could go to him if she were in any trouble... just right in the heart! I watched this episode last week so I can't remember if that Beth and John scene was in this or the episode before, but nonetheless, this season is really hitting me in the feels. I love it!

"The Beating," the seventh episode of Yellowstone's third season, directed by Guy Ferland, delves into the layered tensions and emotional upheavals engulfing the Dutton family while pushing forward the narrative threads of loyalty, violence, and legacy. The episode strikingly combines intimate family revelations with the relentless brutality of the external conflicts faced by the ranch, making it a pivotal chapter that deepens character complexity and sets the stage for escalating confrontations.

The episode opens with a scene of familial infliction and discovery as Jamie grapples with a profound and shocking secret regarding his biological parents-a revelation that dramatically reframes his identity within the Dutton lineage. This moment of raw vulnerability is juxtaposed with John's measured but firm response, embodying the series' recurring themes of belonging, rejection, and the weight of truth. Wes Bentley's portrayal of Jamie's conflicting emotions adds depth to a character often weighed down by family expectations and personal scars.

Parallel to Jamie's crisis, Kayce and his fellow livestock agents confront a dangerous cattle theft, culminating in a tense and violent shootout. This action sequence is a raw and immersive portrayal of the violent undercurrents simmering beneath Yellowstone's surface-representative of the perpetual threats facing the ranch. The firefight's pacing and intensity reflect the series' blend of Western action and contemporary drama, highlighting Kayce's evolving role as protector and warrior.

Beth and Rip's storyline provides emotional refuge amidst the turmoil, showcasing moments of tenderness and shared resilience. Their portrayal of mutual support, particularly in the face of persistent external threats, adds a humanizing and hopeful element to the episode. Beth's sharp wit and strategic mind continue to shine, reinforcing her role as the family's fierce protector and tactical mastermind.

The episode also weaves in the persistent economic and political pressures bearing down on the Yellowstone ranch. Encounters involving John, Wade Morrow, and his son hint at unresolved feuds and future conflicts, injecting the episode with thematic layers of betrayal, reprisal, and territorial assertion. These interactions underscore the series' neo-Western exploration of power, tradition, and the complex web of alliances and enmities that sustain it.

Visually, Ferland's direction balances sweeping views of the majestic Montana landscape with tight, emotionally charged interior scenes. The cinematography effectively contrasts the vastness of the outdoors with the claustrophobic intensity of family confrontations and violent conflict. Editing maintains a brisk pace, shifting fluidly between introspective moments and adrenaline-fueled action.

Performances across the board remain compelling, with Costner's John exhibiting a stoic paternal authority tempered by moments of vulnerability. Kelly Reilly's Beth is both fierce and emotionally complex, while Luke Grimes' Kayce embodies quiet strength and moral complexity. The supporting cast enriches the story with layered portrayals of loyalty, ambition, and struggle.

Thematically, "The Beating" interrogates the painful processes of truth and reconciliation, the costs of secrecy, and the ever-present shadow of violence that looms over the Dutton family. The episode's title aptly reflects both literal and metaphorical battles-the physical confrontations and the emotional bruises inflicted and endured. This duality is at the heart of Yellowstone's enduring appeal, combining visceral Western grit with profound psychological exploration.

Cultural and political subtexts continue to weave through the episode, touching on issues of Indigenous land rights, rural justice, and the intersecting narratives of personal and communal survival. By embedding these elements within the family saga, Yellowstone maintains its position as a culturally resonant and politically aware neo-Western.

Though some viewers may find moments of the narrative less dynamically paced, focusing heavily on character exposition and setup, these choices serve to deepen the story's fabric and prepare for the gripping developments ahead.

"The Beating" is a multifaceted episode that further complicates the emotionally charged world of Yellowstone. Guy Ferland's direction, combined with strong performances and rich thematic content, crafts an installment as intense emotionally as it is visually stunning. It challenges audiences to confront the difficult truths of family, identity, and survival, reflecting the series' ongoing examination of what it means to protect a legacy at all costs.

Season 1 was amazing Season 2 accomplished Season 3 painful. The writers have lost the edge the earlier seasons demonstrated. Storyline is lacking direction and substance

Just three episodes left after this and STILL nothing is really going besides soap-opera shenanigans with awkwardly shoe-horned action set-pieces that go absolutely nowhere. All that stuff about the livestock agent killing those guys before, all wrapped up with no repercussions. Jimmy getting absolutely quadrospazzed, now is walking around perfectly fine. Girl goes missing - big storyline! Oh no, she dead, end of. Random shootout with shotgun-through-door (straight from Sheridan's Wind River, like he's not even trying anymore), Kayce doesn't even check the trailer to clear it! Dutton moping about with his gravelly overwritten wisdoms and absolutely NOTHING to do. He says here that he's tired - yeah, you and me both buddy! This stuff is tedious as hell. But it's ok - because there are still thrilling scenes here like Jamie waiting in an office, an irritating back-seat passenger and Rip kicking a tyre. Woohoo! Also today I learned that you can lasso the head of a driver of a travelling car through an open window, who knew? This season was clearly churned out for the sake of commercial longevity, there's no point or soul to this season at all.