Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Yellowstone season 5, episode 12, “Counting Coup.”
Not only is Taylor Sheridan the co-creator and showrunner ofYellowstone, but he also plays Travis Wheatley, who returns in season 5, part 2. The Paramount Network’s neo-Western drama TV series revolves aroundthe Dutton familyand their struggle to maintain their land (the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch) and power in the state of Montana. However, their power is slipping through their fingersin season 5 in the wake of John Dutton III’s death and the potential loss of their ranch,which has been in the family for several generations.
The series finale ofYellowstone(aka season 5, episode 14) was written by Taylor Sheridan and is scheduled to be released on Sunday, Jun 23, 2025, at 8 pm ET.
InYellowstoneseason 5, episode 12, “Counting Coup,” Rip Wheeler decides that he would rather the ranch lose its livestock (horses, cattle, etc.) than its land. So, he and the other ranch hands get to work. During this new endeavor, Rip calls on a friend to help him and the rest of the Dutton family out in these trying times. As a result, Sheridan steps in front of the camera for the tenth time andreprises his role as Travis inYellowstoneseason 5, episode 12.
Taylor Sheridan Returns As Travis Wheatley In Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12
Travis Last Appeared In Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 9
Taylor Sheridan’s Travis briefly appeared intheYellowstoneseason 5, part 2 premiere, “Desire Is All You Need,” when Rip and other ranch hands travel to the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas to keep some of their horses during a Brucellosis outbreak. This all takes place five weeks before John’s assassination, though, meaning Travis doesn’t learn about Kevin Costner’s character’s death until his return in episode 12.Rip calls Travis in “Counting Coup” to inform him of John’s fateand asks him to help sell the Yellowstone horses being kept down in Texas. The Duttons are desperate for cash.
Jake McLaughlin
Cade McPhereson
Travis agrees to help Rip, but he wants to do it the right way. Sheridan’s character doesn’t want to rush the sale because he wants the Duttons to get top dollar for their show horses. Travis is a massive help totheYellowstoneseason 5, part 2 charactersin that way, but also because he takes on the burden of telling Jimmy Hurdstrom that John has died.Rip tells Travis he “doesn’t have the heart” to break the news to Jimmy.Travis agrees to do it for him, and Jimmy is understandably shaken after learning about John’s death.
Travis Is One Of The Few Solid Allies Of The Duttons Amid Yellowstone Season 5’s Turmoil
The Duttons Might Lose The Yellowstone
As mentioned above, the Duttons are at risk of losing everything they have worked so hard for inYellowstoneseason 5, part 2. So, they are going to need as many people on their side as they can get. Based onYellowstoneseason 5, episode 12, and his previous appearances,Travis is undoubtedly someone that the Duttons can trustin the neo-Western drama series.
Travis is one of the Duttons' only reliable allies inYellowstoneseason 5, part 2, which is why his character is so valuable within the context of the show.
Taylor Sheridan’sYellowstonerolehas been there for the other characters, whether it’s Rip or Jimmy, whenever they need help.Travis, a cowboy and horse trainer, is someone that the Duttons can rely on.As a result, it makes sense why Rip turns to Travis in the Yellowstone’s time of need (and because the ranch has some show horses in Texas, of course). Travis is one of the Duttons' only reliable allies inYellowstoneseason 5, part 2, which is why his character is so valuable within the context of the show.
Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 11 Review: The Staggering Ending Completely Changes The Show For The Better
Kayce’s investigation into his father’s death continues in Yellowstone season 5, episode 11, which finally sets the show’s final story in motion.
How Travis Can Fit Into Yellowstone’s Reported Season 6 & Beyond
Yellowstone May Return For A Sixth Season
Months before season 5, part 2 premiered on the Paramount Network,reports claimed thatYellowstoneseason 6might be in the works. Neither the network nor Taylor Sheridan confirmed these rumors. However, if they’re true, several characters (the ones who don’t die in season 5, part 2) could return in season 6, including Travis. Since Sheridan is so involved behind the scenes,Travis could never become a full-time character in the original series or a spinoff(likethe on-hold6666show). However, Sheridan’sYellowstonecharacter could continue making guest appearances here and there to support the main characters.
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 June 02, 2025, this series examines the complex dynamics and violent conflicts surrounding the largest contiguous ranch in the United States.
