Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Yellowstone season 5, episode 12, “Counting Coup.”
Although episode 11 signaled thatYellowstoneseason 5, part 2 was turning around after a couple of poor hours, episode 12, “Counting Coup,” unfortunately brings the series back down to the ground. Prior to “Counting Coup,“Taylor Sheridan’s neo-Western drama TV showonly had three episodes left to close out its story and conclude character arcs in a way that would satisfy us. Instead,episode 12 did little to move the plot forwardand contains a death that is unnecessary and quite disappointing.
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 July 07, 2025, this series examines the complex dynamics and violent conflicts surrounding the largest contiguous ranch in the United States.
FollowingSarah’s shocking death inYellowstoneseason 5, episode 11, the police question Jamie in episode 12. They don’t consider him a suspect at first, but when he has a frantic and defensive reaction to the detectives looking at Sarah’s belongings, they add him to their list of suspects. Elsewhere in the hour, Rip tries to sell as much livestock as he can as the ranch is in desperate need of money. Meanwhile,Kayce has a memorable storyline as he continues seeking justice for his father’s murder,and one beloved ranch hand sacrifices his life to save another.
Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2’s Earlier Deaths Cheapen Colby’s Demise In Episode 12
The Original Yellowstone Character’s Death Is Frustrating & Understated
In a strange turn of events, anotherYellowstoneseason 5, part 2 characterdies in episode 11: Colby. Carter gets stuck in a stable with a violent horse and when Colby tries to distract the animal to save Carter, the horse attacks Colby, killing him. Carter tries to save the ranch hand by shooting the horse, but it’s too late. Colby is already gone, devastating almost every character, especially Teeter, Colby’s girlfriend, and Ryan, Colby’s best friend. Despite the obvious heartbreak,Colby’s passing isn’t effective due to part 2’s previous deaths.It’s also entirely unnecessary.
YellowstoneSeason 5 Episode #
9
10
“The Apocalypse of Change”
11
12
13
14
Taylor Sheridan
July 11, 2025
When a TV show starts killing off characters left and right, the deaths become less impactful.John Dutton’s fate in theYellowstoneseason 5, part 2 premierewas obviously powerful as it affected every character and the show’s entire story. Then, Sarah’s death at the end of episode 11 was completely shocking and seemingly changed the plot for the better. But both characters' deaths then cheapen Colby’s.Colby’s demise also does nothing to push the story forward,making it completely avoidable. It affects Teeter, of course, but Colby’s death won’t influenceYellowstoneseason 5’s arc.
Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12 Is Full Of Negative Space
The Hour Lacks Development
Aside from Colby’s death and Kayce’s actions at the end of the hour,Yellowstoneseason 5, episode 12 is hardly memorable. “Counting Coup” as a whole doesn’t contain much development, meaningTaylor Sheridan is wasting precious time ahead of the show’s series finale. Given that only two episodes remain in the neo-Western drama, it needs to efficiently utilize every second to the best of its ability. But, episode 12 seemingly negates that notion by featuring forgettable and meaningless scenes.
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Instead of continuingthe war between Beth and Jamie, they are barely seen in the episode, even though they are arguably two of the most important characters in the show’s final story. “Counting Coup” doesn’t present a path forward for either of them after Sarah’s death. As a result,their feud is losing steam,making us lose interest in seeing what happens next to Beth and Jamie.
Kayce’s Story Is The Only Meaningful Part Of Episode 12
Kayce Channels His Dark Side
If there is one good thing about “Counting Coup,” it’s Kayce.After being the reason why his father’s case was reopenedinYellowstoneseason 5, episode 11, Kayce continues on his warpath in episode 12. His old military friend sends him information about Grant, the hitman Sarah hired to assassinate John, and Kayce tracks the man down. He jumps into the backseat of Grant’s car, points a gun at his young daughter, and threatens Grant. Kayce leaves with no bloodshed, but he makes it very clear that he is not someone Grant wants to mess with.
Kayce’s scene with Grant will undoubtedly make many viewers excited about what comes next for Luke Grimes' character.
Kayce’s dark side coming out at the end of episode 12 is thrilling,to say the least. His character development in the second part of season 5 has been quite intriguing to watch, and Kayce’s scene with Grant will undoubtedly create excitement about what comes next for Luke Grimes' character. However, since Kayce essentially does nothing but traumatize two people inYellowstoneseason 5, episode 12, the story surrounding John’s death doesn’t truly move forward.
