Rip Is Pushed Over the Edge in Episode 4 of Dutton Ranch

The record-breaking sequel to Yellowstone has continued the neo-Western drama and strong writing of its predecessor, and episode 4 set a new benchmark for heartbreak for one of the series' key figures. With Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly back as Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton, Dutton Ranch has so far felt like a de facto sixth season of the original show.

Beth and Rip bought a bull at auction, with Beth going head-to-head with Annette Bening's Beaulah Jackson to secure him, only to discover the animal had spread foot-and-mouth disease through their herd. Because the illness is highly contagious, the infected herd had to be culled, meaning both sick and seemingly healthy animals were euthanized to stop the contagion.

Rip took on the burden of putting the bullets in the animals, aiming for a clean and quick death.

dutton ranch, rip wheeler, beth dutton, yellowstone, cole hauser, kelly reilly, annette bening, foot-and-mouth, herd cull, bull auction