When considering everything that has occurred thus far, it becomes evident that Beth Dutton (played by Kelly Reilly) should rightfully take charge of the ranch, provided it remains within the family by the end of the series. Although Beth may not be someone you would desire to encounter, her undeniable skills and experience make her the optimal choice for protecting Yellowstone after John’s passing. In fact, she has already shouldered most of the responsibilities thus far, and the prequels teach us that the Dutton women are the true power behind the ranch.
From her initial appearance, where she intimidates the CEO of an oil drilling company into merging with her business by threatening to obliterate his company and leave him destitute, it becomes clear that Beth possesses a formidable level of intellect and business prowess that she wields like a weapon to achieve her desires. She has mastered the realm of business and finance, and although some may oppose the idea of the ranch being entrusted to one of television’s cruelest characters, she is undeniably the most qualified individual for the role.
While her father understands business, John is still a cowboy at heart. He has consistently prioritized his ego and love for the land over the family or the ranch’s best interests. Beth possesses a keen financial understanding that has saved the ranch from bankruptcy on multiple occasions. Previously, the fate of the ranch relied on traditional values, with down-to-earth ranchers focusing on land conservation. However, the rapid modernization of the world has presented new challenges that demand a different skill set. The future of the ranch will no longer revolve around purchasing hay and selling cattle; it will be determined by the Duttons’ adeptness in managing their finances, taxes, and business affairs, all of which only Beth is truly equipped to handle.
Beth’s bond with Rip (Cole Hauser) further solidifies her as the ideal candidate to carry on her father’s legacy. Together, with Beth’s financial acumen and Rip’s expertise in cowboy management, they would seamlessly oversee the ranch’s operations. Upon being taken in by John as a teenager after being orphaned, Rip embarked on an intermittent romance with Beth. Having spent the majority of his life on the ranch, learning from John and other skilled cowboys, Rip possesses unparalleled experience in the physical aspects of ranch governance, surpassing that of any of the Dutton offspring.
While their relationship with Beth may have had its ups and downs, they have recently found a stable ground and decided to tie the knot. Though Beth and Rip are unable to have biological children, they are continuing the tradition started by her father. They have welcomed an orphaned teenager into their lives, providing a home and teaching him the ways of ranching. Although the future generation of ranchers may not be blood-related Duttons, they will still be able to share in the longstanding experience and values that have been passed down through the years.
