Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) is arguably the most unpopular character on Yellowstone. She has evolved from a troubled past to transform into the most evil and corrupt member of the Dutton clan over four seasons. Now, as season five rapidly approaches, Beth is destined to ruin anyone that gets in the way of the reputation of the family, including some of its own members.
Beth has always held a serious grudge against her older brother, Jamie (Wes Bentley), drama that escalated near the completion of season four. It appears the vengeance is finally coming to fruition as Beth has new blackmail from the train station to leverage against Jamie in season five.
What’s more, is Beth is now officially a mother. She adopted a son (Carter) after finally marrying Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) in season four. Rip and Beth have always had a rocky, toxic relationship. Now, tasked with the immense responsibilities of being parents for the first time, many audience members feel like they are failing, and badly.
The topic has actually sparked a conversation on Reddit. For many, Beth and Rip are officially becoming the worst part of Yellowstone .
For starters, Redditors were quick to point out how cringe-worthy the two characters are as parents. The comments range from serious questions as to whether it constitutes child abuse to running jokes about Yellowstone not offering any child services. As one Redditor dejectedly remarked, it’s truly painful to watch.
“Wrong” and “awful” are some of the many descriptive words Redditors use to describe how well Beth and Rip are performing as newfound parents. While Beth has desperately wanted to give birth since she discovered she was deliberately sterilized as a teenager, the adopted relationship seems forced and awkward. For example, audience members recalled the scene where Beth threw a tantrum over the little boy wanting a fancy embroidered cowboy shirt.
Then, there is even the debate as to if the son is being held on the Dutton ranch against his will. As one Redditor posted, the boy has suffered horrible trauma and is now living on a remote ranch with strangers. He has no friends and cannot attend school – only hard labor.
However, not everyone on the thread believes that Rip and Beth are horrible parents. One Redditor reminded others of the alternative: the boy returns to foster care and, potentially, the streets later on.
At least Rip and Beth are providing the boy with an opportunity along with the same “tough love” they experienced being raised in the Dutton kingdom. Right or wrong, as one fan reminded, the whole premise of Yellowstone is based on earning everything you get. Thus, Carter will have to fight and claw for everything he deserves in the Dutton estate.
What do you think: Are Beth and Rip the worst part of Yellowstone? Are they horrible parents or simply presenting their adopted child with tough love? Do you think Rip, Beth, and Carter will grow as a family in season five?
