Oh, how much can change in a week for Yellowstone season 5, part 2. Episode 11, “Three Fifty-Three,” is eons better than its predecessor, “The Apocalypse of Change.” Following the November 24 episode, Taylor Sheridan’s TV show can finally get down to business. Hopefully, the confusing flashbacks (which are correctly presented and utilized in episode 11, as opposed to episode 10) are a thing of the past. Now, Yellowstone season 5 can focus on developing and advancing its present story surrounding the treacherous war between Beth Dutton and Jamie Dutton.

The Dutton family war in Yellowstone season 5, which has been building since the show’s beginning, should take precedence. Thankfully, the events of episode 11 suggest that the full-blown battle between Beth and Jamie is finally upon us. Characters are taking sides, and if we thought the war was deadly before “Three Fifty-Three,” the latest episode proves that no one is safe during the fight over the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

Episode 11 Finally Gets The Ball Rolling In Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2

Flashbacks Are Utilized Much More Efficiently In “Three Fifty-Three”

Unlike the wasteful Yellowstone season 5, episode 10, “Three Fifty-Three” is comprehensive. When the hour opens, the timeline is clear. Of course, that is partly because of episode 10’s events, but episode 11 is much easier to understand regarding when each scene is taking place. It also helps that the hour begins on the night of John Dutton III’s murder, which fills in a lot of blanks surrounding his death, meaning the story can now move forward. The scene is full of exposition but is still intriguing to watch.

After showing how Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone character died, season 5 finally gets the ball rolling. Episode 11 features many developments that seemingly set up the neo-Western drama’s final episodes, including Kayce’s investigation into his father’s death, Steven Rawlings taking over John’s job as the Governor of Montana, Steven filing for Jamie’s recusal, the Duttons losing the Yellowstone becoming all but imminent, and more.

Ultimately, there were only two things to complain about after watching “Three Fifty-Three” — the political jargon is a little heavy-handed, and Rip, one of the Yellowstone franchise’s best characters, is absent for most of the hour. Other than that, episode 11 was enthralling from beginning to end, and it made me want to watch the next hour immediately after. Thankfully, fans only have to wait one week to see what happens next.

Kayce Continues To Be The Best Part Of Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2

Luke Grimes Is A Standout In The Show’s Final Episodes

One of season 5, episode 11’s shining moments is when Kayce storms into the medical examiner’s office, demanding them to look at his father’s body again. Given his character, Kayce stays calm, cool, and collected through it all. He comes prepared and presents coherent reasons for why John was likely murdered, and he gets the job done. If it wasn’t for Kayce, John’s death would have always been believed to be self-inflicted. Instead, Kayce’s determination pays off, and his father’s case reopens.

 

Kayce finally has a purpose in Yellowstone season 5, allowing his character to step into the spotlight more than ever, which is a good thing. Yellowstone season 5 is giving Kayce his due and Luke Grimes is making the most of it. As mentioned above, the scene at the medical examiner’s office is a standout for the character and actor, proving why Kayce is one of the best parts of Yellowstone season 5, part 2.

However, Kayce confronting Jamie, who gives a passionate and convincing plea why he’s innocent, is just as memorable. Kayce’s persistence to avenge his father’s death and his caring nature are at war, as displayed in the scene in Jamie’s office. But once Kayce confirms the truth, Jamie should be as afraid of his brother as he is of his sister.

Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 11’s Shocking Ending Changes Everything (For The Better)

Sarah’s Death Could Tip The Scales In Beth’s Favor

While Yellowstone season 5, episode 11 is entertaining for almost the entire hour, its most surprising and game-changing moment comes at the end when Sarah Atwood is murdered. Following Jamie and Sarah’s verbal and physical fight, she drives away. Like the wounded puppy he is, though, Jamie immediately calls Sarah and apologizes. Unfortunately, while they are on the phone, a car pulls up next to Sarah at a stoplight. The couple inside pretend to ask Sarah for directions before the man brutally shoots the Yellowstone season 5, part 2 character, and Jamie hears it all happen.

Yellowstone Season 5 Episode #
Episode Title
Director
Writer
Release Date

9
“Desire Is All You Need”
Christina Alexandra Voros
Taylor Sheridan
November 10, 2024

10
“The Apocalypse of Change”
Christina Alexandra Voros
Taylor Sheridan
November 17, 2024

11

“Three Fifty-Three”
Christina Alexandra Voros
Taylor Sheridan
November 24, 2024

12
TBA
TBA
Taylor Sheridan
December 1, 2024

13
TBA
TBA
Taylor Sheridan
December 8, 2024

14
TBA
TBA
Taylor Sheridan
December 15, 2024

Jamie’s frenzy teases how his reaction to Sarah’s death will likely influence his actions. It’s unclear who is behind Sarah’s death, as the people in the car were hired to kill her. But once Jamie finds out, he can turn quite deadly. If Beth had anything to do with Sarah’s murder, the war between her and Jamie just got all the more complicated and interesting. While Jamie had a leg up on his sister heading into Yellowstone season 5, episode 11, the scales might have tipped in Beth’s favor, making the remaining episodes all the more exciting and mysterious.