The odds of Rip or Beth not making it to the end of Season 1 of Dutton Ranch are pretty thin. I can’t say the same about another beloved crossover character.
The new trailer, when paired with new pictures released by Paramount, offers some major clues about the plot for Dutton Ranch. A few things are definitely true:
- Rip and Beth have moved from Montana to a fictional town called Rio Paloma in south Texas.
- Carter came with them and is helping them set up the actual Dutton Ranch.
- Their next door neighbor is Beulah Jackson, played by Annette Bening. She’s going to be a problem.
- Dutton Ranch begins May 15 on Paramount Network and Paramount+
Related: Watch the New Dutton Ranch Trailer
I’ve got a lot of questions, which makes sense because a good TV or movie trailer should get people thinking about the “what ifs.” Let’s start with this one:
Why Did Rip and Beth Move from Montana To Texas?
During the final few seasons of Yellowstone, Beth flirted with Texas but she and Rip chose to relocate to a ranch in Montana after John Dutton’s ranch was sold. What could possibly force a move south?
How ’bout a real big fire?
The trailer shows Rip and Beth looking genuinely fearful as flames rip through their land, threatening the cattle. At first, I assumed this was probably some scene from mid-season because we see one of Beulah’s men (a son maybe) flicking a lighter just a second or two earlier.
A new photo reveals that the fire scene is actually a part of Episode 1, titled “The Untold Want.”
In fairness, other pics from that episode find Rip and Beth looking pretty settled in Texas so my theory only works if the fire scene is brief or if it’s a flashback.
Who’s Side Is Everett (Ed Harris) On?
The trailer suggests military veteran turned veterinarian Everett McKinney is a friend to the Duttons, but there are several photos that indicate he’s at least friendly with Beulah Jackson (Bening).
Keep reading to see those pics. Could he double-cross Rip and Beth?
Related: Everything We Know About Season 1 of Dutton Ranch
That’s not likely. More reasonable is that as an animal vet he has to be friendly to every rancher in the area. Simply carrying on a conversation with someone doesn’t mean you enjoy their company.
Near the end of the trailer it looks like Everett is gearing up to fight alongside the Duttons, not the Jacksons. Still, I’ve got an eye on him.
What Happens To Carter On Dutton Ranch?
This is the most interesting question to come from the Dutton Ranch trailer, and I admit that I may be stretching with my answer. However, if you’ve ever listened to the Dutton Rules podcast you know that we value a good hot take, no matter how implausible.
Photos below match the tone of official teasers and trailers in that Carter sits just outside the action. Beth tells him he’s going to have to step up to fight at one point, but we only see him with flowers — not guns — in his hands.
A sequences of scenes show Carter with his new girlfriend Oreana, followed by a medical chopper taking off, followed by Oreana screaming in horror. Could the Season 1 plot be driven by revenge?
My theory is that Carter gets crossed up in a range war between Jackson and Beth/Rip. That’s why he’s not in the scene from E4 pictured above, where Rip is rallying his men.
‘Dutton Ranch’ Season 1 Pictures Reveal New Villains
Let’s start with the two people you’re tuning in to see before getting to a new nemesis, a Hollywood legend and an update on young Carter’s love life.
Scroll through these Dutton Ranch ahead of the season premiere. That’s on May 15 via Paramount+ and Paramount Network.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
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Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes