Dutton Ranch Season 2: Every Major Character Likely Returning or Leaving After the Yellowstone Spin-Off's Renewal

Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) remain the heart of Dutton Ranch, drawing millions of Yellowstone fans to the spin-off. Season 1 tested the couple, from Rip hiding the discovery of Wes' body until Episode 5 to the devastating foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that forced them to sacrifice their cattle. They also uncovered the Jackson family's illegal activities, which ultimately threatened everything they had built. With Season 2 already confirmed, Beth and Rip are almost certain to return. However, reports that Season 1 showrunner Chad Feehan exited at the request of Reilly and Hauser remain unconfirmed.

Chad Feehan might not appear on-screen, but he has a big hand in creating the Dutton Ranch, fans have fallen in love with. Unfortunately, the showrunner will not return to repeat the feat in the next season. Weeks before the series premiered, US Weekly reported that the showrunner had exited the project amid reported tensions with stars Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly, as well as executive producer Taylor Sheridan and his producing partner, David Glasser. “Showrunners change all the time,” Hauser shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “This business is about adapting. We’ve been doing this for a long time. Things change. People move on.”

Carter (Finn Little), Beth and Rip's adopted son, came to Rio Paloma seeking a fresh start with his guardians. His coming-of-age journey has been one of the biggest highlights of Season 1, with the teen forming a bond with Dwight White and beginning a relationship with Oreana. He also decides to pursue his dream of becoming a cowboy, even considering leaving school behind. In the latest episode, however, that dream puts him at odds with Beth and Rip, who are firmly against the idea. They give him a taste of ranch life by letting him spend a day working at 10-Petal Ranch, but the experience ends with Carter lashing out at Rip. “You’ll never be my father,” he tells him. After a similarly tense exchange with Beth, Carter turns to Sheriff Wade, who coldly tells him, “Go home, son. There’s nothing for you around here.” Despite the fallout, it doesn't seem like Carter is going anywhere. As long as Beth and Rip remain in Rio Paloma, it's hard to imagine them letting him walk away from the family they've built together.

Joaquin (Juan Pablo Raba) is probably the Jackson who has won the most hearts from the Dutton rivals. He has gone through a rollercoaster in the last eight episodes. From hiding the deeds of his very dangerous brother, to being handed a betrayal by his adopted mother, this Jackson seems to be at the end of his rope. In the penultimate episode, he finally decided to call his 'Papa' to set things straight. In all probability, the man on the other end was Mariano, a mysterious entity who has been disturbing Beulah since the show's inception. It is evident that Joaquin is ready for a fight, and considering how passionately Rob-Will wants him out of the picture, it wouldn't be a surprise if he takes his last breaths in the finale. However, it doesn't seem like the show will let go of its parallel protagonist, who is slowly but surely making a place for himself in the fandom. 

Rob-Will (Jai Courtney), in many ways, is the big bad of Dutton Ranch. His brutal killing of Wes in the first episode clearly put his volatile personality into focus. Since the premiere, he has become even more heartless, pushing people to danger with little to no care. He even threatened his mother for handing over 10-Petal to him, which he eventually succeeded in. Despite his mother's attempt to cushion him, his horrid ways have made him enemies from all sides. In the finale episode, he will either win or lose. His fate in the finale will decide the show's trajectory. There is a huge possibility that the Dutton duo succeeds in slaying the evil and ending Rob-Will's journey in the show. 

Oreana's main storyline has been her on-and-off relationship with Carter. Oreana (Natalie Alyn Lind) shifting her affections elsewhere causes Carter to break down in front of the entire community. It isn't out of the realm of possibility that she dies to deepen the rivalry between the two families, but there are plenty of avenues that the show can still take with her character before pushing her out of the picture. 

Beulah (Annette Bening) has been a domineering presence in the season since the very beginning. Her tragic flashback revealed the pain she had experienced through her years in Rio Paloma. The seventh episode saw her collapsing in pain; however, she was rescued and saved in time. She used her second chance to throw caution to the wind and chase her happily ever after. However, her distractions have given her enemies a chance to find their footing. As Beth, Rip, and Joaquin prepare to attack, she might be on the verge of losing everything she worked so hard for. The finale's big twist may take her life. However, it is unlikely the show would want to lose someone as esteemed as Annette Bening.

Everett (Ed Harris) seems to be the safest going into the season finale. He has warm relations with both factions and seems to be finally prioritizing his feelings. Everett and Beulah decide in the penultimate episode to get together and give their relationship a proper shot. There are many secrets about his history and relationship with Beulah that are yet to be revealed. Hopefully, the sophomore season will provide a clear picture of this fan-favorite character's origins. 

Zachariah (Marc Menchaca) and Azul (J.R. Villarreal) are ranch hands who worked in Dutton Ranch and later followed Rip to 10-Petal Ranch. Azul came with the property and was hired by Beth and Rip at the previous owners' recommendation. He has proven himself to be a loyal aide. Rip also cares a lot about him, as evidenced when Rip punches Rob-Will after the latter tries to test Azul's patience. Azul and Rob-Will share a violent past, which makes the current dynamics at 10-Petal Ranch a difficult one for Azul. In the latest episode, Zachariah convinces Austin to come clean about 10-Petal Ranch's illegal activities, which will possibly set in motion the finale's events. Both of them may become collateral damage in this war between Dutton and Jackson if the show shies away from taking away any major player from the picture.