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'Marshals' Episode 5 paid a subtle tribute to 'Yellowstone' creator and we're sure you missed it

'Marshals' Episode 5 also featured Kayce haggling over selling his late wife Monica's horse after it was involved in an accident with their son Tate.

'Marshals' on CBS is the latest entry in the ever-expanding 'Yellowstone' universe. Although the original show concluded back in December, 2024, elements from its formative years of storytelling continue to exert their influence across the spinoff shows, most notably on 'Marshals.' The CBS show features Luke Grimes reprising his role as former rancher and US Navy SEAL Kayce Dutton, who begins working as a US Marshal in Montana. The show also delves deeply into the troubled relationship shared between Kayce and his teenage son, Tate, following the death of his mother, Monica Dutton, who succumbed to cancer. 

Episode 5 of 'Marshals' saw Kayce haggling over Tate's horse, trying to rid his son of the fear of riding. The horse that Tate has on the spinoff show is infamous for its temper and eccentric behavior, and for a while, it does seem that no one at hand would be able to break it into submission. The horse formerly belonged to Monica and retains her memory. In a bid to come up with a solution, Kayce floats the name of Travis Wheatley, the flamboyant and fashionable horse buyer and fixer who was first introduced in the debut season of 'Yellowstone' back in 2018. Kayce ultimately intends to sell the horse to Wheatley.

Back in the day, when Kevin Costner's John Dutton was still in charge of things, Wheatley would frequently show up on the Dutton ranch to exhibit his finest crop of horses for sale. He would often be spotted with the other cowboys performing daring horse stunts. One might also remember the time when he brutally beat the cowboy Jimmy in a horse stunt competition, and then generously offered not to take his money as a trophy. Despite explicitly referring to Wheatley, 'Marshals' make a point of never having him appear in person on-screen. Fans of the franchise will readily remember that the character of Wheatley was portrayed by Sheridan himself, in a nod to his emphasis on horse-riding practices and his love for an authentic depiction of ranch-life. By ensuring that the reference is as subtle as it is impactful, the fifth episode of 'Marshals' just identified itself with the rest of the vast 'Yellowstone' universe. 

In recent episodes, the CBS show has also made passing references to Rip Wheeler, and it remains to be seen whether the formidable cowboy leader will ever appear on the show himself. Till then, 'Marshals' is poised to drop many more such Easter eggs for the loyal fans to consider. The debut season of 'Marshals', which premiered on March 1, is expected to feature 13 episodes. Out of these, six episodes have dropped so far, one every week on Sunday.