What happened between John and Kayce? ‘Marshals’ Season 2 Episode 2 ending explained as old wounds resurface
'Marshals' is back with 'End of Watch' and takes a walk down memory lane. After last week's action-packed premiere, which featured Kayce (Luke Grimes) saving Tate (Brecken Merrill), the duo spent the episode remembering an important person in both their lives. The person is none other than John Dutton, the patriarch who started it all in 'Yellowstone.' John and Kayce had a contentious father-son relationship, as the former started off the flagship show wanting to do everything in his power to ensure that Kayce worked on the ranch. Kayce, however, wanted to follow his own wishes. They eventually reconciled when faced with external threats, but carries a lot of emotional baggage from the relationship. Hence, when Kayce saw Tate talk so fondly with his grandfather at his grave, he felt a bit uneasy.
Tate spoke about John with love and pride. Kayce respects his father, but cannot approach him with only these emotions because of their complicated history. Kayce also feels anger at John for leaving him with a legacy of violence, something he is scared would be Tate's fate as well. The case-of-the-week also brings these conflicts into focus. The team deals with a former cop, Wayne Plummer, who is killing everyone he believes sabotaged his career. The perpetrator has also involved his son, Boone (Ryan Paynter), in his revenge plan. After Kayce confronts the cop's son, he uses his own experience with John to calm things down. "He was flawed, but you loved him anyway," Kayce tells the son. "There's no shame in being loyal to family, but just because he marched through hell, that doesn't mean you have to become the Devil. Let today be his legacy, not yours." Ultimately, the team arrests Wayne and closes the matter.
Clearly, recent events have left Kayce terrified that he is becoming his father. Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) assures him that he is nothing like John. Thomas is sure Tate will not "escape unscathed from all the death and despair," but that's because he is a Dutton, not because of something Kayce is doing. "Just guide him to the road you think will be best for him," he says to Kayce. Thomas faces his own problems, as people grow dissatisfied with his leadership.
This episode also features Cal (Logan Marshall-Green) coming clean about his cancer diagnosis to the team. He tells them about his condition and the long road to treatment he has ahead. The team is surprised, with Andrea (Ash Santos) becoming a bit emotional. Andrea is also seen looking through some files in the episode. It is revealed that she is looking into her father's death in the line of duty, many years ago. This could lead to another explosive storyline down the road. Miles (Tatanka Means) remains on desk duty despite his bravado in the premiere. It is only after he promises to keep Cal's diagnosis from Maddie (Morgan Lindholm) that he is taken off desk duty. Belle's (Arielle Kebbel) family life also seems to be in tatters. 'Marshals' airs every Sunday at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
