'Yellowstone' Season 2: Rip and Beth in love is just what the ranch needs, but with their inner demons a happy ending seems far off
Spoiler alert for season two episode eight of 'Yellowstone'
In a very surprising twist, Kelly Reilly's Beth Dutton was attacked viciously in episode seven of 'Yellowstone'. An assault orchestrated by Malcolm Beck (Neal McDonough), who sends two masked men to Beth's office, the Dutton daughter is threatened with death and rape, but she remains unfazed in the face of adversity.
Just before these events, episode seven saw Beth and Rip (Cole Hauser) share a heartwarming moment on the roof. It was a rare and welcome sight to see the two share a poignant scene like this one. The two talk about going out on dates and where they could possibly go in the future. Remember their first date in season one where Rip wanted to take Beth to a music festival, but since that didn't entirely fit Beth's personality, they ended up getting drunk and watching foxes hunt in the dark of the night? It ends with Rip actually appreciating Beth's craziness.
What makes the moment even more tender and pure is that Rip opens up about his family – something he almost never does. Beth appears to be moved by his confession and the duo seems to be inching closer towards something substantial that we have been rooting for since season one. Rip also seems closer to saying "I love you" for the first time ever. Beth, however, stops him. She tells him to tell it to her when she really needs it. This, now in hindsight, seems to be some dark anticipation of what is to come. Could Beth have had an inkling that her life was in danger?
During the ruthless attack on her in her own office, Rip comes to her rescue. After killing both her assailants, Rip tries to calm her down and she eventually collapses in his arms. Then, right there, he tells her he loved her.
In season one, we know that Beth and Rip, who met as kids, were involved in a quasi-relationship with Beth wanting to keep things strictly physical. At that time, it wasn't evident how deep Beth's feelings were, but we know that Rip clearly wanted more. With their share of tender moments, it did seem like something serious could develop eventually.
There is a lot of history with Rip and Beth. They have had a strong connection since they first met as young kids — a connection that cannot be dismissed as a hormonal teen curiosity, but one that is tied deep down in loss.
Honestly, we think that Rip and Beth coming together is just what the ranch needs. Both their loyalties stay close to John Dutton – Rip knows the ranch inside out and Beth knows how to deal with the business side of things. Frankly, after noticing that moment at the ranch, where seeing an emotional Beth look at Rip in a yearning way, why John does not encourage this coupling is beyond our understanding.
We cannot deny it. We have been rooting for Beth and Rip despite their affinity to violence and everything destructive. There is a sense of a long-overdue connection here, one that we hope meets its destiny. But with survival being the topmost priority for the Duttons of Yellowstone, will Rip and Beth get their happy ending?
'Yellowstone' airs on Wednesdays at 10 pm PT/ET.