The hit Paramount Network drama Yellowstone is set to return for its highly anticipated fifth season. The show stars Kevin Costner as the Dutton family patriarch John Dutton, who controls the largest contiguous ranch in the United States.
Overview of Yellowstone and the Dutton Family
The show follows the conflicts and drama surrounding John Dutton’s efforts to maintain control of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch amid constant attacks by land developers, clashes with an Indian reservation and America’s first national park, and run-ins with the law.
His children Kayce (Luke Grimes), Jamie (Wes Bentley) and Beth (Kelly Reilly) are also central characters on the show. In addition to protecting their family legacy, they have their own relationship troubles, career ambitions and rivalries that fuel the show’s gripping storylines.
Recap of Season 4 Events
The end of season 4 saw some major shakeups that will certainly impact season 5.
Jamie appeared to sever ties with the rest of the Duttons after finding out Beth was behind the attacks on his biological father Garrett Randall that resulted in his death. John was sworn in as Governor of Montana, aided by his new assistant Ellis Steele (Jacki Weaver).
Perhaps the biggest shock was the return of fiery assistant district attorney Summer Higgins (Piper Perabo), John Dutton’s new political rival who is suspicious of foul play in Jamie’s rise to attorney general and how John became governor.
Piper Perabo’s Introduction as Summer Higgins
Piper Perabo made her debut as Summer Higgins in the last two episodes of season 4. Her character was immediately positioned as an antagonist to the Duttons, intent on investigating their alleged misdeeds.
Perabo has teased that her character will continue to go head-to-head with John Dutton as she digs into potential corruption. The setup indicates we’ll be seeing plenty more of Higgins when the show returns.
Perabo’s Thoughts on Joining Yellowstone
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly following her casting announcement last year, Perabo shared her excitement about joining the Yellowstone cast:
“I am so excited to go to Montana and become a part of Taylor Sheridan’s contemporary western. The show is a cultural phenomenon and I can’t wait to bring Summer to life!”
Perabo also tweeted that she binge-watched seasons 1 through 3 to prepare for her role, calling the show “a
roller coaster of crazy drama, death, and horses.”
What Perabo Brings to Yellowstone
As a newcomer thrown into the middle of the Dutton drama, Perabo will certainly shake things up in season 5. The actor is best known for her starring turn in 2000’s Coyote Ugly, and has also appeared in series like Parenthood, Turn, and Covert Affairs.
Perabo is no stranger to playing strong female characters that can go toe-to-toe with powerful men. Her legal background as Higgins will also allow her to credibly match wits with Costner’s John Dutton as his newest adversary.
Fans are eager to see her chemistry with Costner, and how she’ll fit into the tense dynamics between the Duttons and their friends and foes. Perabo brings a new energy that will add more legal and political intrigue to the proceedings.
Perabo and Costner as Adversaries
Perabo and Costner appear ready to deliver an epic rivalry as Higgins and Dutton.
In a PEOPLE feature on joining the show, Perabo said: “I feel like I really understand her motivation and her drive for justice. It’s such a great role.”
She also spoke about going up against Costner’s powerful performance as John Dutton:
“Costner is so good in this role, it really ups my game.”
Their initial confrontations in season 4 already crackled with antagonistic chemistry. Season 5 will surely see them continue to spare over crimes, corruption and the future of Montana.
What Else Perabo Has Revealed about Season 5
While remaining secretive about Higgins’ key storylines, Perabo indicated that her character will continue seeking accountability from the Duttons.
In an interview with TV Insider, she hinted that Higgins will zero in on Jamie’s questionable past:
“She wants to try to bring justice back into the equation for the people that the Duttons have wronged.”
Perabo also revealed she loves filming outdoor riding and ranch scenes, though the weather conditions proved a bit harsh.
“I love being outside, but it is cold up there!” she told Entertainment Weekly.
Speculation on Higgins’ Season 5 Arc
There is ripe speculation among fans that Higgins may team up with former Dutton ally Jamie against the rest of his adopted family. Both characters have reason to want to expose the Duttons’ misdeeds and shady practices.
Many are also wondering if a romantic relationship between Higgins and Jamie could develop, creating further complications. There is also buzz that Higgins’ investigation could expose a major secret that damages the Duttons’ standing.
With Perabo confirmed as a series regular for season 5, Higgins will likely take more intense action in her crusade for justice on both a personal and political level.
Production Status and Release Date Rumors
Production on Yellowstone season 5 began in mid-May 2022, with Perabo and the rest of the cast returning to film in Montana. Creator Taylor Sheridan is again writing and directing new episodes.
An official release date has not yet been announced by Paramount Network, but speculation is the new season could premiere as early as October or November 2022 based on previous schedules.
This would be a slightly quicker turnaround than last year’s season 4, which arrived in November 2021 after COVID-related delays.
In any case, the network is surely aiming to capitalize on Yellowstone’s massive popularity with a fall return.
What Else to Expect in Season 5
While the Higgins vs. Duttons conflict will be the headlining storyline, fans can expect plenty more drama across the board in season 5.
According to creator Taylor Sheridan, Kayce will continue dealing with the visions revealed to him by his wife Monica’s grandfather. His political ambitions could resurface.
Beth’s vendetta against Market Equities and its CEO Caroline Warner (Jacki Weaver) is also likely to rear its head after they joined forces to make Jamie attorney general.
The fate of the bunkhouse ranch hands like Lloyd (Forrie Smith) and Walker (Ryan Bingham) remains uncertain as well after John Dutton declared he was cutting them loose at the end of season 4.
And of course, there is the question of whether Kevin Costner will continue on the show long-term, or if his John Dutton character may be phased out at some point.
Final Thoughts
Yellowstone fans have a lot to look forward to when the show rides back onto screens for season 5. The addition of Piper Perabo as tenacious foe Summer Higgins will shake up the drama and power dynamics in big ways.
Her presence adds extra suspense and intrigue to the upcoming storyline. Everything Perabo and creator Taylor Sheridan have hinted indicates Higgins will take her fight directly to the Duttons in no uncertain terms.
With production underway on the new episodes, the buzz will only build as we edge closer to the season 5 premiere. This next chapter is setting up huge confrontations, fresh twists and turns, and stunning revelations.