Warning: Spoilers for yellowstone Season 5 ahead.
It’s a well known truth amongst yellowstone fans that Rip Wheeler, played by Cole Hauser, is a stud. But in Season 5 of Taylor Sheridan’s beloved western drama — which follows the family of ranch owner John Dutton (Kevin Costner) in Montana — the cowboy is dreamier than ever.
Since the series premiered in 2018, viewers have empathized with, respected, thirsted for, and fallen in love with the stoic ranch foreman, who never fails to show up for the Duttons. Flashbacks revealed that John recorded Rip when he was just a teenager after killing his abusive stepfather for murdering his mother and brother. Over the years, Rip has worked hard to earn the second chance John gave him without ever losing track or gratitude. These days, John considers Rip his right-hand man on the ranch. He trusts him to run the bunkhouse, call the shots in his absence, and most importantly, love his daughter, Beth (Kelly Reilly).
Hauser received People’s Prize as “Sexiest Man Alive”. in the past, so it’s no secret that he’s easy on the eyes. And though he effortlessly dons a cowboy hat, boots, and traditional ranch attire, Rip’s undeniable charm and understated sex appeal doesn’t just stem from his physical appearance. Rip is only human so he doesn’t always keep his cool and has committed his fair share of dishonorable acts (and a few murders!) for the sake of his found family. But for the most part, the man is an old soul with a reserved temper, impressive self-control, and the patience of a saint. He is romantic, respectful and knows how to take jokes. And those dreamy qualities were shown to their fullest in Season 5, but a look back in time also helps us see just how extraordinary they really are.
In the season 5 premiere, flashbacks show a date gone wrong between teenage girl Beth (Kylie Rogers) and teenage girl Rip (Kyle Red Silverstein). After young Beth gets fiery at a bar, Rip gives her the keys and heads back to the ranch. He waits for her in hopes of making amends, but after Rowdy (Kai Caster), a fellow Dutton ranch, drives her home, Beth purposely makes out with him to make Rip jealous. Today’s Beth wakes up shattered by the memory and goes to the kitchen to apologize for how she treated Rip in the past. “Honey. And that’s what I mean by love. But it’s way too early for this shit,” he says. And while she feels sorry for herself in the rearview mirror, Rip says he’s happy and he wants her to be too. He acknowledges her big heart, gives her permission to move on, and jokes that she put him “through hell” before he kisses her and says, “I love you.” Damn.
We see that same capacity for forgiveness in Episode 5, “Watch ‘Em Ride Away,” when another bad memory from the past wakes Beth from her sleep. As Rip gets ready for work in the bathroom, Beth steps into the light and prompts him to say, “I didn’t mean to wake you, honey. I tried to be quiet. I’m sorry.” She assures him that he didn’t wake her, then asks if he ever thinks of them as children. “I think about now, I think about tomorrow, but I don’t think much about yesterday… baby After those profound words of wisdom, Rip interrupts Beth’s heavy review with a “Good morning,” a smile, a giggle, an arm touch, and a kiss, my heart.
Rip is a natural protector, fixer, and defender, which we’ve seen this season when he voiced concerns about John as governor, re-stated that he had to put a horse to sleep, and attempted to clean up the Yellowstone-Wolfs’ mess. He also went out of his way to reassure Carter (Finn Little) that “orphans aren’t shipped here in case you haven’t noticed.” And he calmly mediated Beth’s fight with Summer (Piper Perabo). But despite the difficulties early in season five, Rip put on a smile like they’re going out of style.
Episode 5 witnessed one of Rip’s greatest interactions with Beth to date – a scene so charming I still swoon over it days later. Plagued by the past, Beth decides to accompany Rip and the ranch crew on their trip to the cattle burn, but Rip reminds her that it’s two luxury-free days on horseback. When he questions her interest, she becomes defensive. “Beth, let’s put the crazy stuff away. Would you like to go to the meeting with me tomorrow?” he asks. Rip quickly realizes that a direct aggressor isn’t what she needs, adjusts his approach, clears his voice and says, “Beth, love of my life. I don’t think I can survive two days alone. And God knows you hate horses and cattle and you’re dirty and cold and most importantly you’re told what to do – all of that will happen tomorrow. But would you consider coming and saving me the misery of being without you?” Rip laughs out loud and then raises an eyebrow in curiosity. And oh my LORD, I felt like I could melt into human fondue as I watched this silly, amorous show of understanding and affection. Rip’s warmth in that moment completely thawed Beth, and after she agreed to ride with him, he picked her up, sat her on his tool bench and started the kissing and laughing we got to see more of this season. Who gave this man the right to be? This fine? I just want to talk!
When Rip shared his secret to Carter’s success in Season 4, I remembered his words feeling like the wisest and saddest sentences I’d ever heard. “Don’t think you deserve it. You did not deserve it. And you never will,” he explained. The message could easily be applied to Rip’s job and lodging at the ranch. But if you look at every aspect of his being, you’ll see that motto is at the core of his character. Sure, Rip has his bad days, and realistically he can’t always maintain that boosted confidence that makes him so lovable and good. But his refusal to take anything for granted not only shapes his demeanor and outlook on life for the better, it’s also incredibly sexy. Protect Rip and Beth’s love at all costs this season. He may not think he deserves it, but we know he deserves it.
New episodes of yellowstone Premieres Sundays at 8:00 p.m. ET on Paramount Network.