Fans of “Yellowstone” were left reeling after Season 5, Episode 12 delivered one of the series’ most heartbreaking moments. The episode centered on the sudden, tragic death of Colby, a beloved ranch hand played by Denim Richards, sparking an outpouring of emotions on social media.
A netizen’s remark on “Yellowstone” Season 5, Episode 12, posted on December 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/ryanbinghamofficial
The dramatic moment unfolded as Carter, a young member of the Dutton Ranch team, attempted to handle a volatile horse nicknamed “Maneater.” While trying to refill the animal’s water trough, Carter was attacked, leaving his face bloodied.
Colby rushed to intervene, stepping into the danger zone to protect the teen. Tragically, Maneater trampled Colby before delivering a fatal kick to his chest, leaving fans devastated by the cowboy’s sudden and heroic death. “So upset with tonight’s episode 😭 why Colby!” one viewer exclaimed.
Another expressed their frustration, “Wow, not Colby! I’m so fed up rn 😂[sic].” The emotional weight of Colby’s death resonated deeply, with one fan remarking, “That hurt worse than Johns [sic].” Someone else typed, “Can’t believe Colby is gone.”
Meanwhile, others commented on the rapid losses of the show’s roster including Kevin Costner’s John Dutton III, “Characters dropping like flies after John Dutton exited.”
More viewers took to social media to express a range of strong emotions following Colby’s unexpected death. One described the event as unnecessary.
Another reflected on Colby’s demise in comparison to John Dutton’s earlier departure, noting that this latest loss felt more emotionally impactful. One commenter described the death as particularly devastating, emphasizing its unique emotional weight.
A netizen’s comment on “Yellowstone” Season 5, Episode 12, posted on December 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/ryanbinghamofficial
One viewer shared their surprise at Colby’s death, noting ranch hand Teeter’s emotional reaction and admitting it was difficult not to cry. The comment also conveyed bittersweet anticipation for the remaining episodes of the season.
A netizen’s reaction to Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12, posted on December 2, 2024 | Soruce: Facebook.com/yellowstoneparamount
Colby’s tragic fate followed Episode 11, which featured the violent death of Sarah Atwood, a longtime adversary of the Dutton family.
Episode 11 revealed Sarah’s downfall after her plot to assassinate John was uncovered by Beth and Kayce. Outmaneuvered, Sarah faced betrayal from her own hired hitman, who turned on her to avoid exposure once John’s death was officially ruled a homicide.
A fan expresses their satisfaction with episode 11, season 5 of “Yellowstone,” posted on November 25, 2024 | Source: x.com/StaceRiley
In a gripping final scene, Sarah was ambushed and fatally shot by assassins, her lifeless body left in her car. For many fans, it was a moment of poetic justice. One Facebook user shared, “So glad Sarah got what was coming to her. I was clapping.”
A fan’s comment on episode 11, season 5 of “Yellowstone,” posted on November 25, 2024 | Source: x.com/takinapilled
Fans took to social media to celebrate Sarah’s demise, with Instagram posts praising the scene and X (formerly Twitter) users applauding the acting.
A scene from episode 11, season 5 of “Yellowstone,” posted on November 25, 2024 | instagram.com/yellowstone
While some viewers praised the acting in Sarah’s final scene, some critiqued the pacing of her demise, wishing she had faced more consequences before her death.
Sarah’s abrupt end marked a pivotal shift in the season’s trajectory, largely influenced by behind-the-scenes factors. Dawn Olivieri, who played the cunning character, reflected on her character’s evolution and the accelerated storyline.
Dawn Olivieri attends PaleyFest LA 2023 – “Yellowstone” on April 1, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Speaking about the changes necessitated by Costner’s departure, Olivieri remarked, “We had to wrap this all up in lightning speed.” Her portrayal of Sarah — described as a serpent and chameleon — captivated audiences, even as they cheered her downfall.
Dawn Olivieri attends PaleyFest LA 2023 – “Yellowstone” on April 1, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
While many fans relished her exit, not everyone was satisfied with how her story unfolded. A recurring sentiment was disappointment that Beth Dutton, known for her ruthless tactics, didn’t get to exact her revenge directly.
Fans expressed frustration on Facebook, wishing Beth had taken her revenge on Sarah personally before her demise.
The episode also heightened tension for Jamie Dutton, Sarah’s co-conspirator. With the Dutton family closing in and fans speculating about his fate, one viewer aptly noted, “Jamie is next.”
Dawn Olivieri (Beth Atwood) and Wes Bentley (Jamie Dutton) attend Paramount Network’s “Yellowstone” Los Angeles SAG Event at SAG-AFTRA on January 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Viewers questioned the writing, with some praising the episode despite noticeable plot holes, while others criticized the season’s declining quality.
Dawn Olivieri attends the “Yellowstone” Season 5 New York Premiere on November 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The netizens’ reactions to Sarah’s death differed from their response to John’s demise. Costner’s exit from the show was a sore point for many viewers, with some feeling the show’s dynamic had shifted significantly in his absence.
When “Yellowstone” viewers learned that Costner would not be returning for the second half of the fifth season, many expressed disappointment, with some feeling they had no reason to continue watching.
On June 20, the official Instagram account for the popular Western drama “Yellowstone” posted a video teasing the arrival of the second half of the show’s fifth season.
While their post had all the perfect elements for building up anticipation among viewers, with its ominous voice-over and striking visuals, netizens didn’t agree with a certain change that affected the cast.
User comment about the new season of “Yellowstone,” posted on June 20, 2024 | Source: Instagram/yellowstone
Using the show’s signature “Y” emblem that was enveloped by bright orange flames, the Instagram video alerted fans that “the epic return of Yellowstone” would arrive this month (November) on Paramount Network.
“Save the date: November 10. #YellowstoneTV,” captioned the account. In contrast to the teaser’s excited vibe and tone, online viewers came forward to express their grievances with the show’s return.
Many fans felt Costner’s absence diminished the series, with some saying the new season was pointless without him. One described it as “so sad” on Instagram.
Viewers expressed frustration over Costner’s departure, with one questioning the show’s purpose without him and another criticizing show creator Taylor Sheridan.
Taylor Sheridan and Kevin Costner at the premiere of “Yellowstone” in Hollywood, California on June 11, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Kevin Costner and Taylor Sheridan at the 2018 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena, California on January 15, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
On the other hand, some people were elated to hear of the show’s return, with or without Costner’s presence. One viewer highlighted Beth and Rip’s potential to carry the series forward.
A day after the new season teaser came out, Costner took to Instagram to confirm that he would not be making a return to the series.
“Hi, everyone. I just want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on ‘Horizon’ and doing all the things that’s required, and thinking about ‘Yellowstone’ — that beloved series that I love, that I know you love — I just realized that I’m not going to be able to continue season five b or into the future,” began Costner.
He went on to highlight how much “Yellowstone” changed him as a person, reiterating his deep adoration for the series. “I love the relationship we’ve been able to develop, and I’ll see you at the movies,” concluded the star.
After sharing the post, Costner sat down for an interview with USA Today, where he contextualized his video. At the time, the Hollywood talent was on an extended media tour promoting his then-new Western film series “Horizon.”
“Simply with all the questions that were being asked (about ‘Yellowstone’), the longer I thought about that … I just wanted to say that this is a stepping-off point,” explained Costner.
He then added, “Whatever I’d hoped for maybe was not in the cards. I don’t want to keep saying, ‘Yeah, I hope I can do it.’ That’s drifted to a place that I don’t think is realistic anymore.”
In the same interview, Costner clarified that neither Sheridan nor Paramount Studios did anything specific to prompt his video. Instead, his post was meant to signify that he was done holding out optimism for his return that wasn’t there.
Taylor Sheridan and Kevin Costner. | Source: Getty Images
“I just wanted to get that done. I’m not a machine trying to figure this out. But I’m not a person that leaves people high and dry,” disclosed Costner.
Since 2018, Costner has been a staple on the show that follows the lives of a ranching family in Montana, who have frequent face-offs with people encroaching on their land.
His beloved portrayal as the owner of one of the biggest cattle ranches in the U.S. and the patriarch of the Dutton family, has been revered by many. Costner’s role has also been spoken about by his fellow cast mates, one of whom addressed the actor’s exit from the show.
Famous actor Luke Grimes, who plays Costner’s on-screen son, Kayce Dutton, previously opened up to People magazine about the ordeal.
Speaking about what it was like to not have Kevin Costner back on set, Grimes divulged, “Him not coming back felt like, ‘Okay, we’re going to have to land this plane now for real’ […] It definitely felt different.”
Kevin Costner and Luke Grimes at a Deadline event in Los Angeles, California on April 7, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
While Grimes acknowledged the difference that came with Costner’s departure, he said, “I think the patriarch leaving was always going to be part of the story. That’s always where it was headed is like, ‘What do these kids do? What does this family do when their rock is gone?'”
The shocking deaths of Colby and Sarah, along with John’s exit, show how deeply netizens are invested in “Yellowstone” and its bold storytelling.
