The Worst Thing Beth Dutton Has Done On Yellowstone

Fans who have already watched the first two seasons of Paramount Network's neo-Western drama Yellowstone know that the future of John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and his ranching family is anything but certain. They also know there's no shortage of alpha personalities within that tricky family unit. That's also true of the characters outside of the Dutton clan, as Yellowstone has continued to disrupt their lives with all sorts of devious characters – from greedy land developers to sleazy politicians.

Even with the nefarious influence of powerful outsiders, it's becoming clearer that if the Duttons' ranching dynasty falls, it'll likely be the result of some action by the headstrong personalities clashing within the family unit. And if that's the case, Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) will likely be at the center of the fray. 

Over the first two seasons of Yellowstone, the fiercely loyal Beth has featured prominently in many of the ongoing dramas surrounding her family, even being brutally victimized by enemies of the Duttons. She's also proven the most strong-willed of the Dutton kids, and has never shied away from questionable acts for the benefit of the family.

As such, Beth will be a major player in the ultimate fate of the Duttons and their coveted ranching land. Ditto for her brother Jamie (Wes Bentley), though we're starting to suspect the pair's bitter feud on Yellowstone may be the catalyst for the Duttons' demise. As that feud continues to simmer between the pair, it boiled over briefly during a particularly heated season 2 exchange — one that eventually led Beth to recommend that her brother take his own life. To date, it's the worst thing Beth Dutton has done on Yellowstone.

Beth obviously hasn't been an angel on Yellowstone's first two seasons, but her increasingly hostile attitude towards Jamie has become one of the character's defining traits. While harsh words have frequently been exchanged on the series, what makes Beth's venomous offering to her brother so damning is the clear intent behind them. If you've watched the scene in question, you know Beth's words weren't merely cast in the heat of the moment. She meant them with every fiber of her being, and showed not an ounce of regret having uttered them.

Thus, the question then becomes this: "Why does Beth hate her own brother so passionately?" Truth is, we haven't a clue why. Beth's blind hatred for Jamie remains one of the most compelling mysteries of the entire series. Not surprisingly, its origins have spawned a few vivid theories from Yellowstone's fanbase. And if the most prominent theory turns out to be true, well, Beth may have good reason to despise her brother.

The theories involve Beth's on-again, off-again relationship with Dutton ranch-hand — and "adopted" Dutton sibling — Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser). While Beth and Rip's relationship has notably been on-again of late, the fan theory implies it's long-term "off-again" status may have been the direct result of Jamie's meddling. More tragically, it may also have resulted in the loss (or termination of) Beth's pregnancy. While that pregnancy has yet to be confirmed on Yellowstone, should either of these theories come out as true, they would easily affirm Beth's bitter resentment towards her brother. 

As the Beth and Jamie drama barrels ahead, it seems certain to explode in truly dramatic fashion. When it does, we can't help but think we might be forced to reassess Beth's worst deed on Yellowstone.