Yellowstone's Heartbreaking Loss: Colby's Unexpected Death
Massive spoilers for Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 12 are ahead! If you're not caught up, catch the series every Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on the Paramount Network. We've seen death before on Yellowstone, with John Dutton's assassination and Sarah Atwood's shocking demise, but Episode 12 delivered a different kind of heartbreak: the accidental death of a beloved character, Colby. Poor one out for this character!
The Tragic Accident
Denim Richards played the branded ranch hand Colby since the show began. He and the other bunkhouse boys have become fan favorites. Colby's death is especially tragic because it occurred during an ordinary moment; he was helping Carter, a younger ranchhand, escape from a wild horse in the barn. In a heartbreaking twist, the horse kicked Colby, causing his immediate death. The scene was only a couple minutes long and wasn't even close to action-packed beforehand, making it all the more devastating.
The Aftermath
The episode powerfully portrays the ranch hands' reactions, especially Colby's girlfriend, Teeter, and best friend, Ryan. Their grief, along with the devastating knowledge that Carter witnessed the event and blamed himself, created a truly painful scene. While Beth's breakdown over John's death was impactful, witnessing Colby’s loved ones' reaction without a proper goodbye is equally heartbreaking.
Why Colby's Death Hit Hardest
While John Dutton's death was significant given Kevin Costner's departure and the storyline's natural progression, and Sarah's death was shocking, Colby's death feels different. It wasn't connected to the main plot involving Market Equities and the airport fight. It was a completely accidental death, highlighting the inherent dangers of ranching. Taylor Sheridan masterfully illustrates the unpredictable nature of this profession where life can be taken in a moment.
As someone who grew up on a farm, I understand the daily risks involved. Seeing Colby die in such an unexpected and seemingly ordinary moment was deeply upsetting. The fact that Carter witnessed it and thought it was his fault intensified the emotional impact of the scene. The bunkhouse boys are cherished characters, and their unwavering loyalty makes Colby’s loss even more painful. Their constant hard work, and their dedication to the ranch, makes it especially disheartening to lose one of them through an accident while working.
A Lasting Impact
Colby's death is not just about the loss of a character; it's a commentary on the inherent risks of the ranching life, highlighting the unexpected and accidental nature of death in such a profession. It adds another layer to the already intense season, proving that the dangers aren't solely from external enemies but also from the job itself. The show emphasizes the emotional toll of such events on the remaining characters, making the remaining episodes even more poignant and unpredictable.
You can stream the first four and a half seasons of Yellowstone with a Peacock subscription. The last two episodes will continue to show the characters grappling with the consequences of both external threats and the inherent risks of their lifestyle. The emotional impact of Colby’s death will likely resonate throughout the remaining episodes. The show has already addressed the difficult questions surrounding the loss of John Dutton, as well as the untimely demise of Sarah Atwood. Now, fans are left wondering how the remaining characters will cope with another loss, especially one that highlights the unpredictable nature of their daily lives. The remaining episodes will undoubtedly be filled with emotional weight and unpredictable turns.
The show leaves viewers questioning the future of the ranch and the Duttons' ability to recover from these losses. The unexpected nature of Colby's death leaves a lasting impact, underscoring the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of this dangerous profession. The final two episodes will surely be filled with drama, uncertainty, and the lasting consequences of this tragic loss.
