Yellowstone: All major Dutton family flashbacks explained

Yellowstone is not just a splashy blockbuster but a carefully written history lesson on the fiercely guarded Dutton Ranch, where the past keeps returning to add dimension to characters. The show debuted in 2018, quickly caught the attention of many, but often failed to capture the attention of critics.

One of the most notable techniques used in the show to weave Dutton Family drama into an understandable context is the flashbacks.

These back-in-the-time scenes give crucial information on the family’s road to present power through blood, boldness, and bargains. Starting from John Dutton III’s inheritance from his ancestors to young Beth and Rip's previous lives, here are 5 flashbacks that made the show a must-watch.

(One must keep in mind that the dates for the flashbacks are not set in stone in the show explicitly. Therefore, some mind work is in place to understand the bigger picture.)

Yellowstone: All major Dutton family flashbacks explained

Part I: The Pioneers (1893)

The earliest flashbacks, set in the events of 1893, lay down the foundational bricks of the family's journey and their relationship with the land's previous inhabitants. These flashbacks make the already brilliant Yellowstone episodes even more interesting.

1. March 1893: The Land Accord (Season 4, Episode 1): John III's great-grandfather, James Dutton (Tim McGraw), meets with Chieftain Red Bear. Initially, in a horse-riding scene, we see James expressing distrust towards unknown people; he says:

“I don't trust anyone till they’ve earned it”

However, as the two speak, James offers them food and grazing land for the chieftain's tired horses. In a moment of respect, James agrees to the chief's request and lets him bury his father in the land.

2.1893: No Kindness for the Coward (Season 4, Episode 8):

In what appears to be the winter of 1893, records show Margaret sitting and teaching young sons, John Sr. and Spencer. This flashback joins key information as told in the Yellowstone spin-offs 1883 and 1923.

James and his company track and hunt the horse thieves, and the trio is seen in a ‘grace’ scene. But Margaret’s prayer could not keep James safe, as he received fatal wounds from the gunfight.

It is believed that Margaret, too, will soon pass away. Thus, John and Spencer become orphans until Jacob steps in and handles the ranch in the future plot of Yellowstone.

Part II: Trauma, Betrayal and Childhood (1996–2000)

The late 1990s worked as a catalyst for both the formative and the fraught. Events seen in these flashbacks define the Dutton children and create the path to resentment.

3. December 25, 1996: "A Monster Is Among Us" (Season 1, Episode 7): Jumping forward over a century from the flashback date discussed earlier, we find Beth at the entry gate of womanhood. She had her first period on Christmas Day.

Evelyn responds to Beth’s biological change not with softness but with a vow that she will make Beth "the man most men will never be."

At the core of this vow remained a fear: that boys would try to take advantage of her if they knew Beth could be weak. Beth is always seen as a tough lady in Yellowstone, who knows how to return a punch if she ever receives it from anybody, but this flashback adds dimension and context to her characteristic toughness.

4. March 30, 1997: "No Good Horses" (Season 1, Episode 3):

This flashback in Yellowstone showcases Evelyn's death. This incident marked a huge change in the Dutton family dynamic and paved the way for the Dutton family's dysfunction.

On March 30, Beth and Kayce accompanied Evelyn in a horseback riding session. Beth unknowingly sets the stage for the tragedy with her fear and inexperience when the horse crushes their mother to death.

Help is sought, but by the time they reach Evelyn, she is already gone, and a troubled Kayce has had to defend her body from wolves. This scene sets in concrete the deeper reason behind Beth’s coldness as an adult. She has been traumatized by her mother’s death.

Part III: Rip and Beth (1997-2002)

5. 2002: "One Hundred Years Is Nothing" (Season 5, Episode 1):

In Yellowstone, two years after John ruined a construction site, Beth and Rip’s story finds context in one of the flashbacks. In this episode from Season 5, Beth arranges a date at the bar, but Rip does not like how Beth utilizes her body to get drinks.

Rip feels that she is breaking the law and exits the bar. But Beth goes one step further and induces jealousy in Rip by making out with another boy.

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These flashback scenes represent only the most significant chronological events and the multidimensionality they bring to the story. However, in the grand, expansive tale of betrayal and bloodshed, Yellowstone includes many more glimpses into the Dutton past.