Yellowstone Season 2 Episode 7, titled “Resurrection Day,” aired on August 7, 2019, on Paramount Network. This gripping installment of the neo-Western drama series delivered one of the most intense and shocking moments of the show to date.
The episode centers around a violent attack orchestrated by the ruthless Beck brothers, the season’s primary antagonists. Their escalating conflict with the Dutton family reaches a boiling point, resulting in a disturbing and graphic assault on Beth Dutton.
Kelly Reilly‘s powerful performance as Beth during these harrowing scenes garnered significant critical acclaim. The episode’s events mark a pivotal turning point in the ongoing battle for control of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, setting the stage for an explosive confrontation between the Duttons and their formidable adversaries.
Episode Overview
“Resurrection Day” is the seventh episode of Yellowstone’s second season. This neo-Western drama installment aired on August 7, 2019, on Paramount Network.
The episode marks a pivotal moment in the series, showcasing intense conflicts and shocking violence. It centers around a brutal attack on Beth Dutton, orchestrated by the ruthless Beck brothers.
Key events in this episode include:
- Beth Dutton faces a harrowing assault
- The Beck brothers escalate their tactics against the Dutton family
- John Dutton confronts new challenges to his ranch and family
The episode’s title, “Resurrection Day,” hints at themes of survival and rebirth amidst the turmoil. It features standout performances from the cast, particularly Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton.
Critics noted this episode for its disturbing content and dramatic impact on the season’s storyline. It serves as a turning point, intensifying the conflict between the Duttons and their adversaries.
Character Dynamics
The relationships between key characters drive much of the drama in Yellowstone Season 2 Episode 7. Family loyalties are tested as external threats escalate tensions within the Dutton clan.
The Dutton Family
John Dutton remains the stern patriarch, fiercely protective of his land and legacy. His children struggle to balance their own ambitions with family expectations. Beth’s fierce loyalty to her father contrasts with Jamie’s growing doubts about his place in the family. Kayce finds himself torn between duty to the ranch and his own family unit.
John clashes with Beth over her reckless behavior but relies on her cunning in business dealings. His complex relationship with Jamie shows signs of further strain as Jamie questions his father’s methods.
Rip and Beth
Rip and Beth’s volatile romance intensifies. Their deep connection is evident despite their combative dynamic. Beth trusts Rip implicitly, relying on him for protection and support.
Rip’s unwavering devotion to Beth is tested as her self-destructive tendencies put her in danger. Their scenes crackle with sexual tension and unspoken emotions. Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser’s chemistry brings depth to this complex pairing.
Kayce and Monica
Kayce and Monica’s marriage faces new challenges as they try to build a life together. Their differing priorities create friction – Kayce’s loyalty to the ranch conflicts with Monica’s desire for independence and safety for their son Tate.
Monica struggles to fit into the Dutton family dynamic while maintaining her own identity. Luke Grimes portrays Kayce’s inner conflict between family duty and personal happiness with nuanced performances.
Jamie’s Conflict
Jamie’s internal struggle intensifies as he questions his place in the Dutton family. His legal expertise makes him valuable to John, but he chafes under his father’s domineering leadership.
Wes Bentley skillfully conveys Jamie’s mix of ambition, insecurity, and resentment. His actions become increasingly unpredictable as he seeks to carve out his own path. Jamie’s strained relationships with Beth and Kayce highlight his isolation within the family.
Themes and Motifs
“Resurrection Day” explores complex themes of loyalty, power dynamics, and the escalating conflict between the Duttons and their adversaries. The episode delves into the moral ambiguity of characters’ actions and the consequences of their choices.
Loyalty and Betrayal
The Dutton family’s unwavering loyalty is put to the test as external threats intensify. John Dutton’s children demonstrate their commitment to protecting the ranch and each other. Beth’s fierce dedication to her family is highlighted through her confrontation with the Beck brothers’ men.
Thomas Rainwater’s allegiance remains ambiguous. His interactions with John Dutton reveal a potential shift in their relationship, as common enemies emerge.
The Beck brothers’ betrayal of their business agreements showcases the ruthlessness of their tactics. Their willingness to resort to violence against the Duttons exposes the fragility of alliances in this cutthroat world.
Power and Control
The struggle for dominance over the Yellowstone ranch intensifies. John Dutton’s efforts to maintain control of his land clash with the Beck brothers’ aggressive expansion plans.
Malcolm Beck’s attack on Beth demonstrates the lengths to which he’ll go to assert his authority. This act of violence serves as a pivotal moment, shifting the power dynamics between the opposing factions.
The Duttons’ response to the attack highlights their determination to protect their own and maintain their stronghold in the region. Their retaliation against the Becks signals an escalation in the conflict, raising the stakes for all involved parties.
Plot Development
Episode 7 of Yellowstone Season 2 intensifies the conflict between the Duttons and their adversaries. The Beck brothers escalate their tactics, leading to shocking acts of violence and shifting alliances.
Tensions Rise
The Beck brothers ramp up their efforts to intimidate the Duttons and their allies. They orchestrate a brutal attack on Beth Dutton, sending masked men to assault her in her office. This vicious act demonstrates the lengths to which the Becks will go to assert their dominance.
Dan Jenkins faces dire consequences as the Becks target him next. The episode showcases the ruthlessness of the antagonists, leaving viewers stunned by the graphic nature of their actions.
The violence extends beyond the main players. Murder and suicide become grim realities as the power struggle in the Yellowstone universe intensifies.
Alliances Tested
The Dutton family’s bonds are put to the test in the wake of Beth’s attack. John Dutton must rally his children and allies to present a united front against their formidable enemies.
Gil Birmingham’s character, Thomas Rainwater, finds himself reassessing his position in the ongoing conflict. The tribal chairman’s allegiances shift as he recognizes the threat posed by the Beck brothers.
The episode forces characters to choose sides. Long-standing rivalries are set aside as survival becomes the priority. Unlikely partnerships begin to form, reshaping the landscape of power in Montana.
Setting and Location
The sprawling landscapes of Montana serve as the majestic backdrop for “Yellowstone” Season 2, Episode 7. The Dutton family’s vast ranch remains the central setting, showcasing the rugged beauty of the American West.
Key locations in this episode include the Yellowstone Ranch’s main house and surrounding property. The bunkhouse, where the ranch hands reside, plays a significant role in the unfolding events.
Outside the ranch, the nearby town features prominently. The local casino, a source of ongoing conflict, is pivotal to the episode’s plot developments.
The episode also ventures to urban areas, with scenes set in Salt Lake City. These cityscapes provide a stark contrast to the rural Montana setting, highlighting the clash between modern development and traditional ranching life.
Natural features like rivers and mountains are expertly woven into the visual narrative. The dam, a contentious point in previous episodes, continues to be a focal point of tension.
The diverse settings – from open pastures to dimly lit interiors – create a rich tapestry that enhances the story’s atmosphere and underscores the characters’ complex relationships with the land and each other.
Cinematography and Production
Taylor Sheridan, the creator of Yellowstone, brought his signature visual style to Season 2 Episode 7. The cinematography captured the rugged beauty of Montana’s landscapes, contrasting them with tense indoor scenes.
Paramount Network spared no expense in producing this pivotal episode. The production value shone through in the detailed set designs and authentic Western atmosphere.
The episode featured striking aerial shots of the Dutton ranch, showcasing its vast expanse. These sweeping vistas helped establish the grand scale of the Yellowstone world.
Intimate character moments were filmed with careful attention to lighting and framing. Close-ups emphasized the actors’ performances, particularly during emotional scenes.
The production team’s efforts were evident in the episode’s action sequences. Realistic stunts and practical effects added intensity to the dramatic confrontations.
CBS Studios, in partnership with Paramount, ensured high production standards throughout. Their collaboration resulted in a visually compelling and cinematic television experience.
The episode’s cinematography skillfully balanced the show’s trademark mix of modern and traditional elements. This visual approach reinforced Yellowstone’s unique blend of contemporary drama and classic Western themes.
Critical Reception
“Resurrection Day” received widespread critical acclaim. Many reviewers praised the episode’s intense and shocking content.
Kelly Reilly’s performance as Beth Dutton garnered particular attention. Critics lauded her portrayal of Beth during the violent attack scene.
The episode’s unflinching depiction of violence was both praised and criticized. Some felt it pushed boundaries too far for primetime television.
Several reviewers noted the episode as a standout of Season 2. They cited its gripping plot developments and character moments.
The pacing and tension-building throughout “Resurrection Day” were frequently highlighted as strengths. Critics felt it effectively escalated the conflict with the Beck brothers.
Some reviewers compared the episode favorably to prestige TV dramas on premium cable networks. They saw it as evidence of Yellowstone’s growing ambition and quality.
The episode’s exploration of family loyalty and revenge themes resonated with many critics. They felt it deepened the show’s core dynamics.
A few reviewers expressed concern about the graphic content potentially alienating more sensitive viewers. However, most felt it served the story effectively.
Cultural Impact
“Resurrection Day” solidified Yellowstone’s status as a Neo-Western powerhouse. The episode’s intense violence and dramatic storytelling captivated audiences, sparking widespread discussion on social media platforms.
Paramount Network saw a surge in viewership following the episode’s airing. The brutal attack on Beth Dutton became a defining moment for the series, showcasing its willingness to push boundaries in primetime television.
The episode’s exploration of power dynamics and family loyalty resonated with viewers. It reinforced Yellowstone’s reputation for gritty, authentic portrayals of modern ranch life in the American West.
“Resurrection Day” also highlighted the show’s strong ensemble cast. Kelly Reilly’s powerful performance as Beth gained critical acclaim, elevating her character to fan-favorite status.
The episode’s impact extended beyond entertainment, prompting conversations about violence on television and its cultural implications. It cemented Yellowstone’s place as a significant contributor to the Neo-Western genre’s resurgence in popular culture.
