Rip Wheeler: The Real Star of Yellowstone Season 5 (Sorry, Dutton Family)
Forget John Dutton (Kevin Costner), Rip Wheeler is the real star of Yellowstone. The faithful ranch hand is becoming more popular with each passing season of the hit TV show. And, what's more, season five is defining the character like never before.
There is plenty of drama in the new season of Yellowstone . For starters, John is attempting to preserve the ranch through politics. Therefore, while he has been busy with the governor's seat, Rip has been maintaining the ranch. It's been one of the few reliables in Yellowstone as Rip is always there for John and the rest of the Duttons.
Furthermore, the character has been able to maintain popularity in the series despite having a romance with one of the least popular – Beth Dutton.
Season five of Yellowstone provides some new insights into their relationship, including flashbacks that reveal what the two were like as teenagers. It once again reiterates how Rip remains loving and protecting despite Beth's numerous flaws.
The patient, stoic demeanor also translates well with audiences. There are many that agree that Rip is an absolute stud. He's easy on the eyes and among the sexiest men alive. Moreover, Rip's a dreamy example of what it takes to be a real man. After all, we've seen the man handle the Dutton's dirty business while also swooning and charming Beth. Even more, Rip is the ideal defender of the Dutton ranch and looks after the other help.
In season four of Yellowstone, Rip is found offering advice to Carter, a troubled orphan that Beth and Rip provide with a home on the ranch. When asked the secret to his success, Rip replies: "Don't think you deserve it. You don't deserve it. And you never will."
Despite what sounds like bleak advice Rip is actually revealing what has made him successful in life, as well as popular on the show.
It seems that part of what makes Rip endearing to audiences is that he is far from perfect. Yes, he's committed his fair share of atrocities, including murdering his abusive stepfather. Nevertheless, Rip is also admired for those same qualities because he never felt like he had a place to belong. For many, it's easy to relate to a lovable outsider that refuses to take anything for granted. Rip, like Carter, was also an orphan before John brought him to the ranch. Therefore, he never loses perspective or gratitude for getting a second chance.
For this reason, it's why many fans of Yellowstone would like the show to end with Rip inheriting the land. It seems like the only fair and logical choice, especially considering the ranch is not nearly as dear to Beth, Jamie, or Kayce. However, we'll have to wait until the end of season five to find out what's next for Rip.