Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) might have made a life-changing decision in Yellowstone season 5, saving

himself from the Dutton family curse. Kayce’s story has had many compelling turns as he balances the

responsibilities of trying to save the Dutton ranch while prioritizing Tate (Brecken Merrill) and Monica

(Kelsey Asbille). After Mo (Moses Brings Plenty) helps Kayce interpret his visions following the death of his father, John Dutton (Kevin Costner), his path becomes clear. Kayce’s visions in the Yellowstone season 4 finale suggest the youngest Dutton would have to choose between the ranch and his family, and in Yellowstone season 5, he has.

After a conversation with his son indicates Tate doesn’t see himself running the Yellowstone ranch, Kayce plots a course for his family’s future and goes full speed ahead. After his actions cause the state to reopen the investigation into John Dutton’s death and rule it a homicide, Kayce contacts an old Navy SEAL buddy and hunts down the man responsible. Instead of exacting vengeance and killing Grant Horton (Matt Gerald), Kayce “counts coup” in Yellowstone season 5, episode 12. Kayce’s unwillingness to murder Grant or Jamie (Wes Bentley) and compromise his safety may save the youngest Dutton in Yellowstone season 5’s finale.

The Dutton Curse In Yellowstone Explained
Death And Tragedy Saturates The Dutton Family Tree

A curse seems to follow the Dutton family, and it’s inherently tied to their struggle to keep their massive Montana ranch. Tragedy saturates the 1883 Yellowstone prequel, where James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret (Faith Hill) Dutton make a northwestern journey from Texas to Montana. The Duttons travel with their children, John (Audie Rick) and Elsa (Isabel May). Elsa meets a tragic fate in 1883, causing her family to end their travels abruptly and settle in Montana. Elsa’s sad demise, cast in harm’s way because of her father’s dream, marks the first time the Duttons fatally suffer for their land.

The Yellowstone saga continues to center on tragedy in 1923, when Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren take over the ranch as Jacob and Cara Dutton. James Dutton’s brother and his wife move to Montana after they receive news of James’ untimely fate, and when they arrive, Margaret Dutton is dead. While Jacob and Cara raise James and Margaret’s children as their own, war breaks out, and the middle child, John (James Badge Dale), dies in the crossfire. Tragedy surrounds the Duttons’ attempt to maintain their legacy, which continues with Lee Dutton’s Yellowstone death in the modern era and capped with John Dutton III’s fate.

Kayce’s Non-Attachment To The Dutton Ranch Could Save His Life In Yellowstone
Kayce Isn’t Willing To Die To Save The Yellowstone

By prioritizing his immediate family, Kayce may avoid his family’s curse and live to see another day when all is said and done at the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Kayce’s decision to act in the best interest of his family rather than maintain the Dutton family legacy proves he isn’t willing to die for the ranch, and the decision could save his life.

As the Yellowstone story comes to a head in the season 5 finale, Kayce’s decisions highlight his deep alliance with the Broken Rock tribe, with his connections to Mo and Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) guiding his course.