Taylor Sheridan has finally wrapped his iconic Yellowstone saga—at least for now—with season 5 part 2 ending. The story halted on John Dutton played by Kevin Costner’s death, followed by Beth and Rip moving forward,.and

Kayce working on building a life for himself. And this particular storyline has undoubtedly set the stage for future spinoffs for the lead characters.

But unfortunately, in an attempt to shine the spotlight on Beth, Rip, and Kayce, for future spinoff appearances, Taylor Sheridan seemingly forgot about the beloved side characters, namely Lloyd. Considering how fans have

adored him as the best and oldest cowboy on Yellowstone Ranch, Lloyd deserved a better ending than the one that killed the possibility of his future appearances in spinoffs.

Yellowstone ended with Lloyd retiring as a cowboy

Despite Taylor Sheridan‘s success following Yellowstone, the finale of the Western series faced some chaotic affairs—with behind-the-scenes drama leading to Kevin Costner’s death in the show. But overall, the showrunner managed to make good use of the storyline and offer a satisfying ending to the popular show.

Although Kevin Costner’s John Dutton was killed off in the middle of season 5 part 2, while trying to save his ranch from greedy corporations, Yellowstone ended with future possibilities for Beth, Rip, and Kayce. Perhaps, in the future, if Taylor Sheridan ever plans on coming up with spinoffs, these three lead characters will undoubtedly have stories to tell.

However, despite the satisfying ending for the show, there seemed to be one particular character’s arc that broke fans’ hearts. And it’s none other than Forrie J. Smith’s beloved cowboy character Lloyd. Considering how the character has been one of the oldest and most loyal cowboys on Yellowstone Ranch, people failed to accept the fact that Sheridan made him retire by the end of the finale.

Lloyd’s retirement killed his future appearances in spinoffs

As per the storyline, Lloyd has been a part of the Yellowstone Ranch since season 1 and has also been one of the oldest cast members. Therefore, by the end of the show, when the ranch closed down and Rip allowed him to leave, Lloyd still decided to stay back and help with things. This became a tear-jerker for fans and a heavily emotional moment.

But what came next simply broke people’s hearts. In the final episode of Season 5, when Rip offered Lloyd to move with him and Beth to their new ranch, the loyal cowboy turned down the offer, announcing his retirement. Claiming that he wouldn’t be a cowboy anywhere other than the Yellowstone ranch, Lloyd confirmed to end his long service.

Meanwhile, although this significant decision increased fans’ respect and love for Lloyd and his loyalty towards Yellowstone Ranch, it also visibly killed the opportunity for the character’s return in future spinoffs. Considering how he revealed that he won’t be a cowboy anywhere other than Yellowstone, it established that in the future if Beth and Rip set up their own ranch or even Kayce does the same, Lloyd won’t be a part of that.

While Taylor Sheridan has the possibility of creating a spinoff based on Beth and Rip moving on and Kayce setting up a ranch with his family, it seems to be confirmed that Forrie J. Smith’s character won’t return as a cowboy. And while the character had a long and satisfying run throughout the five seasons, it’s his lack of potential for a spinoff that made his ending even more heartbreaking for fans.