Yellowstone is coming to an end with season 5, which has been split into two parts, and the premiere of

part 2 contains a puzzling continuity error that completely changes one character. The Paramount

Network neo-Western drama TV show created by Taylor Sheridan centers around the Dutton family, the

owners of the largest ranch in Montana. In Yellowstone season 5, part 2, the family is reeling from John Dutton III’s sudden death and dealing with the possibility of losing the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

Sarah Atwood, a Market Equities representative, arranges John’s death in Yellowstone season 5, part 2. Market Equities is a company seeking to take over the Yellowstone to build various tourist attractions. However, John’s status as the Governor of Montana impedes the company’s pursuits. So, Sarah hires hitmen to kill John, and when the investigation into his death (which was originally classified as a suicide) is reopened, the assassins take out Sarah. It’s safe to say that a lot has happened in Yellowstone season 5, part 2, which makes it easy for viewers to miss one glaring continuity error.

Yellowstone Season 5, Episode 9 May Have Retconned Lloyd’s Name
The Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Premiere Changed Lloyd’s Last Name

As some may know, Forrie J. Smith’s Yellowstone character has been referred to as Lloyd Pierce in the past. Consequently, it was believed that his last name was Pierce. Yellowstone season 5, episode 9 suggests otherwise. During the hour, Rip Wheeler picks up a bit order for Lloyd from a loriner, and Rip tells the man that the order is under “Lloyd Bridger,” not “Lloyd Pierce.”

Either Taylor Sheridan decided to retcon Lloyd’s last name in the Yellowstone season 5, part 2 premiere, or Lloyd is using a fake one for some reason. Since the characters never address the fact that Lloyd seemingly has a new last name in episode 9, one would be inclined to believe that Sheridan knowingly changed the ranch hand’s last name. It’s unclear why Lloyd is now known as “Lloyd Bridger” and not “Lloyd Pierce.” The following three episodes of Yellowstone season 5, part 2 don’t touch on the continuity error, meaning viewers are expected to accept Lloyd’s character retcon.

Yellowstone Creating A Plot Inconsistency With Lloyd’s Name Is Not Uncommon
Taylor Sheridan’s Show Has Had Multiple Continuity Errors Over The Years

Unfortunately, the continuity error in the Yellowstone season 5, part 2 premiere isn’t the first time the show has made a mistake. Over the course of its five seasons, the neo-Western drama has been quite reckless with what has been established as canon and what hasn’t. For example, as Collider pointed out, Lee Dutton is barely mentioned following his death in the series premiere, despite his supposed importance to the story and character arcs. Perhaps Yellowstone’s biggest error, though, is that the seasons rarely make sense for when some episodes are supposed to take place.