Hello everyone, welcome to my channel! Please subscribe and hit the bell icon for more Yellowstone content. Today, let’s talk about the moment that truly cemented Rip Wheeler as the most likable Dutton character—even though he wasn’t born into the family.
From his first appearance in Yellowstone Season 1, Episode 1, Rip (played by Cole Hauser) quickly became one of the show’s most essential and beloved characters.
While John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) are both outstanding in their own right, Rip’s unique qualities and deep emotional journey make him stand out even more.
Rip’s story is rooted in violence—he’s the ranch’s enforcer, fiercely loyal to John Dutton and the Yellowstone Ranch. But over the seasons, Rip evolves beyond just being a tough guy.
His relationship with Beth brings out his softer, more vulnerable side, making him not only a formidable protector but also a deeply caring partner. Flashbacks to Rip’s troubled adolescence, when John took him in after he killed his abusive father, add layers to his character and help audiences understand his loyalty and pain.
The scene that truly convinced me of Rip’s likability comes in Season 5, Episode 5. As Rip prepares young Carter for the spring cattle gather, Beth asks if she can join. At first, Rip is surprised and a bit dismissive, explaining the harsh conditions.
Beth, feeling rejected, jokes about flying to Las Vegas instead. Rip’s playful plea for her to come—despite her scorn—shows his kindness and devotion, even when Beth is at her most difficult. It’s a small but powerful moment that reveals Rip’s patience, humor, and unwavering love.
But perhaps the most heartbreaking and defining moment for Rip comes in Season 3, Episode 7, “The Beating.” After Beth survives a brutal attack orchestrated by the family’s enemies, Rip finds her battered and emotionally shattered.
The usually stoic Rip is visibly shaken; he kneels beside Beth, cradling her face with a tenderness that starkly contrasts his violent role on the ranch. In this moment, Rip isn’t just the ranch enforcer—he’s a man deeply in love, desperate to comfort the woman he’s devoted his life to protecting. He doesn’t need words; his presence and gentle touch say everything.
What sets Rip apart from the other Duttons is his ability to show genuine warmth and love. John Dutton, for all his strength, often struggles to express affection.
Kayce is torn between his own family and loyalty to his father, while Jamie is riddled with insecurity and poor choices. Rip, on the other hand, is steadfast. His love for Beth is unconditional, and his loyalty to the ranch is unwavering.
Rip’s likability is also rooted in his backstory. Unlike the Dutton children, he wasn’t born into privilege—he earned his place through hard work, sacrifice, and loyalty.
He never complains or expects special treatment. He simply does what needs to be done, guided by a clear moral code and a deep sense of duty.
Ultimately, Rip Wheeler embodies everything that makes Yellowstone compelling: he’s tough, loyal, vulnerable, and fiercely protective of those he loves. In a world full of morally gray characters, Rip’s raw humanity and unwavering devotion make him the most likable member of the Dutton clan.
