“Yellowstone” Season 5 premiered on Sunday night, and fans were over the moon to have the Dutton family back on their TV screens. During the premiere episode, there was plenty of drama and intrigue. There were also a couple of new characters introduced into the universe. However, some “Yellowstone” fans were in complete shock after seeing one character’s shocking transformation from Season 4 to Season 5.
As “Yellowstone” fans watched John Dutton (Kevin Costner) take on his new role as the Governor of Montana, his daughter Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) was by his side the entire time as his new chief of staff. John’s new job kept him away from his beloved ranch. This left Beth’s husband, Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) to run the ranch and fans could tell he was really feeling the pressure of handling everything and everyone, including all the rowdy cowboys in the bunkhouse. Thankfully, his trusty right-hand man, Lloyd, seems to have fallen in line this season after Season 4’s wild ride. (Who could forget when he stabbed Walker in the shoulder?!)
Of course, the saddest moment of the premiere episode was when Casey Dutton’s (Luke Grimes) pregnant wife, Monica went into labor and was forced to drive herself to the hospital. Sadly, Monica’s contractions impaired her driving, and a buffalo in the road, along with another car caused her to crash with her son, Tate, in the car. Monica was forced to give birth on the side of the road, and due to her injuries the baby tragically passed away.
While all of fans’ favorite characters were shown during the premiere episodes of “Yellowstone” Season 5, one character was deemed unrecognizable by viewers. Actor Finn Little, who plays Rip and Beth’s adoptive son Carter, literally grew up since the last season. The young actor gained a lot of height and looks much older now than he did in Season 4. While the actor who plays Tate also grew quickly between seasons, it was Carter that had fans talking.
I cannot believe that’s the same actor who played Carter last season!” one “Yellowstone” fan tweeted. “Carter grew up right in front of our eyes,” another wrote. “So we’re supposed to believe that Tate grew a year between seasons and Carter is paying taxes and planning for retirement?” a third person commented.
Before the season started, Hauser spoke to Entertainment Tonight about his on-screen son, Carter, revealing that Little was, in fact, not so little anymore. “That boy’s looking me in the eye!” the actor said of the young star’s growth spurt between seasons.
Viewers can see more of Carter, Rip, and the rest of the Dutton family Sunday nights during “Yellowstone” Season 5 on the Paramount Network.
Image Credits: NBC/YouTube, Paramount/YouTube.
Joshua Dale