After 8 Years, ‘Yellowstone’s Sequel Series Finally Gives Rip a Worthy Enemy

Dutton Ranch has proven to be a worthy successor to Yellowstone, and a large part of that is thanks to the continuing story of fan-favorite characters Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler. Cole Hauser’s Rip Wheeler in particular remained a highlight of Taylor Sheridan’s flagship show for its entire five-season run, as he represents an excellent execution of the Western antihero archetype. Rip is a hard, sometimes violent man who famously has no issues with ending the lives of those who threaten his livelihood, his friends and loved ones, or the former interests of his adoptive father, John Dutton. However, that’s all backed by unflinching loyalty, true compassion, a refusal to engage in cruelty, and unconditional love for his wife.

In Yellowstone, Rip almost always battled on behalf of his employer. He did the dirty work to ensure that the Dutton family and the Dutton Ranch itself would not be harmed, usually employing tactics that were grimier and more violent than the corporate, high-powered businesspeople would bother with themselves. However, Dutton Ranch has slowly built up a villain who is on Rip’s level, and he’s the perfect character to go head-to-head with the stern ranch foreman.

Jai Courtney’s Rob-Will Jackson Is a Dark Version of Rip

While Annette Bening’s Beaulah Jackson has so far walked the line between enemy and ally through six episodes of Dutton Ranch, there’s no question that her volatile son Rob-Will is an outright villain. Played with giddy menace by Jai Courtney, Rob-Will was responsible for a murder in the show’s opening minutes, proving himself as a dangerous player right from the jump. He’s been developed as even more dangerous as the show’s continued, as it’s made clear that he’s an addict with no intention of legitimately turning over a new leaf. His mood shifts from moment to moment, he’s perpetually reckless, and he delights in striking fear into others.

He’s essentially a dark doppelgänger of Rip Wheeler, which is very much the intention of Dutton Ranch showrunner Chad Feehan. While Rip is ready and willing to curse out or box the ears of a ranch hand not doing their job, Rip never takes pleasure in genuine cruelty. He is continually in control of his emotions (even if those emotions are often annoyed or angry), and has the patience and discretion required to do the dirty work required in the shadows. The two men couldn’t be less alike at their core, although what makes them perfect enemies is what they do have in common.

Rob-Will Matches Rip’s Violent Streak and Loyalty

Rip often gains the upper hand in a situation by willing to get violent, or getting more violent than his adversaries are willing to get. That won’t be the case with Rob-Will, who has already proven that he’s ready to pull a gun at all times. He and Rip are also both motivated by loyalty, although Rob-Will’s interpretation of “protecting his family” is undoubtedly distorted by substances and his own brutal and cruel nature.

Rob-Will is an enemy that will get in the gutter to mix it up with Rip on a personal level, which is something that’s been missing in the Yellowstone universe. Rip has always operated on someone else’s behalf, whether John’s or his wife’s, but both he and Rob-Will are now acting of their own volition, making him a true nemesis for Rip. With Rip currently occupying the role on the Ten-Petal Ranch that Rob-Will is supposed to have as Beaulah’s natural-born son, it’s only a matter of time before they come to blows, and it should make for truly excellent drama and action.

Release Date

May 15, 2026

Network

Paramount Network, Paramount+

Showrunner

Chad Feehan