Did You Catch This Yellowstone & 1923 Connection In The Mid-Season Finale?

As Yellowstone's mid-season finale played out, Rip Wheeler and half the ranch’s cowboys and cattle are preparing to journey down to Texas. John Dutton is about to be more vulnerable than ever. Between Jamie gunning for his impeachment and the ongoing fight for the ranch, he is going to need family and support in a big way.

Which is exactly why John offers Monica a home on the ranch. His hope? That she, his only remaining son by blood, Kayce, and their son, Tate, will come back to their legacy for good.

“The ranch can't be Tate’s someday if the ranch isn’t here,” John laments to Monica. And he’s right. John needs his family now more than ever, as does their ranch. Which, if you’re watching prequel 1923 closely, you’ll notice this all lines up perfectly with Jacob and Cara Dutton asking their nephew, Spencer, to come home from Africa at the end of Episode 3.

In 1923’s case, Cara (and a presumably dying Jacob) write to Spencer, letting him know that it is time for him to come back to not only his childhood home, but the Dutton legacy at large.

Spencer,

Your brother has been killed. By the time you receive this letter, I suppose your uncle has been killed, as well. Your nephew has been wounded. This ranch and your legacy are in peril. War has descended upon this place and your family. Whatever war you fight within yourself must wait. You must come home and fight this one!

Cara’s letter, 1923 Season 1, Episode 3

This means Spencer is finally returning from his exploits as a world-famous big game hunter in Africa. Thankfully, he’s finally in a position to want to do so after meeting his now-fiance, Alexandra in Episode 3.

Almost 100 years later to the day, John offers Kayce, Monica, and Tate their own house on the Yellowstone, and Monica reveals all he ever had to do was ask them to come home. Shortly after, John approaches Kayce and tells his son he loves him, and hugs him. John knows the ranch won’t survive without Kayce in Rip’s absence.

The mid-season finale also revealed the truth of the Train Station and Y Brand. Read all about it HERE.