Mark Harmon’s back as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in all episodes of the upcoming third season of CBS’s NCIS: Origins. According to the network, Harmon’s involvement will be part of a present-day mystery that involves his time at Camp Pendleton back in the 1990s.
Harmon will also continue to narrate the series, which stars Austin Stowell as a young Gibbs. Season three also stars Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks, Mariel Molino as Lala Dominguez, Tyla Abercrumbie as Mary Jo Hayes, Diany Rodriguez as Vera Strickland, and Caleb Foote as Randy Randolph.
The series follows Stowell as Gibbs in the ’90s prior to the events in CBS’s NCIS. Season three executive producers include Harmon, David J. North, Sean Harmon, Michele Greco, and Eric Christian Olsen.
CBS will air the new season on Tuesdays at 10pm ET/PT.
The much-anticipated S.W.A.T. spinoff, S.W.A.T. Exiles, will air on Starz in the US. The original Sony Pictures Television production ran for eight seasons on CBS. Series star Shemar Moore, who urged the series’ passionate fan base to ask for more, returns to lead the spinoff as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson.
The 10-episode season will premiere on September 25, 2026.
“S.W.A.T. Exiles is coming in hot! I couldn’t be more excited that STARZ is bringing this next chapter to audiences in the U.S. A huge thank you to Sony Pictures Television for believing in this franchise and continuing to invest in what we’ve built together,” stated Shemar Moore. “What makes this moment even more special is that we’re reaching audiences in all major territories worldwide. Fans everywhere will get to experience this epic new ride together.”
Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit will reprise their roles as Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay and Commander Robert Hicks, with David Lim returning as Victor Tan in the penultimate episode.
The spinoff also stars Lucy Barrett (Deep Water), Adain Bradley (Warfare), Zyra Gorecki (La Brea), Freddy Miyares (When They See Us), and Ronen Rubinstein (9-1-1: Lone Star).
Starz and Sony Pictures Television released this synopsis: “In this new spin-off of the hit series, after a high-profile mission goes sideways, Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental S.W.A.T. unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits. Hondo must bridge a generational divide, navigate clashing personalities, and turn a squad of outsiders into a team capable of protecting the city – and saving the program that made him who he is.”
Jason Ning is the showrunner and executive produces along with Shemar Moore, James Scura, Jon Cowan, and Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film.
“The response to S.W.A.T. Exiles has been extraordinary and is a testament to the strength of the franchise, as well as the passion and commitment of Shemar Moore, Jason Ning, and Neal H. Moritz, who have been outstanding partners throughout the process,” said Keith Le Goy, Chairman, Sony Pictures Television. “As we continue to expand the S.W.A.T. universe, this project reflects our broader strategy of making bold investments in premium IP and leveraging our independent studio model to identify opportunities, move quickly, and maximize value around the world. The commitment from STARZ, combined with robust worldwide sales, validates both the franchise’s lasting appeal and the strength of Sony’s global business.”
Robert Eggers’ Werwulf trailer channels the distinct, haunting atmosphere of The Witch and Nosferatu. “Do not dread the darkness. Embrace it,” the trailer warns—a line that perfectly sums up Eggers’ knack for pulling audiences into his bleak cinematic worlds.
Writer/director Eggers reunites with his Nosferatu stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Willem Dafoe, and Lily-Rose Depp for a new take on the classic monster. “[…] The cool thing about going back into the past is that you can kind of hit a reset button,” explained Eggers in an interview with Esquire. “So all the clichés of being bitten by a werewolf and silver bullets and a lot of the stuff that has become almost campy doesn’t exist in the mythology of this movie. So you don’t need to have seen Lon Cheney Jr.’s The Wolf Man or An American Werewolf in London to get what’s going on here.”
According to Eggers’ Esquire interview, Taylor-Johnson plays a farmer who’s cursed. Depp stars as his wife, and Dafoe is a hunter. And Eggers threw in an interesting tidbit: only a dog in the film has a name.
“Witness Robert Eggers’ most visceral and haunting experience yet,” reads the studio’s synopsis. “Focus Features presents Werwulf, a harrowing tale of devotion, damnation, and the devil within.”
Focus Features has set a December 25, 2026 theatrical release.
Sjón co-wrote the film and produces along with Eggers, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, and Garrett Bird. Executive producers include Chris Columbus, Eleanor Columbus, and Bernard Bellew.
Netflix’s full trailer for the limited series The Bombing of Pan Am 103 shows the launch of the investigation into the downing of a Pan Am plane that crashed into the town of Lockerbie. The six-part series will premiere on the streamer on July 30, 2026.
The drama, based on accounts by witnesses, stars Connor Swindells (Sex Education), Patrick J. Adams (Suits), Merritt Wever (Unbelievable), Peter Mullan (Ozark), Tony Curran (Outlander: Blood of my Blood), Eddie Marsan (The Power), Nicholas Gleaves (After The Flood), and Kevin McKidd (Grey’s Anatomy). Douglas Hodge (The Great), Lauren Lyle (Vigil), Andrew Rothney (The Undeclared War), Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey), and Cora Bissett (Shetland) also star.
Rounding out the ensemble are Parker Sawyers (P-Valley), James Harkness (The Sixth Commandment), Molly Geddes (Dinosaur), Khalid Laith (Vigil), and Amanda Drew (The Gold).
Poster for ‘The Bombing of Pan Am 103’ (Photo Credit: Netflix)
“On December 21, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over the small Scottish town of Lockerbie, killing 270 people. What followed was the largest murder investigation in the history of Scottish policing, into the deadliest act of terrorism on British soil,” reads Netflix’s synopsis. “Based on the testimony of those who were there, this is the true story of the collaboration between Scottish police and US law enforcement—and the families’ quest for justice.”
Michael Keillor directs, Jonathan Lee is the lead writer, and Gillian Roger Park wrote two of the six episodes. Julia Stannard serves as producer. Executive producers include Jonathan Lee; Michael Keillor; Simon Heath and Roderick Seligman for World Productions; Steve Stark and Stacey Levin for Toluca Pictures; Adam Morane-Griffiths, Sara Curran, and Herbert L. Kloiber for Night Train Media; and Gaynor Holmes for the BBC.
The limited series is produced by World Productions (an ITV Studios company) in association with MGM Television and Night Train Media.
Paradise turns deadly for five college grads hoping for a fun vacation before real life kicks in in Amazon MGM Studios’ The Devil’s Mouth. The PG-13-rated horror thriller finds the BFFs being hunted by a shark inside a freshwater cave system.
A scene from ‘The Devil’s Mouth’ (Photo Credit: Amazon MGM Studios)
Prime Video’s synopsis reads, “Five friends set out on one last adventure along Thailand’s stunning coast, eager for a final thrill before life in the real world begins. They sign up for a guided swim through a remote cave system known as The Devil’s Mouth, a natural wonder that’s as breathtaking as it is unforgiving.
Deep inside the labyrinth of narrow waterways, their journey takes a terrifying turn when they discover that a freak storm the week before flooded the caves with sea life. The creatures died in the fresh water, but something survived… and it’s hunting them now—fast, silent, and deadly. Every corridor they round is overflowing with anxiety, and every wrong turn becomes a deadly encounter.
As panic spreads and their sense of direction slips away, the group begins to fracture. Trust erodes, fear takes over, and survival becomes a savage game. In the suffocating darkness, every choice could be their last as they learn that to make it out alive, sacrifices must be made.”
The Devil’s Mouth premieres on Prime Video on July 29, 2026.
Wadlow, Basil Iwanyk, and Erica Lee serve as producers. Carsten H. W. Lorenz, Will Flynn, and Sam Greenberg are executive producers.
Alicia Vikander joins ‘Enigma Variations’ (Photo Credit: Jason Bell / Provided by Netflix)
Oscar winner Alicia Vikander has signed on to Netflix’s Enigma Variations. Vikander joins Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who was previously announced to star in the series based on André Aciman’s best-selling novel published in 2017.
Per Netflix’s casting announcement, Vikander will play Claire and Taylor-Johnson (28 Years Later) is on board to star as Paul. Amanda Kate Shuman (The Wheel of Time) will guide the series as showrunner and executive producer.
“Enigma Variations […] tells the story of a man remade by the lovers who ignite and undo him over the course of six transformative years,” reads Netflix’s synopsis. “It’s an intimate yet sweeping portrait of masculinity, sexuality, and modern love—and in a world of endless choices, it asks the question: will we know when we’ve found the one?”
Additional executive producers include author André Aciman, Monica Levinson, and Media Res’ Michael Ellenberg, Christina Malach, and Lindsey Springer. The History of Sound’s Oliver Hermanus will direct and executive produce.
Vikander won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance in The Danish Girl (2015). Vikander’s recent credits include The Last Day, The Assessment, Rumours, Firebrand, and Irma Vep. The Oscar winner’s currently in production on The Worst opposite Jamie Dornan and Anne Hathaway. The Echo Chamber, starring Vikander, Luca Marinelli, and Susan Sarandon, will open in theaters this year.
Two-time BAFTA nominee Aaron Taylor-Johnson most recently appeared in Fuze, 28 Years Later, Kraven the Hunter, Nosferatu, and The Fall Guy.
People continues its dive into cults with People Magazine Investigates: The Cult of the Soulful Journey. The special presentation focuses on self-help guru Soulaire Allerai, who set up a commune in Minnetonka, Minnesota, promising her followers spiritual growth.
Investigation Discovery has set a Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 9pm ET/PT premiere.
ID offers this description:
“Attracting followers by offering job possibilities, Soulaire Allerai created what appeared to be a blissful, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For some, the prospect of a job with Allerai was so enticing, they moved their lives to Minnesota to live in communal homes with other members. Once settled in the Soulful Journey community, former members say that they paid for classes centered on Allerai’s claim that she could channel divine entities, including a figure named “G.”
Many followers were pushed to spend the little money they had, with some even needing to take out loans, to attend more classes.
Capturing a web of false promises and manipulation, People Magazine Investigates: The Cult of the Soulful Journey unpacks the stories of past Soulful Journey members, showing the psychological, emotional, and spiritual pain that they experienced during their time in Allerai’s world. Over the course of two hours, People Magazine Investigates: The Cult of the Soulful Journey uncovers the reality of the organization by sharing the first-hand story of Rik and Bill, a couple who was involved in the Soulful Journey. Their interviews, along with those of past members and family members still in the cult, expose how spiritual language and communal ideals can be weaponized to maintain control.”
Emma D’Arcy as Queen Rhaenyra in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 episode 2 (Photo by Ollie Upton/HBO)
Three dragons soar through the sky as HBO’s House of the Dragon season three episode two begins. The dragons circle over the devastation left in the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet, continuing to set things on fire. Baela (Bethany Antonia) retrieves Jace’s dead body and brings it home to Dragonstone, where she informs Ser Lorent that the battle is won.
(The following is a recap of season three, episode two, and there are spoilers.)
Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) takes in the body of Jace and demands to know what he’s done, asking as if he’s still breathing. She slowly approaches his obviously deceased body and is overcome with grief and anger. “How could you do this to me?” she asks as she hits his body, as though trying to urge it back to life. Ser Lorent (Max Wrottesley) pulls her away and she reacts by telling him not to dare touch her. He acknowledges that he’s failed her and hands his queen his sword to kill him. Rhaenyra knows it won’t do any good; nothing will change.
She blames the rest of them for also betraying their queen by standing by and allowing Jace to fly into battle while she was locked in her room.
High Tide burns as Alyn (Abubakar Salim) looks for Lord Corlys in the ocean. His men are slaughtering Lohar’s remaining men.
Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) returns to the Vale with her dragon, admitting she’s done a terrible thing. Lady Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin) demands that she leave; Queen Rhaenyra will be hunting her after causing Jace’s death. Rhaena insists that she’s offering protection with her dragon. She reminds Lady Jeyne that Vhagar is still a danger. Lady Jeyne doesn’t change her mind. She wants Rhaena out of the Vale.
Daemon’s men drink and sing, cheering on their victory, with the men of the Winter Wolves. Jason Lannister’s head and that of a lion are prominently displayed. Ser Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale) joins them, and Daemon seems happy to see him and accepts his congratulations. He brought wine for the celebration along with a message from Queen Rhaenyra. Daemon learns Jace is dead and orders Ser Roderick Dustin (Tommy Flanagan) to march south to King’s Landing. He’ll meet him there and ensure they give Rhaenyra the Iron Throne.
He also commands Lord Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes) to return to the Riverlands to protect Harrenhal. Once Rhaenyra’s on the throne, he’ll send dragons to protect them.
Alys (Gayle Rankin) speaks to Daemon, telling him she put 40,000 River men at the queen’s call and wants Harrenhal in return. She cherishes it like no one else, and Daemon points out she’s not a noble and doesn’t have a title. He calls her a midwife but then assures her he’ll ask Rhaenyra for some other reward for her.
Lohar’s men are dead, scattered across the beach as Alyn continues to look for Lord Corlys. He’s joined by Baela, who believes they’ll find his father alive. Alyn asks about what he’s like, and she does a decent job of describing his personality.
Alyn watches as Addam (Clinton Liberty) also searches but from the sky, looking for any sign of Lord Corlys. Addam finally spots him and circles back.
Meanwhile, Larys (Matthew Needham) and Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) are still captives on the way to Rhaenyra. Aegon’s fuming that they will be killed by Rhaenyra. Suddenly the carriage stops and they open the door to discover a fight is underway outside. Aegon manages to attack the guard left behind and they escape. Aegon wants to head to Rook’s Rest.
Lord Corlys thinks if this is victory, he doesn’t want to see another. He’s got Addam, Alyn, and Baela by his side and knows that right now he’s got nothing left. High Tide has burned and his fleet is disseminated. All he has to give his sons now is his name, and Alyn confesses he believes that to be more valuable.
Alicent (Olivia Cooke) asks to speak with Commander of the City Watch Ser Luthor Largent (Tom Cullen) on an urgent matter. She informs him Rhaenyra is returning. Her daughter will allow Rhaenyra to enter the kingdom and take the throne, and she needs to know if he’ll allow his Gold Cloaks to let it happen.
Daemon is upset to learn from Ulf (Tom Bennett) and Hugh (Kieran Bew) that they left their position at Harrenhal because Aemond never showed up. Daemon points out that they only stayed there two days, and they left behind a garrison unprotected. Hugh claims a woman they believed was a maester or a witch told them about the Battle of the Gullet. They wonder if they should return to Harrenhal now and Daemon doesn’t respond.
Daemon is shocked to see Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) is free and has the queen’s trust. He thinks she’s playing a game and doesn’t believe Mysaria actually respects Rhaenyra. Mysaria points out not everything is about him.
No one seems to know where Aemond is. Mysaria insists the queen’s judgment is sound, but Daemon suspects Alicent’s lying. Word arrives that Vhagar is heading toward the Riverlands. Daemon will go; they don’t need to tell Rhaenyra.
Alicent commands her guards to secure the small council chamber. She’s going to call a meeting.
Daemon finds Rhaenyra in bed, deep in grief. She thinks Jace defied her while Daemon believes he was serving her. Rhaenyra informs her husband/uncle that Sheepstealer was responsible for Jace’s death, but they don’t know the rider. Some think it might have been claimed by a Hightower. Daemon tells her Vhagar has left King’s Landing, and Rhaenyra reacts by claiming she doesn’t care about the iron throne now that her boys are dead. Daemon insists they can’t let the boys die in vain. He confesses that at Harrenhal he saw a woman in the desert with dragons at her breast. (Daenerys!) He now believes the Song of Fire and Ice is real.
Lord Jasper Wylde (Paul Kennedy) confronts Alicent about her ability to weave herself into royalty. He knows she slept with Criston and demands to know why she secretly met with the City Watch. She struggles away from him and he’s about to rape her when Grand Maester Orwyle (Kurt Egyiawan) barges in. Jasper wants her arrested as a traitor, but instead the Grand Maester orders Jasper to be arrested for touching the Queen Mother.
After he’s taken away, Alicent thanks the grand maester. He knows she’s up to something and believes it’s something desperate.
Queen Rhaenyra returns to her council chambers with Daemon and announces she’s going to King’s Landing with Daemon and her new riders. Aemond is on his way to Harrenhal and when he returns, their window is shut.
Mysaria hands Queen Rhaenyra her crown and asks that she remember who’s been faithful and will send for her. Daemon orders Ulf and Hugh to stay behind them and watch the skies. They are to stay on guard and not disobey his orders. Once King Landing’s taken, they must turn their attention to Vhagar. He warns them not to let him down.
Olivia Cooke and Phia Saban in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 episode 2 (Photo by Ollie Upton/HBO)
Alicent finds Helaena (Phia Saban) and tells her Rhaenyra’s coming. Helaena asks if there will be a battle and realizes her mother must have met with Rhaenyra. Alicent admits she made a mistake and that Aegon shouldn’t have been king. She reminds Helaena that she was happy before she was queen, and Helaena believes she’d like to keep chickens.
Alicent walks through the King’s Guard and asks to speak with Ser Freddryk. She orders him to have the guards stand down from their stations at Helaena’s order. Freddryk disagrees. Aemond told him to kill all dragons. Alicent points out Aegon is gone, Aemond fled the city with Vhagar, and Rhaenyra is on her way with Daemon. They will take the throne, and the guard needs to let them or else be burned to death. Helaena backs her mom up and claims this is her order.
Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) and Ser Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) watch Vhagar fly above and commence their march to Harrenhal.
Vhagar kills the men stationed outside the castle, working his way around it and lighting anyone he sees on fire. Parts of the castle crumble as he lands and kills the men inside.
It’s impossible for them to flee the flames and they’re consumed by fire. Those who avoided the fire attack Aemond, but his skills are too great and he slaughters them.
Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) enters the dining hall and approaches Ser Simon with his sword drawn. Finally, he removes his helmet and asks for Daemon. Aemond orders Simon to draw his sword, but Simon doesn’t have a sword and won’t retrieve one. Simon says the army is gone and there’s nothing to stop Aemond now. Aemond doesn’t reply and instead kills Simon and his sons.
The witch steps into the dining hall and Aemond drops his sword. He’s bleeding profusely from the back after one of the sons stabbed him. He slowly makes his way, crawling toward Alys, and asks for help before passing out.
Alicent’s order worked and the guards stand down, allowing Queen Rhaenyra and Daemon to enter King’s Landing. Alicent, Heleana, and her child quickly leave the city as the small folk stare in wonder and awe at the four dragons overhead.
Daemon has Caraxes descend and Queen Rhaenyra also lands on Syrax. The guards lay down their swords and drop to their knees, and Rhaenyra realizes Alicent did as she promised. Rhaenyra tells the guards not to be afraid. “I’ve come to make things right.”
A few guards inside the Red Keep attack as they enter but Daemon quickly dispatches them. Daemon shouts, asking who else will stand against them in their house. No one replies.
Matt Smith as Prince Daemon in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 episode 2 (Photo by Ollie Upton/HBO)
Queen Rhaenyra and Daemon walk down the hall toward the throne room, and Daemon kills anyone who attempts to stand in their way. He throws open the doors and Queen Rhaenyra stands before the Iron Throne. She briefly pauses and then as she’s ascending to the throne, the King’s Guard attempt to stop her. Queen Rhaenyra draws her sword as more men pour into the throne room.
The King’s Guard are soon surrounded by the Gold Cloaks. The City Watch remembers their commander and that Queen Rhaenyra is the one true queen. He orders the King’s Guard to put down their swords or perish. The Gold Cloaks seize the King’s Guard, and Queen Rhaenyra thanks Ser Luthor Largent. He reminds them that Prince Daemon gave him his gold cloak 20 years ago and is happy to see them.
Before she sits on the throne, she demands they bring Aegon to her.
The gold cloaks and Daemon head to Aegon’s room, only to discover it’s empty. Grand Maester Orwyle says Aegon and Larys fled, as did Alicent. Orwyle pledges himself to the rightful heir, Queen Rhaenyra. He says Daemon can kill him, but he can offer another who can give Daemon “better satisfaction.”
Helaena and Alicent hurry through the smallfolk and realize they can’t escape.
Daemon has prisoners released but then stands before Jasper’s cell. A man says he’s got a gift for Daemon from Lord Larys Strong and Daemon walks through the chamber into the darkness. He finally stands in front of a cell and laughs at whoever’s inside.
Queen Rhaenyra meets with those who’ve been imprisoned for failing to kneel to Aegon. Jasper’s brought before Queen Rhaenyra, and she demands to know who is left from Aegon’s small council.
The prisoner who made Daemon laugh is Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans). He’s brought before Rhaenyra, and Daemon suggests that, since Aegon has fled, she should behead this Hightower in his place. Daemon whispers that the crowd is watching, and she confesses she doesn’t know if she can. Otto Hightower requests that Daemon do it; he doesn’t want to be hacked at.
Queen Rhaenyra takes his sword, and she orders Hightower to stop talking when he mentions her father. Daemon whispers, “In this moment, you will become Queen.”
Queen Rhaenyra circles Hightower and finally stands behind him. He bends his head forward and she takes a swing. He’s injured but not dead. Her second swing takes his head clean off. Daemon takes the sword and follows by beheading Jasper.
Queen Rhaenyra struggles to pull herself together and then, leaving a trail of bloody footprints, ascends to the Iron Throne.
Alicent and Helaena were found and Alicent stands behind her father’s dead body and stares at Queen Rhaenyra. The Queen has tears in her eyes but then transforms into steel in seconds.
Stranger Things‘David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown are ready to play father and daughter again, this time in an A24 spy drama set up at Netflix. Harbour and Brown will star in the currently untitled series created by Emmy winner Jack Thorne (Adolescence, Lord of the Flies) and serve as executive producers.
“We are delighted to bring this spy drama to life with an extraordinary group of talent we’ve been fortunate to collaborate with before,” stated Jinny Howe, Netflix head of scripted series, US and Canada. “Jack Thorne’s ability to find the deeply human story inside a thriller is unmatched, and watching Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour reunite — this time as estranged father and daughter on opposite sides of a crisis — is something audiences are going to love. A24 is the perfect partner to bring this story to our members around the world.”
Thorne is writing and executive producing the series, which, according to Netflix’s announcement, will follow Harbour as disgraced FBI agent-turned-security expert Matt Wolfe. Matt is forced back to work in the world he left behind when Rebecca (Brown), his estranged daughter who’s followed his footsteps and become an FBI agent, suddenly goes missing.
Additional executive producers include PCMA Productions’ Jake Bongiovi and Robert Brown, Cut To’s Joe Hipps and Patrick McDonald, and Bravo Axolotl’s KC Wenson.
Two-time Emmy nominee Millie Bobby Brown’s recent credits include The Electric State, Damsel, Enola Holmes, and Godzilla vs. Kong. And two-time Emmy nominee David Harbour’s been keeping busy with the critically acclaimed drama DTF: St. Louis and Goat.
Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton and Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler in ‘Dutton Ranch’ episode 8 (Photo Credit: Emerson Miller/Paramount+)
Paramount+’s Dutton Ranch episode eight, the season’s penultimate episode, begins with Beulah (Annette Bening) taken away in a MedAir helicopter. The mood at the party is somber, and it breaks up shortly after the helicopter’s out of sight.
Carter’s drunk and falls off his horse, apologizing to Rip (Cole Hauser) for screwing up the party. Rip’s not sympathetic and orders him to get himself together. Rip doesn’t stop when Carter vomits on his horse, insisting he remains in the saddle.
(The following is a recap of season one, episode eight, and there are spoilers.)
Oreana (Natalie Alyn Lind) hugs Joaquin (Juan Pablo Raba) when he shows up at the hospital, and Everett (Ed Harris) tells him his family needs him.
Beth (Kelly Reilly) is concerned because Carter’s never acted this way before. She thinks this sort of behavior runs in her family and doesn’t want to “break” Carter. “We need to teach him how to be unbreakable,” she says.
Carter manages to get out of bed and joins Beth on the porch. He confesses that he hated school and quit. Carter reminds her Rip didn’t go to school, and Beth insists he didn’t get handed anything. She wants him happy but needs him prepared for the hard days ahead. He reminds her that he handled his parents dying, and she’s sorry that happened. Carter only wants to be a cowboy like Rip and John, so Beth decides he’ll start work today at the 10-Petal. Hangovers don’t stop cowboys from doing their jobs.
Rob-Will (Jai Courtney) delivers the news that Beulah had a heart attack and they did an angioplasty. She’ll recover, and she’s anxious to return home. But first she wants to talk to him and Joaquin alone.
Beulah orders Joaquin to fall in line behind Rob-Will, even though Rob-Will needs Joaquin more than Joaquin needs him. Rob-Will’s a good cowboy but no Rip Wheeler, and Joaquin doesn’t have Beth’s killer instinct. She fully supports Beth and Rip, even though Rob-Will wants to fire them. Rob-Will’s still acting like a jerk, and Beulah finally tells him to shut up.
Carter’s still feeling nauseous on the drive to 10-Petal, and Azul keeps up a stream of conversation about fathers and sons cowboying together. He announces that his wife’s pregnant, and Rip congratulates him. Rip’s forced to pull over so Carter can toss his cookies. And Rip and Azul can’t stop laughing as Rip starts and stops the truck while Carter tries to get back in.
Beth visits Beulah at the hospital and apologizes. Beulah understands and thinks if that’s the worst Carter’s done, then Beth’s done a good job raising him. Beth confesses the retirement announcement changes things because she didn’t agree to work with Rob-Will. Beulah reminds her she’s not retiring yet and hopes Beth will stick around. Beth believes Rob-Will’s promotion is a mistake, but Beulah won’t apologize for her son.
The 10-Petal cowboys give Carter a tough time, teasing him about not handling his booze. Carter saddles up and does his best, but he’s struggling and doesn’t remember to lock the gate behind him when he rides out after Rip and the men.
Everett’s alone with Beulah and asks why she chose Rob-Will. She had to make that choice because Rob-Will’s her son and Joaquin isn’t her flesh and blood. Everett thinks Rob-Will will destroy the ranch, and Beulah admits she doesn’t care. She’s bone-tired.
Everett shocks Beulah by confessing he’s ready to take that final ride with her. It’s time to start their final years as a couple, and Beulah makes him help her break out of the hospital.
Finn Little as Carter and Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler in ‘Dutton Ranch’ episode 8 (Photo Credit: Emerson Miller/Paramount+)
Rip orders Carter to tend to the barbed wire fence. He forgot his gloves but refuses Rip’s, ready to cowboy up. The cowboys watch him for a few minutes, and then Rip insists he take the gloves.
Rip’s group makes it back to the pens with part of the herd, and as they’re pushed in, they escape through the gate Carter failed to secure. Carter goes after one and is pulled off his horse after he lassoes it. He yells at Azul (J.R. Villarreal), who’s just trying to help him, and Rip warns him to never yell at Azul again. Carter is done and rides back to the stables after announcing, “F*ck this sh*t.”
Rip warns Carter that any other man would have been fired. Carter’s fist is clenched, and Rip asks if he wants to take a swing. He doesn’t and continues to act like a jerk, telling Rip he’s not his father.
Carter gets home, grabs the keys, and tells Beth that he’s leaving. She chases after him, and he claims he grew up between Montana and Texas. Beth apologizes for not always handling everything perfectly and knows he didn’t ask for them – or all this. She’s glad he’s part of her family and promises to try harder, even though she’s not sure what she’s doing.
“You held my hand when I said goodbye to my dad,” says Beth. “And I was in the room when you said goodbye to yours.” Life’s not fair, but this was meant to be. Carter understands but wants to leave and be alone. Beth tells him it’s okay, and this will always be his home.
Joaquin shows up at Sheriff Handy Wade’s office and hands over the gun Rob-Will used to kill Wes Ayers. He wants a warrant issued, but he still doesn’t know where Wes’ body is. Joaquin claims the Jacksons aren’t his family anymore, but Sheriff Wade isn’t going to act. He doesn’t care who Joaquin is and tells him to leave, but the gun is staying.
Later, Austin (Sterlin English) sits near Zach (Marc Menchaca) at a bar and asks why he went to prison. But Austin’s real question is if he can trust Rip. Zach replies, “With your life.”
Carter drinks a beer outside Xena’s cage on Dwight’s ranch. Sheriff Wade walks up and claims Xena’s alive and living at a zoofari park. Carter wants a job with Wade, but Wade suggests he head home instead. He’s not qualified for a job at the sheriff’s office.
Austin and Zach meet with Rip and Beth, and Austin reveals that Wes only buddied up to Rob-Will to find out how the ranch managed to get more cattle when the border was shut down due to screwworms. (Which is hot topic right now.) Wes was murdered because he discovered 10-Petal has an operation in Mexico that steals cattle and smuggles them to the ranch. All the paperwork is forged to pass Border Patrol and the cattle brokers. It’s the only way the ranch has managed to stay in business. The entire family is crooked.
“They ain’t ranchers. Those motherf**kers are thieves, putting every ranch in South Texas at risk,” says Austin.
This would explain the spread of foot-and-mouth to the Dutton Ranch herd. And the next load is expected in two days.
Joaquin fumes in his car, parked by the cemetery. He screams in frustration and then pauses before making a call to his dad, who’s apparently in hiding.
ID offers this description:
