The sixth and final season of the critically acclaimed drama Snowfall will debut on FX on February 22, 2022. The final season will kick off with the release of the first two episodes at 10pm ET/PT, with new episodes arriving on subsequent Wednesdays.
Damson Idris returns to lead the cast as Franklin Saint for the 10-episode sixth season. Amin Joseph is back as Jerome Saint, Carter Hudson plays Teddy McDonald, and Angela Lewis is Aunt Louie.
John Singleton, Eric Amadio, and Dave Andron created the series and serve as executive producers. Thomas Schlamme, Michael London, Trevor Engelson, Walter Mosley, Julie DeJoie, and John LaBrucherie also executive produce, and series star Damson Idris produces.
Damson Idris as Franklin Saint in ‘Snowfall’ season 6 (Photo Credit: Ray Mickshaw/FX)
FX’s official description of Snowfall season 6:
“This was how crack began. Over the course of five seasons, FX’s Snowfall has chronicled how an off-the-books CIA operation contributed to the destruction rock cocaine leveled upon the vibrant community of South Central L.A.
It’s October 1986 in this sixth and final season, as civil war threatens to destroy the Saint family. Franklin (Idris) is desperate, forced to rob his Aunt Louie (Lewis) and Uncle Jerome (Joseph) after being wiped out by former CIA officer Teddy McDonald (Hudson). Meanwhile, Louie has taken over Franklin’s role as Teddy’s sole buyer, undercutting her nephew and creating a competing empire in the process.
Franklin is now faced with losing everyone he loves and everything he’s built, and coming through it all will mean out-maneuvering the KGB, the DEA and the CIA, as well as avoiding the LAPD’s fully militarized, fully corrupt, C.R.A.S.H units.
When everyone has their backs against the wall, who will they become in order to survive?”
Season one of ABC’s The Rookie: Feds returns from its winter holiday break with episode 10, “The Silent Prisoner,” the second half of a special The Rookie crossover event. Episode 10 will air on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 9pm ET/PT following The Rookie‘s crossover episode at 8pm ET/PT.
The Rookie and The Rookie: Feds will air on Tuesdays beginning January 3rd, with the new crime drama Will Trent finishing up the primetime block at 10pm ET/PT.
Niecy Nash-Betts leads a cast that includes Frankie R. Faison (White Chicks) as Christopher “Cutty” Clark, James Lesure (Las Vegas) as Carter Hope, Britt Robertson (Big Sky) as Laura Stensen, Felix Solis (The International) as Matthew Garza, and Kevin Zegers (Transamerica) as Brendon Acres.
“The Silent Prisoner” Plot: A mysterious caller threatens to reveal a leaked list of undercover FBI agents if a prisoner is not released. After an exposed agent is mortally wounded, the team identifies the caller and heads to the Port of Los Angeles to secure the release of the prisoner.
Later, Simone enlists John Nolan to help her remodel Cutty’s garage into a living space; and Brendon, ready to confess his feelings to Antoinette, discovers she has feelings for someone else.
Nathan Fillion and Niecy Nash-Betts in ‘The Rookie: Feds’ episode 10 (ABC/Raymond Liu)
The Plot:
From the executive producers of flagship series The Rookie comes The Rookie: Feds starring Niecy Nash-Betts as Simone Clark, the oldest rookie in the FBI Academy. The spinoff was introduced as a two-part event during the fourth season of The Rookie, where Officer John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) and the L.A. division of the FBI enlisted the help of Simone Clark when one of her former students was a suspect in a terror attack.
Britt Robertson, James Lesure, Niecy Nash-Betts, and Nathan Fillion in episode 10 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Frankie R. Raison and Niecy Nash-Betts in episode 10 (ABC/Raymond Liu)James Lesure, Niecy Nash-Betts, and Courtney Ford in episode 10 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Kevin Zegers, Britt Robertson, and Courtney Ford in episode 10 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Niecy Nash-Betts, James Lesure and Pedro Henrique in episode (ABC/Raymond Liu)
The charming, self-absorbed, fear-defying, swashbuckling cat who befriended Shrek and Donkey is on the most important quest of his life in the animated comedy Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
We catch up with the milk-guzzling feisty feline (voiced once again by Antonio Banderas) while he’s throwing a party at the Governor’s mansion. The Governor arrives home early and is enraged to find the outlaw there. Puss in Boots leaps into action, taking on all the guards while helping the guests – his fans – escape. He even takes on a giant who he accidentally woke with all the noise and, of course, he’s victorious in battle.
However, while taking one too many bows while soaking in the cheers of his adoring fans, a giant bell falls on the cocky cat and kills him.
No need to be alarmed since cats have nine lives, right? But, oops, Puss finds out from the doctor treating him that he has used up eight of his nine lives. The doctor suggests Puss retire and he scoffs, “I am Puss in Boots!”
While venting to a barkeep over some thick cream, Puss is approached by a tall, menacing bounty hunter wolf (voiced by Narcos‘ Wagner Moura) who is interested in collecting the price on Puss’s head. Puss once again dives into action, but for the first time in his many lives he feels his fur stand up on end and realizes he’s afraid of losing…and dying. To make matters worse, the bounty hunter is the best Puss has ever fought. The wolf seems to know his every move and even takes Puss’s sword from him in the fight.
Scared and now unarmed, Puss runs away and seeks refuge with a cat-obsessed woman whose house is overpopulated with felines. There, Puss meets a mangy dog named Perro (voiced by Harvey Guillén, What We Do in the Shadows) who’s trying to pose as a cat for the free food and companionship. Perro instantly likes Puss – even though he has never heard of him – and becomes his unwanted/uninvited sidekick.
A few days later, Goldilocks (voiced by Florence Pugh, The Wonder) and the three crime bears family (voiced by Ray Winstone, Olivia Colman, and Samson Kayo) arrive at the home looking for Puss. It seems they’re on a job looking for the mythical Wishing Star and need his assistance.
Puss realizes this mythical object could fix everything for him and sets out on a new quest to find the star ahead of Goldilocks and her bears. Puss is certain he can use it to wish his nine lives back.
Early into his quest, Puss comes across his former girlfriend and foil, Kitty Soft Paws (voiced by Salma Hayek, House of Gucci) who is also after the Wishing Star for herself. After humbling himself and asking for her help, the two join forces and begin to work together to find the star, with Perro tagging along.
Full of sword-fighting adventure and breathtaking animation, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is a fresh, humorous, exhilarating, and action-packed adventure that breathes new life and brings the fun back into a tired and worn-out franchise. The voice cast does a fantastic job of bringing these hilarious characters to life.
Antonio Banderas once again shines as the voice of the suave, life-loving swashbuckling feline. In this outing, Banderas adds real emotional depth to the character, with Puss experiencing fear and regret for the first time. It’s impossible to imagine anyone else ever voicing the heroic feline.
Harvey Guillén steals every scene voicing Perro, the eternally optimistic but naïve mutt who desperately wants to be a therapy dog as well as best pals with Puss. He’s more than just comic relief; he’s a truly lovable sidekick.
Florence Pugh, Ray Winstone, Olivia Colman, and Samson Kayo are terrific as the voices of grown-up Goldilocks and the three bears. Their motley crew is a dysfunctional but incredibly loyal family who steals together and fights amongst themselves more than they do with their enemies.
There are plenty of stirring action scenes, including the opening sequence with Puss taking on guards and a giant, as well as lots of humor, with Puss and his pals tossing out one-liners. There’s also a hilarious montage of just how Puss lost his eight lives.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish also works in wonderful messages for kids about not running away from your fears but instead facing them and the strength and need of family and people you can trust in your life. Fortunately, the messages are delivered without ever getting preachy or too heavy-handed.
With stunning animation, an excellent voice cast, and exciting action, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is not just one of the best animated films of the year, it’s one of the best films of the year – period.
GRADE: A-
MPAA Rating: PG for rude humor, language, action/violence, and some scary moments
Janelle Monae will receive the SeeHer Award at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards (Photo Credit: Jheyda Mcgarrell / Provided by CCA)
Janelle Monáe will be honored with the seventh annual SeeHer Award during the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards. The special award is given to “a woman who advocates for gender equality, portrays characters with authenticity, defies stereotypes, and pushes boundaries.”
Janelle Monáe joins a list of SeeHer Award recipients that includes Viola Davis (2017), Gal Gadot (2018), Claire Foy (2019), Kristen Bell (2020), Zendaya (2021), and Halle Berry (2022).
Janelle Monáe is nominated for a Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. The film is up for a total of six awards including Best Picture, Best Acting Ensemble, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, and Best Comedy.
Monáe’s film credits include Antebellum, Harriet, Hidden Figures, Moonlight, and Lady and the Tramp. She also starred in Prime Video’s Homecoming series with Julia Roberts and Bobby Cannavale.
The eight-time Grammy nominee Monáe was honored with the Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year by The Trevor Project. She’s co-chair of the When We All Vote campaign and runs the Fem the Future initiative which strives to “build a fem-forward future through creating opportunities for young women and girls in music, arts, and education.”
The 2023 Critics Choice Awards recognizing the best in films and television will air live on The CW on Sunday, January 15th at 7pm ET (tape-delayed on the West Coast). Chelsea Handler will make her Critics Choice Awards hosting debut with the 2023 ceremony.
Jeff Bridges was previously announced to receive the Critics Choice Lifetime Achievement Award.
NBC’s Quantum Leap returns from its midseason break with season one episode nine, “Fellow Travelers.” Episode nine, airing January 3, 2023, finds Ben leaping into the body of a pop star’s security guard. Deboran Ann Woll (True Blood) guest stars as pop singer Carly Farmer.
The sequel stars Raymond Lee (Kevin Can F**k Himself) as physicist Ben Song and Caitlin Bassett as Addison, a hologram who only Ben can see when he leaps. Ernie Hudson (The Family Business) plays Herbert “Magic” Williams, Mason Alexander Park (The Sandman) is Ian Wright, and Nanrisa Lee (First Love) plays Jenn Chou.
“Fellow Travelers” Plot: Ben lands in 1979 Chicago as Jack Armstrong, a devoted security guard to talented pop singer Carly Farmer. During Carly’s prep for a big concert, it quickly becomes clear her life is in danger and Ben must determine who is trying to kill her and why.
Raymond Lee as Dr. Ben Song and Deborah Ann Woll as Carly in ‘Quantum Leap’ season 1 episode 9 (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)
Season One Synopsis:
It’s been nearly 30 years since Dr. Sam Beckett stepped into the Quantum Leap accelerator and vanished. Now, a new team, led by physicist Ben Song (Lee), has been assembled to restart the project in hope of understanding the mysteries behind the machine and the man who created it.
Everything changes, however, when Ben makes an unauthorized leap into the past, leaving the team behind to solve the mystery of why he did it. At Ben’s side throughout his leaps is Addison (Bassett), who appears in the form of a hologram only Ben can see and hear. She’s a decorated Army veteran who brings level-headed precision to her job.
At the helm of the highly confidential operation is Herbert “Magic” Williams (Hudson), a no-nonsense career military man who has to answer to his bosses who won’t be happy once they learn about the breach of protocol. The rest of the team at headquarters includes Ian Wright (Park), who runs the Artificial Intelligence unit “Ziggy,” and Jenn Chou (Lee), who heads up digital security for the project.
As Ben leaps from life to life, putting right what once went wrong, it becomes clear that he and the team are on a thrilling journey. However, Addison, Magic, Ian and Jenn know that if they are going to solve the mystery of Ben’s leap and bring him home, they must act fast or lose him forever.
Raymond Lee as Dr. Ben Song, Daniel Bonjour as Trevor, and Deborah Ann Woll as Carly in ‘Quantum Leap’ season 1 episode 9 (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)Raymond Lee as Dr. Ben Song and Caitlin Bassett as Addison in episode 9 (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)Karissa Lee Staples as Jamie and Deborah Ann Woll as Carly in the “Fellow Travelers” episode (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)Mason Alexander Park as Ian, Nanrisa Lee as Jenn, and Ernie Hudson as Magic (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)Raymond Lee as Dr. Ben Song, Deborah Ann Woll as Carly, and Caitlin Bassett as Addison in episode 9 (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)Deborah Ann Woll as Carly in episode 9 (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)Nanrisa Lee as Jenn and Georgina Reilly as Janis Calavicci in episode 9 (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)
CBS’s Ghosts is treating fans to a mini-marathon on Thursday, December 22, 2022. The network will be airing five episodes from season one of the popular comedy back-to-back beginning at 8:30pm ET/PT.
The five episodes screening are “Pete’s Wife” at 8:30pm, “Alberta’s Fan” at 9pm, “Possession” at 9:30pm, “The Vault” at 10pm, and “Trevor’s Pants” at 10:30pm.
Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar lead the cast as Samantha and Jay, the living residents of the mansion. Playing the mansion’s resident ghosts are Brandon Scott Jones as Isaac, Richie Moriarty as Pete, Danielle Pinnock as Alberta, and Asher Grodman as Trevor. Román Zaragoza stars as Sasappis, Sheila Carrasco plays Flower, Rebecca Wisocky is Hetty, and Devan Chandler Long plays Thorfinn.
Ghosts season two was recently nominated for two Critics Choice Awards in the Best Comedy Series and Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Brandon Scott Jones) categories. Winners of the 2023 Critics Choice Awards will be announced on Sunday, January 15th.
Ghosts is a single-camera comedy about Samantha and Jay, a cheerful freelance journalist and up-and-coming chef from the city, respectively, who threw both caution and money to the wind when they decide to convert a huge rundown country estate they inherited into a bed & breakfast – only to find it was inhabited by the many spirits of deceased residents who now call it home.
The departed souls are a close-knit, eclectic group that includes a saucy Prohibition-era lounge singer (Pinnock); a pompous 18th-century militiaman (Jones); a ‘60s hippie fond of hallucinogens (Carrasco); an overly upbeat ‘80s scout troop leader (Moriarty); a cod-obsessed Viking explorer from 1009 (Devon Chandler Long); a slick ‘90s finance bro (Grodman); a sarcastic and witty native from the 16th-century (Zaragoza); and a society woman and wife of a 19th-century robber baron who is Samantha’s ancestor (isocky), to name a few.
Director and star of Creed III Michael B. Jordan describes the core pillar of the franchise as figuring out who you really are. The third entry of the Rocky spinoff just released a nearly three-minute IMAX featurette that goes behind the scenes of the 2023 action drama film. In the new video, Jordan explains that he wanted to figure out what Adonis Creed’s limits are, and he tested his own limits by making his feature film directorial debut with Creed III.
Creed III was shot with IMAX-Certified Digital Cameras with an expanded aspect ratio allowing for up to 26% more of the picture.
Joining Michael B. Jordan for the new Creed film are Tessa Thompson returning as Bianca and newcomer Mila Davis-Kent as Adonis and Bianca’s daughter, Amara. The cast also includes Jonathan Majors, Wood Harris, Florian Munteanu, and Phylicia Rashad.
Keenan Coogler and Zach Baylin wrote the screenplay based on a story by Bayling, Ryan Coogler, and Keenan Coogler. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Irwin Winkler, Charles Winkler, William Chartoff, David Winkler, Ryan Coogler, Elizabeth Raposo, and Jonathan Glickman produced. Sev Ohanian, Zinzi Coogler, Nicolas Stern, and Adam Rosenberg executive produced.
After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed (Jordan) has been thriving in both his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Majors), resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face-off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian – a fighter who has nothing to lose.
New 2023 dates have been added to “The Judds: The Final Tour” along with new special guests. Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, and Tanya Tucker will join Wynonna Judd on select dates of the tour celebrating the life and legacy of Naomi Judd.
Martina McBride is also confirmed to return as a very special guest for all 2023 tour dates. Tickets are currently on sale at TheJudds.com.
“What I can think of to say is that I am looking so forward to being out on the road again and that I am absolutely thrilled to have my friends joining me for this next tour,” stated Wynonna. “I’m so grateful to the fans that they want more, and I’m anxious to be with everybody again.”
January 26, 2023 – Hershey, PA at Giant Center with Ashley McBryde
January 28, 2023 – Bridgeport, CT at Total Mortgage Arena with Ashley McBryde
January 29, 2023 – Worcester, MA at DCU Arena with Ashley McBryde
February 2, 2023 – Tulsa, OK at BOK Center with Kelsea Ballerini
February 3, 2023 – Kansas City, MO at T-Mobile Center with Kelsea Ballerini
February 4, 2023 – St. Louis, MO at Chaifetz Arena with Kelsea Ballerini
February 9, 2023 – Omaha, NE at CHI Health Center Omaha with Little Big Town
February 10, 2023 – Moline, IL at Vibrant Arena at THE MARK with Little Big Town
February 11, 2023 – Dayton, OH at Wright State University Nutter Center with Little Big Town
February 16, 2023 – Greenville, SC at Bon Secours Wellness Arena with Tanya Tucker
February 17, 2023 – Fairfax, VA at EagleBank Arena with Tanya Tucker
February 18, 2023 – Charleston, WV at Charleston Coliseum with Tanya Tucker
February 23, 2023 – Savannah, GA at Enmarket Arena with Brandi Carlile
February 24, 2023 – Tampa, FL at Amalie Arena with Brandi Carlile
February 25, 2023 – Hollywood, FL at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood with Brandi Carlile
Paramount Pictures has unveiled a nine-minute behind the scenes video chronicling the planning and intensive/extensive training Tom Cruise underwent leading up to the biggest stunt in cinema history. The daredevil stunt will be featured in the upcoming seventh film of the Mission: Impossible franchise, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. And as writer/director Christopher McQuarrie points out, the biggest jump of a M.I. film is traditionally shot first.
Tom Cruise’s training involved 500 skydives and 13,000 motocross jumps.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning is the seventh film of the franchise. Tom Cruise’s first outing as Ethan Hunt premiered in 1996 with Brian De Palma directing. Mission: Impossible II followed in 2000 with John Woo at the helm and Mission: Impossible III, directed by J.J. Abrams, opened in 2006. Pixar’s Brad Bird (Ratatouille) made his live-action feature film directorial debut with 2011’s Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. Christopher McQuarrie began his run as Mission: Impossible director with 2015’s Rogue Nation followed by 2018’s Fallout and both upcoming Dead Reckoning films.
The new Mission: Impossible also features returning MI stars Ving Rhames as Luther Stickell, Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn, Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa Faust, and Vanessa Kirby as The White Widow. Hayley Atwell, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Henry Czerny, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Frederick Schmidt, Charles Parnell, Rob Delaney, Cary Elwes, Indira Varma, and Mark Gatiss also star.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One will open in theaters on July 14, 2023.
Cruise and McQuarrie produce, and David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, and Tommy Gormley executive produce.
Kyle Red Silverstein in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5 episode 7 (Photo Credit: Paramount Network)
Paramount Network’s Yellowstone season five episode seven opens with a flashback, something we’ve grown used to this season. Rip (Kyle Red Silverstein) and Rowdy (Kai Caster) are watching the herd late at night when Rowdy has the nerve to bring up Beth. Rip beats the crap out of him after Rowdy pulls a knife as they fight. Rip warns him never to mention Beth’s name again.
Rip’s temper got the best of him, and Rowdy’s in terrible pain even hours later. He’s hurt bad enough to need a doctor but can’t ride. Rip will have to fetch help.
Before Rip takes off, Rowdy tells him to say he fell off his horse. Rowdy doesn’t want Rip to get in trouble.
Rip makes it to the big house and wakes up John (Josh Lucas). He blurts out the truth and admits Rowdy said inappropriate things about Beth. He also admits he hit Rowdy in the head with a rock.
By the time they make it back to the campsite, Rowdy has died.
John’s upset Rip didn’t just lie and say Rowdy fell off his horse, and Rip confirms that’s what Rowdy told him to say. But Rip didn’t want to lie to John. Unfortunately, Rip will have to lie now or else he’ll end up in jail.
Lloyd suggests that since Rowdy’s a drifter, they should just dump him at the train station.
Rip’s crying at this point and John orders him to knock it off. John warns Rip that if they take care of this problem, Rip can never leave the Yellowstone. “You’ll be part of this ranch until the day you die,” says John, adding, “And you will do for this ranch what I say to do…no matter what that is.”
Obviously, Rip agrees. The ranch is his home and he’ll never leave.
So, Rip killed a man over Beth AND learned about the existence of the Duttons’ unofficial graveyard as a teen.
Flash-forward to current events and Jamie (Wes Bentley) is sharing his life story with Sarah (Dawn Olivieri). Jamie explains he was born to run a ranch and be a cowboy, but then John decided he needed to be a lawyer. John believed the future would be fought with a pen.
Jamie didn’t even apply to Harvard, yet he received an acceptance letter. Jamie knows John applied for him but doesn’t know who wrote the essay. Sarah assumes it was Beth, and Jamie confesses he never thought of that.
Jamie believes John hates him for becoming exactly what he forced him to become. Jamie’s lived without John’s love his whole life, and that’s okay. But he wants his approval.
Sarah believes John’s both jealous and scared of Jamie. John knows the ranch needs to evolve but is afraid to make any moves. Sarah also believes the United States’ cattle industry is in its death throes and will be gone in 20 years.
Sarah’s doing an awesome job of planting ideas in Jamie’s head and suggests he needs to tell all of Montana that the future is tourism. Jamie’s eating this up because he’s finally found a person who he thinks shares his vision.
Jamie admits the only thing he’s ever loved is the Yellowstone Ranch, and Sarah asks him to let her help save it. Of course, her definition of saving it is to rid the ranch of livestock and make it into a vacation destination complete with an airport.
Cole Hauser and Kevin Costner in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5 episode 7 (Photo Credit: Paramount Network)
And speaking of the Yellowstone, the cowboys exit their tents before the sun rises. Abby (Lainey Wilson) spent the night in Ryan’s tent, but she’s not about to get up early. They kiss before Ryan (Ian Bohen) heads out, grabs some grub, and gets to work with the rest of the bunkhouse boys.
Over in Kayce’s tent Monica (Kelsey Asbille) is crying happy tears. Watching Tate become a man fills her with happiness.
Rip (Cole Hauser) joins John (Kevin Costner) and John confesses this is his favorite part of ranching. Rip admits his favorite part is when it’s done, and John laughs.
“That part just makes me sad it’s over,” says John.
All the women left behind wander out of their tents, and Beth (Kelly Reilly) greets them with a cheerful, “Look at all you sluts.” Summer and Beth engage in good-natured banter about marriage before Summer takes off to grab a shower.
Monica’s been hanging back and after the other women leave, she asks Beth why she’s so mean. Beth thinks it’s fun to point out what everyone’s thinking but Monica believes it’s cruel. Beth explains the cowgirls need it, but Monica doesn’t – and that’s why she would never treat her that way.
Monica doesn’t want to be treated differently just because she lost a child. Beth disagrees and, for the first time ever, wants to talk about what happened to her as a teen. Beth asks Monica to keep it just between them and reveals she also lost a child. She confesses she feels the loss every day, and truly means it when she tells Monica she’s sorry for the loss of her baby boy.
Monica thinks keeping this secret is why Beth’s mean, but Beth explains she keeps it a secret because of all the people it would hurt. And she’s always been a b*tch – even before it happened.
Chairman Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) and Mo Brings Plenty meet with Senator Lynelle Perry (Wendy Moniz) at her request, and she explains the Department of Interior approved a natural gas pipeline and a captured carbon pipeline in central Montana. The pipelines will go through the reservation, and Thomas points out the Secretary of the Interior was just here and never mentioned anything.
Thomas looks at the proposed pathway and is shocked it runs beneath the reservation’s reservoir. Lynelle explains that the Interior chose the path of least resistance. They avoided State lands and privately held ranches due to possible lawsuits.
Lynelle will oppose this, but the reservation doesn’t have any legal recourse if the proposal’s approved. The only reason Lynelle’s telling Thomas this now is because his political rival, Martin, will use this issue against him. Lynelle thinks Thomas should get out in front of it and make a public statement against the pipelines. Maybe that will force the Interior to stop their plans.
They negotiate when and how to make their public statements, and Thomas wants Lynelle to stand with him when they hold a press conference. Thomas knows their joint statement will mean she’s supporting his re-election as chairman. Lynelle briefly thinks about it and agrees.
Thomas wants John to appear with them, but Lynelle thinks they have a snowball’s chance in hell of pulling him away from branding cattle.
Back on the ranch, Walker (Ryan Bingham) spots his third stillborn buffalo calf. Lloyd checks it out and then rides off to fill John and Rip in on the deaths. Jake rides up and reports he found two stillborn bison calves, and Kayce (Luke Grimes) indicates he’s also found stillborn calves.
John’s assistant, Clara (Lilli Kay), asks what happened and John believes it’s brucellosis. The cattle will have to be tested and if one has it, the State will destroy the entire herd.
At this point there’s nothing they can do until they get back to the corrals.
A scene from ‘Yellowstone’ season 5 episode 7 (Photo Credit: Paramount Network)
Once there, the branding gets underway and even Clara pitches in. Teeter’s impressed and says, “Look at that f**king girl power,” but because it’s Teeter-speak, Clara has no idea what she’s saying. Summer (Piper Perabo) is also recruited to dispense shots so the cattle won’t get sick. Summer delivers the shots while apologizing to the animals and appears to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
Ryan and Colby (Denim Richards) watch Summer from the sidelines, unable to look away from this trainwreck. They’re next up to hold onto the calf as Summer gives the injection and she can’t stop repeating, “This is traumatizing.” Finally, Ryan and Colby have to yell at her to move faster because she’s so upset about the poor animals.
Rip, Kayce, and John discuss what might happen, and Kayce confirms the State will give the ranch money if it has to kill the herd. But it won’t be what they’re worth. John points out the herd’s insured, but 100 years of genetics will be wiped out.
If one tests positive, then it’s over for the herd. Unfortunately, there’s a bigger problem facing the ranch now if the herd is okay. They can’t use that south pasture where the dead bison calves were found, the lower valley’s dry, and there will be nothing to eat.
Kayce thinks they can send the calves to Nebraska, but John believes that will cost too much. John’s going to call around for acres to lease; that’s the only workable solution. They would need to send half the herd away for at least a year.
If half the herd’s moved down south, cowboys will need to go too to watch over them.
Rip calls Lloyd (Forrie J. Smith) over and explains the situation. If the herd goes, Rip will go with them and he’ll take Teeter (Jen Landon), Jake, Ryan, Walker, and Gator. Lloyd volunteers to go in Rip’s place so that Rip won’t be separated from Beth. Rip appreciates the offer, but as ranch manager, it’s his responsibility.
They’ll leave as soon as John signs the lease.
Forrie J. Smith in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5 episode 7 (Photo Credit: Paramount Network)
Rip huddles with the cowboys and tells them they’ll be heading down south with him. Ryan glances at Abby as Rip says they’ll be gone for a while. Walker’s all smiles, happy they’ll be doing some real “cowboy sh*t” now. And Jake and Teeter thank Rip for picking them.
Rip notices Ryan looking at Abby and asks if this is going to be a problem. Ryan assures him there’s nothing he’d rather do. He also thanks Rip for picking him.
Before Ryan walks away, Rip hands him cash and says to take the bunkhouse to the fair. After all, Ryan and the chosen cowboys won’t be seeing a town for quite a while.
Inside the big house, John picks up a Swarovski crystal decanter, ready to break it in frustration. Beth points out it’s 100 years old and was his dad’s. She all but orders him to pick something else to destroy. John listens and pours a drink instead. He explains what’s happening with the herd and that they’ll need to be moved to an area far enough south so that it doesn’t snow.
John thinks they’ll need at least 100,000 acres at $12-14 an acre. Beth does the math and comes up with $1.4 million a year. John corrects her – it’s $1.4 million a month! Beth’s shocked and says they don’t have that. John knows that and will have to take a loan.
Beth wants her dad to sell the cattle now, but John points out that would mean they don’t have any income next year. Beth counters that they don’t have any income this year if they move the cattle and that the ranch never turns a profit.
It’s Beth’s turn to want to break things.
They continue to work out possible solutions, and Beth asks about selling the heifers and the steers. That could be $1,100 each, which is less than $1.50 per pound. Beth can’t believe that’s true since steaks sell for $30 and even ground beef costs $5.
John replies, “We don’t sell beef; we sell cattle.”
“We’re in the wrong f**king business!” says Beth.
They argue over the ranch’s business model, with Beth taking the side that they’re running a failing business. The valley’s now full of vacation homes and hobby farms because other ranchers have had to call it quits.
Beth storms off and John begins making calls to find acres to lease.
Jamie arrives at work and his assistant informs him Sarah Atwood and Ellis Steele are in his office. She also confesses she’s worried about him being with Sarah. After fumbling through “I’m not [with her],” Jamie thanks his assistant for sharing her opinion.
Sarah and Ellis demand to know how Jamie could let John put his ranch in a land trust and the land in a conservation easement. Jamie had no idea John did this and although he could fight it, he’d be going against deep-pocket environmental groups. (I’m confused. They knew about the conservation easement. A press conference announcing it was held in episode three, and that’s when Market Equities’ CEO said to turn Sarah loose. Maybe Jamie didn’t know about the land trust portion of the agreement?)
Jamie’s so shocked by John’s action that he screams, “F**k!” followed by “God damn it!”
Jamie dismisses Ellis and Sarah, needing time to figure out his next move but Sarah stays seated. She explains Market Equities will now sue the State and will likely win a $4 billion settlement since the State negotiated in bad faith. $4 billion is 10% of Montana’s GDP, meaning the state will go bankrupt.
Sarah suggests this sounds like an impeachable offense. Jamie agrees. And if John resigns or steps down, Montana will hold a special election. Sarah confirms Market Equities is committed to electing Jamie and their PAC will fund his campaign.
Sarah tells Jamie to address the assembly. Now’s his chance to become governor and get the land back.
Beth begins doing research on beef and calls Four Sixes Ranch Beef, a company she found online. The man on the phone’s super helpful and confirms the beef is from their cattle and they usually sell out and even buy cattle from neighboring ranches. The only catch is that you have to feed your herd for two years before you make any money.
Beth shows her dad the Four Sixes’ website and suggests John obtain a loan to replicate what they’re doing. John’s a rancher but Beth’s a businesswoman who’s made $50-100 million deals, and she has the skills to figure out how to make the Yellowstone do what the Four Sixes is successfully doing.
Rip joins them and John has secured land, so Rip needs to hire trucks. Rip asks Beth to go with him to the county fair and she agrees.
Rip tells Carter to get washed up for the fair, but Carter’s upset Rip’s going to be leaving with the herd. Rip assures him it will be okay.
Luke Grimes and Kelsey Asbille in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5 episode 7 (Photo Credit: Paramount Network)
A short while later, everyone’s at the fair having a fun time, including Kayce, Monica, and Tate. John and Summer are also there and even pose for photos with people who want pictures of the governor.
Teeter orders Colby to win her a pink bear (she says “bar”) at a ball toss booth, and Colby’s sure he can’t do it. Colby doesn’t even look and tosses the first two balls in the 500 hole. He can’t believe they went it and is ready to aim for the third ball but Abby, Ryan, and Teeter tell him not to jinx it. He looks away and wins the bear. Teeter demands it but the poor guy can’t understand what she’s saying. Ryan, Abby, and Colby interpret Teeter-speak.
Night arrives and the group settles in to listen to music. Rip thinks he might be gone for a year, and Beth doesn’t think she can survive without him that long. She’s going to go with him, but she’ll fly and meet him there. And she’ll rent a suite at the nearest Hyatt and meet him for happy hour.
Ryan and the bunkhouse boys also talk about the year they’ll be gone, and Abby’s pissed Ryan didn’t tell her before this. Ryan compares moving 5,000 cattle to a land he doesn’t know to her singing at the Grand Ole Opry. It’s every cowboy’s dream. They kiss and Abby understands he’s chasing his dream. She wishes the dream was her, but it’s not. She walks away and doesn’t look back.
John confesses to Summer that looking around at all these people reminds him this lifestyle is dying. Summer regrets judging John and his family. She understands much more about what it means to be a rancher and respects it. Summer thinks John should invite some of those 12 million tourists who come to Montana to the ranch to show them what they do there and get them to understand the ranch’s importance. It will change their minds about who cowboys are and what their impact is on the environment.
John claims he doesn’t care what people think and kisses Summer in public. (He does use his cowboy hat to shield the PDA from at least some of the crowd.)
The episode ends with Jamie rehearsing the speech he plans to deliver to the assembly, urging them to impeach his dad. The teaser for episode eight confirms he’s going through with it. Jamie’s openly going to war with John and Beth.
