Allison from 'Hocus Pocus' Stirs Up Some Drama on 'Yellowstone'

Spoilers

Yellowstone is deep into the second half of its final season, and the plot is accelerating quickly now in the wake of John Dutton’s death. This week’s episode introduced a few more twists, setting the storyline firmly on the path to resolution.

Disposition of the Land

At its core, Yellowstone isn’t just about the characters — it’s about the Dutton Ranch and its enduring legacy. This iconic Montana land has already been the focal point of two prequels, with generations of characters — at times portrayed by Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren — sacrificing deeply to protect it. Many lives have been lost in the battle to preserve this land. If there’s one message creator Taylor Sheridan seeks to convey, it’s that the Yellowstone universe revolves entirely around the land.

It would be a bitter irony if the very land the Duttons spent generations defending was ultimately seized by eminent domain, carved up, and sold in parcels, leaving landowners unable even to afford the taxes. The episode avoided delving into specifics — tossing out vague real-estate jargon — but the takeaway is clear: Kayce and Beth, the surviving Duttons, are in deep trouble. Their options are grim: surrender the land to the government or sell it off. The best-case scenario? Private equity groups swooping in to repurpose it for “experiential hospitality.” Even Thomas Rainwater, whose ancestors allowed the Duttons the land, is left without a solution,

Whether Sheridan crafts an escape hatch to preserve the land he’s spent nearly 75 episodes glorifying or opts for a bleak, realistic conclusion — where even the most storied land becomes a Costco — remains to be seen. My guess? The Duttons hold onto it, if only to preserve the potency of the forthcoming second season of 1923.

Hocus Pocus

In a flashback, viewers finally saw how three men murdered John Dutton under a contract orchestrated by Jamie’s girlfriend, Sarah Atwood, the lawyer representing the corporate goods, Market Equities. Kayce, who in the flashback is living an idyllic life with his wife and son (now significantly aged since the first half of the season), leads an effort to reopen the case as a homicide. He gets a crucial assist from medical examiner Dr. Everly, played by Vinessa Shaw, probably best known for her role as Allison in Hocus Pocus.

Once the investigation is reopened, events escalate quickly. Steven Rawlings, now Governor, reinstates all the leases John Dutton had canceled. However, in light of the homicide investigation, he demands that Jamie Dutton, the attorney general, recuse himself from all matters involving the Dutton Ranch or John Dutton’s death.

Jamie is in deep shit. Beth is convinced he orchestrated their father’s murder — and she’s not entirely wrong — but Kayce, for now, is willing to give Jamie the benefit of the doubt. Jamie, feeling cornered and powerless to protect himself, lashes out at Sarah for ordering the hit. He slaps her, but after she slaps him back, Jamie cowers, revealing just how small and petty he is. He sucks. Beth is the worst, but also, I understand why she wants to murder him.

As Sarah drives away, Jamie quickly calls to apologize, only to overhear someone pull up beside her and shoot her dead. The contract killers are determined to eliminate any loose ends tying them to John Dutton’s murder. It’s unclear if Jamie is next on their list—or if it even matters. Beth will most certainly get to him first.