For almost five seasons, one of the most fascinating and dynamic relationships on “Yellowstone” has been between ranch owner John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and casino leader Chief Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham).

The two have often clashed over control of the Duttons’ Yellowstone Ranch. Rainwater is determined to see the expansive property become part of the Broken Rock Reservation, seeking to reclaim what was taken from his people.

As Costner will not be returning for the second half of Season 5 (debuting on November 10 on Paramount Network), Rainwater and his ally Mo Brings Plenty will take on an even bigger role in the new episodes of “Yellowstone” First Look Week at YSL News, showcasing two more exclusive images from the series.

In the midseason finale that aired in January 2023, Dutton, the governor of Montana, unexpectedly supported Rainwater by blocking a pipeline that threatened the reservation. However, this potential partnership will be challenged with Dutton’s exit from the series, regardless of how creator Taylor Sheridan decides to write him out.

Rip Wheeler and the troubled teen Carter are forming a family bond

Initially, Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) was not in favor of his fiancée Beth Dutton’s (Kelly Reilly) choice to welcome troubled youth Carter (Finn Little) into their home.

However, the unconventional duo has formed a makeshift family. Rip has adopted a fatherly role, often referring to Carter as “son” as the young man learns the ropes of ranch life alongside Rip’s guidance. Based on this exclusive image of Rip and the sleeping Finn, their hard work and familial ties appear to deepen as Season 5 progresses, possibly into the future.

While Paramount Network has maintained that the second half of Season 5 will conclude the series, recent reports, including one from the Hollywood newsletter Puck, suggest there are discussions for a potential Season 6 focused on the relationship between Rip and Beth. Paramount has not commented on these rumors.

What’s the story behind Kevin Costner leaving ‘Yellowstone’?

Costner has had conflicts with “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan regarding creative decisions and scheduling. This tension has intensified as Costner pursues his project, a Western film franchise titled “Horizon: An American Saga.”

In June, following an extensive media promotional tour for “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1,” Costner shared an Instagram video confirming he would not return to complete the series.

“I simply wanted to communicate that this marks a new beginning,” Costner stated to YSL News regarding his exit. “What I envisioned might not be in the cards anymore. I don’t want to keep expressing, ‘Yes, I hope I can do it.’ It’s drifted to a point that no longer feels realistic.”

For a complete refresher on “Yellowstone,” be sure to check out Paramount Network’s Labor Day Weekend marathon (kicking off Friday at 10 EDT/PDT; also available for streaming on Peacock).