“My father used to tell me stories about people trying to take this place, about all the wars he had to fight to keep it. I never believed him. I believe him now. There’s people who … all they care about is more. How to get more, take more, and they’ll stop at nothing as long as it leads to more.”
“What’s up with Kayce and that wolf?”
It’s the burning question that fans of Taylor Sheridan’s contemporary Western Yellowstone have been asking all over the place since the Season 4 finale (the most watched telecast on cable since 2017, it saw a whopping 81% increase in viewership from the Season 3 finale) aired back in January.
HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF
Man and his relationship with nature is a prominent theme in Yellowstone since the show’s inception. How could it not be? A lot of animals make their home on John Dutton’s 500,000 acres of land surrounding Bozeman, Montana. Though wolves are just one of these animals, they perhaps play the most integral role in show’s tightly-woven narrative.
Capable of both good and evil, the wolf is an obvious metaphor for both the light and the dark that runs through the souls of all men. There are wolves, literally and figuratively, circling The Yellowstone, eagerly waiting for their moment to attack. On the other hand, there are also wolves defending The Yellowstone, willing to defend it at all costs.
Kayce Dutton, John Dutton’s youngest, PTSD-stricken son, has the most complicated relationship with the wolf of any character on the show. Not only does Kayce encounter the wolf more frequently than anyone else, but he also proves himself to be the most like the wolf. In other words, Kayce is highly capable in the extremes, both as a fierce protector and as a destroyer. In the universe of Yellowstone, this is no small feat. As Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington) says in Training Day, "To protect the sheep, you got to catch the wolf… and it takes a wolf to catch a wolf."
When Yellowstone begins, Kayce is a lone wolf, a Dutton family outcast with an aversion to authority and a penchant for destruction. It is during this period wherein Kayce has his first wolf encounter on the show. Living on the nearby Native American Broken Rock Reservation with his wife Monica (Kelsey Asbille) and their son Tate (Brecken Merrill), Kayce witnesses a wolf get transformed into roadkill by a massive truck driving down a road. The moment sparks a change within Kayce, and, before long, he’s back at The Yellowstone, working hard to protect his family and their ranch.
Later on, in Season 3, Kayce, more settled in his role as protector, is about to make wilderness whoopee with Monica when, you guessed it, a wolf pulls up a figurative seat to watch the show unfold.
“If he wants to watch, just let him watch.”
- Kayce Dutton
Monica is understandably startled by the wolf, which could most certainly shred her and Kayce into pieces in a matter of seconds. However, Kayce quickly puts at her ease, and in no time they’re back to knocking the boots.
Once Kayce and Monica have had it, Kayce proceeds to fearlessly approach the wolf. He then states the conditions (staying away from the ranch’s domesticated cattle and horses) that the wolf (and, ipso facto, its pack) must meet in exchange for otherwise free reign.
To the layman, the interaction seems like a clear indicator that Kayce, who has a much more even, sturdy temperament at this juncture than he did at the beginning of the series, may be the only Dutton capable of negotiating a peace treaty.
THE PORCH SIGHTING
Kayce continues to serve as Montana Livestock Commissioner in Season 4 of Yellowstone, but his overall character arc remains rather uneventful until Kayce has a big time wolf sighting towards the season’s end, one that sets in motion the events of the finale.
Kayce insists he’ll have to shoot the wolf down if it messes with his horses, but Mo convinces him to stand down (watch this scene HERE).
Kayce insists he’ll have to shoot the wolf down if it messes with his horses, but Mo convinces him to stand down (watch this scene Upon hearing a howl nearby, Kayce looks up and spots a lone wolf on the perimeter of his new property, property that is intentionally not located on his father’s land. Kayce’s first instinct is to call and press Mo (Mo Brings Plenty), Chief Rainwater’s (Gil Birmingham) right-hand man, for answers, having been under the impression that wolves didn’t live east of Big Timber. Mo assures Kayce that he’ll speak to Chief Rainwater and get back to him, but not before telling Kayce, “Whatever you do, don’t shoot it… If it goes near your horses, it’s a test. And if you shoot it, you fail.” Afterwards, Monica appears and informs Kayce that she’s pregnant with their second child.
Later, Chief Rainwater and Mo explain to a vulnerable and raw Kayce that despite the fact that wolves and humans evolved together, nature’s version of checks and balances, the species have always tried to destroy each other. Kayce is left perplexed, informing Chief Rainwater and Mo that only good things have happened to him after his wolf encounters (i.e. he returns to his family’s ranch and begins to repair his relationship with his father, he gets some action, he accepts Governor Perry’s offer to make him Livestock Commissioner, he learns that he’s another kiddie on the way). The admission moves Chief Rainwater and Mo to insist that the wolf is Kayce’s spirit animal (Mo tells Kayce that he is “part wolf”) and that the wolves Kayce continues to encounter are merely protecting him. The missing puzzle piece here is what these wolves are actually protecting Kayce from.
Chief Rainwater and Kayce
Chief Rainwater and KayceThe solution, at least according to the Broken Rock boys, is a 4-day soul-cleansing Native American ritual known as a “Haŋblečeya” (“to cry for a vision”) in which one is not allowed to eat or drink in a secluded nearby field fenced off by prayer ties.
“You must stand on the cliff of death to understand your purpose in life. It's the only place where you can see it.”
- Mo
Only at the conclusion of this vision quest will Kayce find the answer that he is looking for… or so Chief Rainwater and Mo say.
Kayce looks up during his vision quest, probably remembering that Mo previously told him not to talk to trickster coyotes.
Kayce looks up during his vision quest, probably remembering that Mo previously told him not to talk to trickster coyotes.KAYCE’S VISION QUEST
During his days long vision quest, Kayce, a trauma-ridden man who has killed many people as a result of his innate need to protect, endures a series of intense hallucinations (including an encounter with an owl as well as a violent flashback to his Navy SEAL days), something that lends further credibility to the notion that Kayce’s wolf sightings do indeed represent the battle between good and evil occurring within him.
Though Kayce avenged the death of his brother, Lee (Dave Annable), by killing his brother-in-law, Robert Long, Lee visits Kayce during his hallucinations and shouts “Open the door!” while profusely bleeding from his mouth.
Though Kayce avenged the death of his brother, Lee (Dave Annable), by killing his brother-in-law, Robert Long, Lee visits Kayce during his hallucinations and shouts “Open the door!” while profusely bleeding from his mouth.In his second hallucination, Kayce sees himself cheating on Monica with Avery (Tanaya Beatty), a smoking hot ranch hand with a longtime crush on Kayce.
In his second hallucination, Kayce sees himself cheating on Monica with In his last hallucination, Kayce sees a wolf (!) that transforms into as a young Native American girl.
The wolf-girl leads Kayce to the edge of a nearby cliff, the one Mo had previously told him about. There, the wolf-girl illuminates two paths before Kayce, informing him that he must choose one. Kayce admits he doesn’t know which one to choose, but she assures him that she will be there to help him no matter which path he ultimately chooses.
"I can help you walk the path, but you must choose it.”
"I can help you walk the path, but you must choose it.”Kayce finally wakes up and finds Mo alongside him, waiting to take him back home.
“I saw the end of us.”
“I saw the end of us.”KAYCE’S SPIRITUAL HANGOVER
Kayce returns home, appearing visibly torn between protecting his family’s ranch by any means necessary and doing what’s best for his immediate family. Then he admits to Monica, “I saw the end of us.”
Which ‘us’ is Kayce referring to, you ask? That’s the million dollar question right there.
Is Kayce referring to his marriage to Monica (perhaps fueled by guilt over his hallucinations of infidelity) because he has chosen to fully dedicate himself to saving his family’s ranch?
Is Kayce talking about his relationship with The Yellowstone (i.e. alluding to his decision to ultimately side with the Broken Rock Reservation, his wife’s ancestral land)?
We’ll just have to wait for Season 5 to find out the true meaning behind Kayce’s vague cliffhanger of an admission, but one thing is for absolute certain – whichever path Kayce ultimately chooses, he’ll have to go all-in.
“I probably should’ve just bought a fresh Peak LED Flashlight from Gallantry.”
“I probably should’ve just bought a fresh Peak LED Flashlight from Gallantry.”Though not every Gallantry Man like yourself has the time or desire to embark on a Kayce Dutton-style 4-day long vision quest these days, you should and definitely can everyday carry a tough, powerful, sturdy, and reliable Made in The USA Peak LED Flashlight for those moments when you’ve just got to see “the light”.
Take a look at these badass wolves of the everyday carry ecosystem…
THE EIGER ULTRA X FLASHLIGHT FROM PEAK LED SOLUTIONS
Designed with professional applications in mind, Peak LED's Eiger Ultra X everyday carry flashlight is one of the most powerful single battery-powered portable torches available. Not only does this upgraded version deliver light that is a whopping 50% brighter than that which is projected by your the standard Eiger, making it excellent for illuminating even the darkest paths, but it is also doubles as a self-defense device that can temporarily blind assailants.
Other awesome features include a nearly indestructible, scratch-resistant polycarbonate window that protects its Cree XPG LED emitter, a simple twist operation, and a handy keychain tail attachment that provides you with an additional easy carry option.
Like all of Peak LED's products, this bad boy was designed and manufactured right here in the USA.
Kayce Dutton would definitely approve.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Cree XPG LED emitter
- Hard anodized aluminum construction
- Unbreakable scratch-resistant polycarbonate window
- Electronics potted in Thermal Epoxy for added shock- and water-resistance
- Works exclusively with 10440 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery (not included)
- Simple twist operation
- Keychain attachment
- O-rings on all openings for water resistance
- Designed and manufactured in the USA
- 50% brighter than standard Eiger
- Unequaled output to battery life ratio
Eiger Ultra X Flashlight
$55.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Designed with professional applications in mind, Peak LED's Eiger Ultra X everyday carry flashlight is one of the most powerful single battery-powered portable torchs available. In fact, this upgraded version is a whopping 50% brighter… read more
Eiger Ultra X Flashlight
$70.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Designed with professional applications in mind, Peak LED's Eiger Ultra X everyday carry flashlight is one of the most powerful single battery-powered portable torchs available. In fact, this upgraded version is a whopping 50% brighter… read more
Eiger Ultra X Flashlight
$75.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Designed with professional applications in mind, Peak LED's Eiger Ultra X everyday carry flashlight is one of the most powerful single battery-powered portable torchs available. In fact, this upgraded version is a whopping 50% brighter… read more
“Son, whatever you do, make sure you do it with some Peak LED Solutions flashlights from Gallantry.”
“Son, whatever you do, make sure you do it with some Peak LED Solutions flashlights from Gallantry.”- John Dutton (Kevin Costner), probably
THE EIGER FLASHLIGHT FROM PEAK LED SOLUTIONS
Designed with professional applications in mind, Peak LED Solutions' Eiger flashlight is compact, comes with a keyring attachment, and has one of the best light outputs available on the market.
With a solid brass construction and the ability to use a multitude of different battery types, this flashlight is both durable and versatile. With the use of Quantum Tunneling Composite technology, you can even set this flashlight’s brightness anywhere between a dim glow and the brightest light of any single AAA powered flashlight.
Oh, and it’s entirely manufactured in the USA. Like Yellowstone.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Brass construction
- Shock and water-resistant
- Unbreakable scratch-resistant polycarbonate window
- Twist switch operation
- Cree XPG LED
- Quantum Tunneling Composite variable output
- Functions with AAA alkaline, AAA lithium, rechargeable NiMH, and 3.7v Li-Ion rechargeable 10440
- Made in Arizona, USA
- Battery included
- 0.99oz
- 3.75" L x 0.5" D
Eiger Flashlight
$65.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Designed with professional applications in mind, Peak LED Solutions' Eiger flashlight is compact, comes with a keyring attachment, and has one of the best light outputs available on the market. With a solid brass construction and… read more
THE EIGER FLASHLIGHT FROM PEAK LED SOLUTIONS
Designed with professional applications in mind, Peak LED Solutions' Eiger flashlight is compact, comes with a keyring attachment, and has one of the best light outputs available on the market.
With a solid anodized aluminum construction and the ability to use a multitude of different battery types, this flashlight is both durable and versatile. With the use of Quantum Tunneling Composite technology, you can even set this flashlight’s brightness anywhere between a dim glow and the brightest light of any single AAA powered flashlight.
Oh, and it’s entirely manufactured in the USA. Like Yellowstone.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Hard-anodized aluminum construction
- Shock and water resistant
- Unbreakable scratch-resistant polycarbonate window
- Twist switch operation
- Cree XPG LED
- Quantum Tunneling Composite variable output
- Functions with AAA alkaline, AAA lithium, rechargeable NiMH, and 3.7v Li-Ion rechargeable 10440
- Made in Arizona, USA
- Battery included
- 0.99oz
- 3.75" L x 0.5" D
Eiger Flashlight
$60.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Designed with professional applications in mind, Peak LED Solutions' Eiger flashlight is compact, comes with a keyring attachment, and has one of the best light outputs available on the market. With a solid anodized aluminum… read more
THE EIGER FLASHLIGHT FROM PEAK LED SOLUTIONS
Designed with professional applications in mind, Peak LED Solutions' Eiger flashlight is compact, comes with a keyring attachment, and has one of the best light outputs available on the market.
With stainless steel construction and the ability to use a multitude of different battery types, this flashlight is both durable and versatile. With the use of Quantum Tunneling Composite technology, you can even set this flashlight’s brightness anywhere between a dim glow and the brightest light of any single AAA powered flashlight.
Oh, and it’s entirely manufactured in the USA. Like Yellowstone.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Stainless steel
- Shock and water resistant
- Unbreakable scratch-resistant polycarbonate window
- Twist switch operation
- Cree XPG LED
- Quantum Tunneling Composite variable output
- Functions with AAA alkaline, AAA lithium, rechargeable NiMH, and 3.7v Li-Ion rechargeable 10440
- Made in Arizona, USA
- Battery included
- 1.87oz
- 3.75" L x 0.5" D
Eiger Flashlight
$80.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Designed with professional applications in mind, Peak LED Solutions' Eiger flashlight is compact, comes with a keyring attachment, and has one of the best light outputs available on the market. With a solid stainless steel construction… read more
“Just give me a chopper and an El Capitan from Gallantry and I’m good to go.”
“Just give me a chopper and an El Capitan from Gallantry and I’m good to go.”THE EL CAPITAN FLASHLIGHT FROM PEAK LED SOLUTIONS
Constructed for professional adventurers, the water and shock-resistant El Capitan LED keychain flashlight will light the darkest paths of your vision quest with a simple twist.
Equipped with industry-leading Quantum Tunneling Composite Technology, you’ll be able to adjust the lighting output from a soft glow to a blazing bright illumination while increasing the battery longevity when the Cree XPG cool white LED is not on full blast.
The hard, anodized aluminum body with indestructible polycarbonate protective windows can hold three types of batteries, including a 14500 AA lithium-ion option. Appropriately adopting the name of the famous granite monolith, this American-made flashlight is ready for adventure.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Hard anodized aluminum construction
- Indestructible polycarbonate protective windows
- Water-resistant O-ring sealed openings
- Shock and water-resistant epoxy-sealed heads
- Compatible with standard alkaline AA (included), lithium AA, and rechargeable NiMH batteries
- Made in USA
- 1.92 oz.
- 4" L x 0.738" D (0.715" D head)
El Capitan Flashlight
$59.95
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Constructed for professional adventurers, the water and shock-resistant El Capitan LED keychain flashlight will light the darkest paths of your journey with a simple twist. Equipped with industry-leading Quantum Tunneling Composite Technology, you’ll be able… read more
THE EL CAPITAN FLASHLIGHT FROM PEAK LED SOLUTIONS
Constructed for professional adventurers, the water and shock-resistant El Capitan LED keychain flashlight will light the darkest paths of your vision quest with a simple twist.
Equipped with industry-leading Quantum Tunneling Composite Technology, you’ll be able to adjust the lighting output from a soft glow to a blazing bright illumination while increasing the battery longevity when the Cree XPG cool white LED is not on full blast.
The hard, anodized aluminum body with indestructible polycarbonate protective windows can hold three types of batteries, including a 14500 AA lithium-ion option. Appropriately adopting the name of the famous granite monolith, this American-made flashlight is ready for adventure.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Brass construction
- Indestructible polycarbonate protective windows
- Water-resistant O-ring sealed openings
- Shock and water-resistant epoxy-sealed heads
- Compatible with standard alkaline AA (included), lithium AA, and rechargeable NiMH batteries
- Made in USA
- 3.82 oz.
- 4" L x 0.738" D (0.715" D head)
El Capitan Flashlight
$74.95
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Constructed for professional adventurers, the water and shock-resistant El Capitan LED keychain flashlight will light the darkest paths of your journey with a simple twist. Equipped with industry-leading Quantum Tunneling Composite Technology, you’ll be able… read more
THE EL CAPITAN FLASHLIGHT FROM PEAK LED SOLUTIONS
Constructed for professional adventurers, the water and shock-resistant El Capitan LED keychain flashlight will light the darkest paths of your vision quest with a simple twist.
Equipped with industry-leading Quantum Tunneling Composite Technology, you’ll be able to adjust the lighting output from a soft glow to a blazing bright illumination while increasing the battery longevity when the Cree XPG cool white LED is not on full blast.
The hard, anodized aluminum body with indestructible polycarbonate protective windows can hold three types of batteries, including a 14500 AA lithium-ion option. Appropriately adopting the name of the famous granite monolith, this American-made flashlight is ready for adventure.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Stainless steel construction
- Indestructible polycarbonate protective windows
- Water-resistant O-ring sealed openings
- Shock and water-resistant epoxy-sealed heads
- Compatible with standard alkaline AA (included), lithium AA, and rechargeable NiMH batteries
- Made in USA
- 3.72 oz.
- 4” L x 0.738” D (0.715” D head)
El Capitan Flashlight
$79.95
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Constructed for professional adventurers, the water and shock-resistant El Capitan LED keychain flashlight will light the darkest paths of your journey with a simple twist. Equipped with industry-leading Quantum Tunneling Composite Technology, you’ll be able… read more
Just another day of being Gallantry Men at The Yellowstone.
