*Warning – This article contains spoilers for Yellowstone season 5b.*
The wrangling is finally over as ‘s season 5 rides off into the sunset, marking a definitive close to Taylor Sheridan’s gripping drama on the . The finale brought several characters to the spotlight for their last hurrah, yet some fans felt discontentment regarding the culmination of a certain beloved character’s journey.
Kelly Reilly’s portrayal of has been lauded as Emmy-worthy by an enthused fanbase, praising her vindictive triumph. Luke Grimes also garnered applause for his portrayal of , with his character being graced with a serendipitous conclusion.
Nevertheless, die-hard followers of Yellowstone are left pondering what lies ahead for the series’ unsung heroes. Among them is the Dutton family’s much-adored cook Gator, brought to life by Gabriel ‘Gator’ Guilbeau.
Unexpectedly stepping from behind-the-scenes as an actual chef to in front of the camera, Guilbeau earned his stripes thanks to showrunner Taylor Sheridan, who thrust him into the limelight as the Duttons’ culinary wizard, garnering him a dialogue role and the affection of viewers, reports .
Kelly Reilly gave a stand-out performance as Beth Dutton (Image: PARAMOUNT)
A user by the pseudonym @JaaneDowe expressed concerns online, stating: “All the other characters’ story lines were tied up, except for Gator’s. His future deserved an explanation.”
Curious commenters subsequently sparked a frenzy of speculation about Gator’s next chapter, with one commenter suggesting: “He moves down south and opens a steakhouse called The Bunkhouse.”
One fan wrote: “Gator goes travelling with the chuck wagon and becomes a food network star in a show called ‘Gator’s Chuck Wagon Brisket and Beans’.”
The Yellowstone finale divided fans (Image: PARAMOUNT)
Another added: “Beth tried to keep him, because who else is gonna feed them? But Gator was like I’m getting away from this crazy and left and hoped he’d never see one of those ungrateful (they never ate my food! ) Dutton’s again.”
A third viewer commented more seriously: “I wondered about him too, was hoping to see it addressed.”
Fans want to know what happens to Gator (Image: PARAMOUNT)
It remains uncertain whether Gator will feature in the upcoming Yellowstone spin-off focusing on Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser), but he would certainly fit right in.
Reflecting on his initial introduction to the Yellowstone cast, Guilbeau shared with Us Weekly: “Taylor threw me in front of the camera and he said, ‘OK, go.’
“And I said, ‘OK, go?!’ He goes, ‘Yeah, just, you know, do Gator stuff.’ … I was like, ‘Well, I guess I’ll just start making dinner and they can just film that.'”
The world of Yellowstone will continue through spin-off shows (Image: PARAMOUNT)
Following this, he reappeared in season 2 as a minor character with lines. The chef continued: “It just made sense after that. And it didn’t hurt that I’m the only actor who’s always on set because I’m already there, and I’m always in costume. It’s a win for everybody.”
Yellowstone is available to stream on Paramount Plus.