What Happens to Lloyd in Yellowstone?

Regardless of the numerous triumphs and accolades it garnered during its tenure, the series ultimately provides a fitting ending. However, there remain several puzzles that fans yearn to solve. Surprisingly, some of these lingering questions revolve around one of its secondary characters – the trustworthy Yellowstone ranch hand, Lloyd.

Over the course of the series, Lloyd emerges as a beloved character due to his various admirable traits. His significance within the storyline expanded significantly as the storyline progressed. Lately, he’s faced some extremely challenging situations that even put his life in jeopardy on multiple occasions. As we approach the finale, it remains unclear what Lloyd’s future holds. With the series winding down, there are numerous possibilities for how it will end its tale. However, what has been the course of this journey, and where does it leave him at the close of Season 5?

What is Lloyd’s Story in Yellowstone?

The Family Ranch Hand Has a Small Story Presence

In the initial season, we meet Lloyd, a man who’s been working on the ranch for quite some time, serving as one of the ranch hands. Much like his fellow workers, he carries the Yellowstone brand, hinting at a criminal history and a past deal with the Dutton family that offers him legal immunity. Despite having a minor role in the first two seasons, Lloyd’s dedication to the Dutton clan is evident through his limited appearances. He demonstrates loyalty and commitment, and forms significant relationships – notably with Rip and Jimmy, where their friendship mirrors that of father and son, which viewers came to cherish.

Despite being fleeting and seemingly insignificant, these moments shed light on his deeper character traits, transforming him into the beloved figure he is today. Throughout the series, he served as a guiding force for minor characters, teaching them the ways of the show, and hoping they’d take it to heart. His role evolved somewhat in Season 3 with the introduction of Laramie, a barrel racer who became his love interest. However, it was during Season 4 that his character really came to life and gained depth.

Season 4 of Yellowstone Gave Lloyd More Time To Shine

Tensions and Rivalries Boil

In Season 4 of Yellowstone, viewers witnessed a deeper exploration and intricacy in Lloyd’s character, as he was granted his own mini-plotline spanning multiple episodes. The longstanding enmity between Lloyd and Walker escalated significantly when Laramie chose Walker over Lloyd for a serious relationship, following her previous romance with the former. The animosity between these two characters culminated in an intense climax when Lloyd destroyed Walker’s guitar and nearly threw a knife into his chest (just missing his heart), following a confrontational challenge to fight.

At first glance, Lloyd appeared petty due to Laramie preferring Walker over him. However, there was more depth to this situation than just insecurity about his age. Lloyd has been a cowboy at the ranch longer than anyone else, and he’s made numerous sacrifices for it – giving up any personal life, taking lives when necessary, and concealing serious crimes to avoid legal trouble. This is the mentality of the branded cowboys: they live and die on that ranch and will do anything to safeguard it. When they transgress, there are severe repercussions, including punishment by death in certain cases. So, Lloyd’s actions might have seemed petty, but they were deeply rooted in his loyalty and commitment to the ranch.

In the planned scenario, Walker should have faced consequences for refusing to kill for the ranch, yet Kayce chose to release him instead. Laramie plays a minor role in the significant conflict between Lloyd and Walker. Lloyd perceives Walker as receiving preferential treatment, despite his inconsistent loyalty towards the ranch and frequent rule-breaking incidents. As someone who has been at the ranch longer, Lloyd harbors a sense of superiority but isn’t entirely unjustified in his beliefs. Lloyd doesn’t wish to be seen as a rule breaker himself, yet he also dislikes the idea of a new cowboy taking liberties. However, this situation ultimately led to Lloyd breaking a major rule himself.

The Ramifications of Lloyd and Walker’s Feud on Yellowstone

They Resolve Their Differences, But Not Without Violence

Due to both John and Rip breaking the rule against fighting in the bunkhouse, they compelled them to resolve their dispute through an extended fight, leaving no doubt about it. Although Lloyd won the fight, Rip believed Lloyd needed further discipline for his actions. He enforced this lesson by attacking him viciously, almost causing serious injury.

Regardless of the intense emotional and bodily harm Lloyd suffered, it barely impacted his bond with Rip, and ultimately, they decided to resolve their disputes amicably. The primary explanation behind Lloyd receiving such criticism contrasting that of Walker is likely due to Lloyd’s responsibility as a role model for others. If Lloyd disregarded the cowboys’ beliefs, it would eventually influence everyone else. Upon further thought, Lloyd acknowledged Rip for standing up to him and clarifying his thoughts.

What Else Has Lloyd’s Actor, Forrie J. Smith, Been In?

The Yellowstone Actor Has an Extensive Resume

Born and raised in Montana with a rich history in horse wrangling and rodeo riding, actor Forrie J. Smith seems perfectly suited for the character Lloyd in . Interestingly, his most prominent role yet doesn’t mark the start of his career; instead, it represents a continuation of an acting journey that dates back over 30 years. One of his earliest significant connections to Hollywood came about in 1988 when he landed a job as a stunt performer for Rambo III. Although many of his roles are minor appearances in now-forgotten TV western productions, some may recall him from what is arguably one of the greatest theatrical westerns ever made.

Although he’s often overlooked due to being a non-speaking character, Forrie J. Smith is noticeable among the Clanton gang in Yellowstone. Fans of the Breaking Bad universe may recall him from his guest appearance in Better Call Saul’s third season in 2017. As Yellowstone approaches its conclusion and the destiny of Lloyd’s character remains unclear, we can’t predict what lies ahead for Forrie J. Smith’s acting journey. However, given the show’s immense popularity and his authentic background as a real cowboy that he brings to his role, he stands out more than ever in his career. This distinct edge could potentially benefit him if he’s offered larger roles in other Western productions in the future.

What Happens to Lloyd at the End of Yellowstone?

Lloyd is Safe (For Now)

John Dutton’s unexpected passing leaves the Dutton ranch in a state of chaos. Subsequently, with an overwhelming burden of inheritance taxes, the surviving Duttons are compelled to return the Yellowstone Ranch to Thomas Rainwater and the Broken Rock Reservation. This decision, though difficult, is made to safeguard the land from unwanted developers. Regrettably, this means that the Duttons and their staff must part ways with the land permanently. The conclusion carries a mix of sadness and relief.

After the ranch closes down, many workers like Lloyd move on to other parts of the country, embarking on new, self-reliant journeys. While some ex-Yellowstone staff members carry on their lives as cowboys, Lloyd presents an exception. Having dedicated so much time to serving the Dutton family and Yellowstone, Lloyd finds it difficult to work as a cowboy elsewhere.

Instead of accepting an invitation to work at Beth and Rip’s new ranch, Lloyd chooses to retire from the cowboy lifestyle completely. The show Yellowstone leaves his future somewhat ambiguous, hinting that he intends to seek employment in a different sector, likely staying in Montana. Although there’s still a possibility of seeing Lloyd again in future episodes, for now, he has closed one chapter of his life and opened another, providing a fitting conclusion for one of the Dutton family’s most dedicated cowboys.

2025-04-25 19:40