In “Kill the Messenger,” the second episode of Yellowstone‘s inaugural season, Robert Long, the Livestock Agent, meets his untimely death after an altercation with Kayce Dutton and his allies. Long’s death sets in motion a chain of events that further escalates the conflict between the Dutton family and the Broken Rock Reservation.
The Death of Robert Long: A Deep Dive
Robert Long, employed by the Livestock Association, serves as a direct consequence of the brewing tensions between the Dutton ranch and the reservation. His mission in the episode centers around the investigation of stolen cattle, an accusation aimed squarely at the Broken Rock Reservation, and by extension, Thomas Rainwater. His forceful and arguably biased approach in his investigation leads him directly into a dangerous situation.
The Confrontation
Long’s investigation leads him to the scene where Kayce Dutton and his friends are branding cattle that had wandered across the border from the reservation. Long confronts them, fueled by accusations and armed with a gun. The situation quickly escalates. While the exact sequence of events leading to Long’s death is somewhat ambiguous, it is clear that Long drew his weapon first, initiating the violent confrontation.
The Aftermath
Kayce and his allies ultimately overpower Long. While not explicitly shown, the episode makes it clear that Long dies as a result of the altercation. His body is later discovered, furthering the political and personal conflicts already simmering between the Duttons and the reservation. Long’s death has profound implications for the unfolding narrative, heightening the stakes and paving the way for future episodes of escalating violence and negotiation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the events surrounding Robert Long’s death in Yellowstone season 1, episode 2, “Kill the Messenger.”
1. What was Robert Long’s role on Yellowstone?
Robert Long was a Livestock Agent, employed by the Livestock Association to investigate reports of stolen cattle. He represented the authority attempting to enforce laws regarding livestock ownership and movement. He also served as a catalyst to showcase the escalating conflict.
2. Why was Robert Long investigating the Broken Rock Reservation?
Long was investigating the Broken Rock Reservation due to suspicion that they were stealing cattle from the Dutton Ranch. This accusation forms a key component of the ongoing land dispute and power struggle.
3. Who was present during the altercation that led to Robert Long’s death?
Kayce Dutton, along with other ranch hands, were present at the scene of the confrontation. These included individuals loyal to the Dutton family and crucial in maintaining the ranch’s operation.
4. Did Kayce Dutton directly kill Robert Long?
The episode does not explicitly show Kayce directly killing Robert Long. The scene implies a struggle in which Long is overpowered, and the result is his death. It’s ambiguous how exactly he died.
5. What were the immediate consequences of Robert Long’s death?
The immediate consequences included increased tension between the Duttons and the Broken Rock Reservation. It also served as a crucial point of escalation, setting the stage for retaliation and further conflict.
6. How did John Dutton react to Robert Long’s death?
John Dutton understood the ramifications of Long’s death. He recognized it as a significant escalation of the conflict and began planning accordingly to protect his family and land.
7. How did Robert Long’s death impact the political landscape of Yellowstone?
Long’s death served to intensify the existing political struggles surrounding the Dutton Ranch, specifically between the Duttons and the Broken Rock Reservation. It also brought the governor and other state officials more directly into the situation.
8. Was Robert Long’s death investigated by law enforcement?
Yes, law enforcement investigated Robert Long’s death. However, the investigation was complicated by the conflicting interests and the political influence wielded by the Duttons. The investigation highlights the ambiguous moral code within Yellowstone.
9. How did Thomas Rainwater and the Broken Rock Reservation respond to Robert Long’s death?
Thomas Rainwater, while not directly involved in Long’s death, understood that it would inevitably escalate tensions between his people and the Duttons. He likely perceived Long as an aggressor and his death as a consequence of his actions. He used it to show the Duttons as violent people.
10. What was the significance of the branded cattle in the episode?
The branded cattle served as evidence, either real or circumstantial, to support the accusations of cattle theft. They highlighted the ongoing land dispute and the conflicting interests between the Duttons and the Broken Rock Reservation.
11. How does Robert Long’s death contribute to the overall themes of Yellowstone?
Robert Long’s death encapsulates several key themes in Yellowstone, including the use of violence to protect land and power, the conflict between tradition and progress, and the ambiguous morality of the characters. It demonstrates the lengths to which individuals will go to defend their interests.
12. Was Robert Long’s death justified?
Whether Robert Long’s death was “justified” is a complex question. From the Duttons’ perspective, he was an aggressor who threatened their way of life. However, from a legal and ethical standpoint, his death was a consequence of illegal actions. This ambiguity is central to the moral complexity of Yellowstone.