Yellowstone: Kayce’s Spinoff Finally Fixes A Thomas Rainwater Mistake

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The world of Yellowstone is expanding with Marshals, and the new series is clarifying the backstory of a key character. Gil Birmingham is returning as Thomas Rainwater, revealing more about his connection to the Broken Rock Tribe. Marshals follows Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) as he seeks a fresh start by working with the US Marshals.

Kayce’s storyline is deeply affected by the loss of his wife, Monica, as the actress who played her, Kelsey Asbille, won’t be returning. The new show, Marshals, has had a mixed start. While the first episode attracted 9.5 million viewers – more than Tracker and 60 Minutes – it currently has the lowest approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes compared to other shows in the Yellowstone universe.

Yellowstone Makes An Important Thomas Rainwater Clarification In Marshals

I’m really glad this show, even with all the debate around it, keeps Native American issues front and center. It doesn’t shy away from the real struggles between tribes and the government, and it’s actively working to fix misunderstandings. A small but important example? They made sure to show that Thomas Rainwater is the Chairman of the Broken Rock Tribe, not a ‘chief’ – and that detail makes a big difference in how we understand his role and power.

Kayce is reluctant to initially assist his friend and a team of marshals, but he ends up joining Belle Skinner and Andrea Cruz to monitor a rally at the Broken Rock mine. This leads John Dutton to become involved when an attack targets Thomas Rainwater.

During a conversation about the attack with Harry Gifford, the head of the US Marshals in Montana, a key detail about who was targeted comes to light. Harry asks if Rainwater, the chief of Broken Rock, was actually the intended victim, rather than the secretary.

Miles Kittle, also known as “Dust Cloud” (played by Tatanka Means), quietly corrects the supervisor, clarifying that Rainwater is the chairman of Broken Rock, not a chief. Though brief, the correction is significant, as the show itself—through Kittle’s character—establishes Rainwater’s proper title.

Tribal chiefs are still leaders in Indigenous communities worldwide, but many tribes now use elected positions with titles like “chairperson” or “president.” The show Yellowstone reflects this modern approach. While Rainwater leads the Broken Rock Tribe and handles its business, his exact title would be determined by the tribe’s governing rules.

What Marshals’ Thomas Rainwater Fix Means For Kayce’s Yellowstone Story

A key detail was revealed in the first episode of Marshals almost as an aside – many viewers might have overlooked it. However, this fits a pattern already seen in Kayce Dutton’s new show, which frequently focuses on Native American issues and viewpoints. The dialogue in Marshals is full of moments where characters share important insights or question common assumptions.

In Yellowstone, Kayce shared a special bond with Thomas Rainwater and Mo Brings Plenty, and it’s natural they’d reappear in Marshals. Their return feels right considering what happened with Kayce in Season 5 of Yellowstone, and it also strengthens the overall story, as both men played a key role in shaping who Kayce became.

Kayce was the son who had once strayed from his family, a family that had owned the Yellowstone ranch for over a hundred years. He was also married to Monica Long-Dutton, whose family belonged to the Broken Rock Tribe. Because of the historical tensions between these groups, Kayce often found himself torn between loyalties, and he relied on Mo and Thomas for advice and support.

The show Yellowstone highlighted important Native American traditions, practices, and beliefs, often by focusing on the experiences of the character Kayce. Throughout the series, Kayce takes part in ceremonies like sweat lodges and vision quests, and even demonstrates traditional warfare tactics – including a practice called ‘counting coup’ – with the help and guidance of Thomas and Mo. This was particularly evident in Season 5.

Despite everything, the show Marshals continues to present a balanced view, highlighting both historical and contemporary Native American life. This approach really distinguishes Marshals, as the initial storylines focus on how Kayce and his team work to safeguard and support the local community.

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2026-03-07 14:06