Ep 3. A Gamble Either Way

(Caution: Some spoilers for previous seasons may be included in the following description)

In The Ranch season 5 episode 3, titled "A Gamble Either Way", things are getting tense as Colt tries to keep his struggling ranch afloat while also balancing his personal life. The episode opens with Colt and Abby having a discussion about their future and what they want for their family. Colt is still feeling resentful towards Abby for not wanting to have kids, as he feels he is missing out on an important part of life. Meanwhile, Abby is frustrated that Colt isn't taking their financial situation seriously and is more concerned with having fun than making the ranch work.

Colt's financial woes come to a head when he discovers that Beau has been secretly using his retirement money to keep the ranch afloat. Beau reveals that he never wanted Colt to know about the money, as he didn't want Colt to feel like he was letting his father down. Colt is upset and frustrated that Beau didn't trust him enough to share the financial burden, but he knows he can't dwell on it now. He and Rooster put together a plan to try and win some money at a poker tournament in order to keep the ranch running.

In parallel, Mary and Heather have a girls' night out, with Mary venting about how difficult it has been to adjust to life in Garrison since leaving LA. Heather suggests that Mary try using a dating app to meet new people, but Mary is hesitant. She ultimately decides to take the plunge and sets up a date for the following night.

Back at the ranch, the poker tournament gets off to a rocky start as Colt and Rooster realize they are out of their league. They soon find themselves in debt to a group of shady players who offer them a way to make up their losses: by playing a game of Russian roulette. Colt is hesitant, but Rooster is determined to win the money they need to keep the ranch running. In a tense and heart-stopping sequence, the two brothers take turns playing the dangerous game, with the fate of their ranch hanging in the balance.

Overall, "A Gamble Either Way" is a tense and emotional episode that explores the difficulties of making tough choices in tough times. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as Colt and Rooster face their biggest gamble yet, and the consequences are sure to have lasting effects on the rest of the season.