Ep 1. Daybreak

In the first episode of Yellowstone (2018) titled "Daybreak", viewers are introduced to John Dutton (Kevin Costner), the sixth-generation patriarch of the Dutton family, who owns the largest ranch in the United States, located in Montana. John is a stern, no-nonsense kind of man who protects his land and his family at all costs. He has four children - Jamie (Wes Bentley), Lee (Dave Annable), Beth (Kelly Reilly), and Cory (Luke Grimes), each with their own unique personalities and problems.

As the episode begins, we see John Dutton surveying his land on horseback, accompanied by his trusted right-hand man, Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser), who is fiercely loyal to John. They come across a group of Native American men on horseback, hunting for an elk. John confronts them, telling them that they are on his land and they will need to get permission to hunt. The leader of the group, Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham), tells John that they have been hunting on this land for centuries and they don't need permission. This sets the stage for a clash between John and the Native Americans over land rights and who has the right to use the resources on the land.

Meanwhile, we are introduced to John's dysfunctional family. Jamie, the eldest son and a lawyer, is constantly seeking his father's approval but always seems to fall short. Lee, the middle son, is married with a son of his own and seems to have a stable life, but is struggling with his loyalty to his family versus his own personal ethics. Beth, the only daughter, is a fierce businesswoman who runs the marketing and branding for the family's ranch. She is often at odds with her father and is bitter towards her brothers for not including her in important decisions. Finally, Cory, the youngest son, has long since abandoned the family business and has a complicated relationship with his girlfriend, a Native American woman.

As the episode progresses, we see various plot lines begin to develop. John is dealing with a group of developers who want to buy his land, while also trying to fend off attacks on his land and property by various rivals, including the Native Americans and a neighboring rancher named Dan Jenkins (Danny Huston). Meanwhile, Jamie finds out some damaging information about his father and struggles with the decision of whether or not to use it against him. Lee is dealing with financial troubles on his own ranch and tries to lean on his family for help. Beth is working to secure a deal with a major hotel chain to bring more tourism to the area, but her father is not convinced that it's the right move. Lastly, Cory and his girlfriend are dealing with the aftermath of a tragic accident that occurred on her family's land.

Overall, the first episode of Yellowstone sets up an intricate and complex world full of family drama, land disputes, and power struggles. With a talented cast led by Kevin Costner, the show promises to be a thrilling and engaging ride for viewers. The stunning Montana scenery serves as a beautiful backdrop for the intense and often violent action that takes place on and off the ranch. Viewers will find themselves invested in the characters and their individual struggles, and eager to see how the conflicts between the various factions will play out in the episodes to come.