AceShowbiz - This article contains spoilers from the second episode of the CBS series Marshals and the finale of Yellowstone.

The new CBS series Marshals, starring Luke Grimes, is navigating its connection to the Paramount Network’s megahit Yellowstone with careful balance, as seen in the show's second episode. Premiering on March 1, Marshals brings back Grimes as Kayce Dutton, the surviving son of the late Dutton family patriarch originally portrayed by Kevin Costner in Yellowstone. The original series, which ended in December 2024, was the most-watched show on television at the time.

When asked by The Hollywood Reporter about whether the new show would primarily cater to devoted Yellowstone fans or aim to attract new viewers, showrunner Spencer Hudnut gave a clear answer. He emphasized the importance of honoring the rich history and loyal audience of Yellowstone, noting the depth of the Dutton family's story and the fact that Kayce still resides on the family’s Montana land. However, Kayce now lives in a separate section of the ranch with his son, Tate (played by Brecken Merrill), following the unexpected death of his wife Monica (Kelsey Asbille in Yellowstone), an event revealed in the series premiere of Marshals. This tragic loss was a key factor in convincing both Grimes to return to the role and co-creator Taylor Sheridan to join as executive producer, alongside Hudnut as writer.

Hudnut explained the challenge: “The balancing act was building off of Yellowstone, but in a way where people who didn’t watch that show can still follow along. And then over time, as we get to know the non-Yellowstone characters more, they can carry the story more.” Still, he promised that the series would maintain its connection to Yellowstone, as it remains a defining element that makes Marshals unique.

Even audiences unfamiliar with Yellowstone would have noticed Kayce’s tense reaction in the second episode to mentions of the “Zone of Death.” This is a real section of Idaho located near Yellowstone National Park, adjacent to Wyoming, where no citizens live and no law enforcement operates, effectively making crimes committed there unprosecuted. Harry (played by Brett Cullen), the chief of the Montana U.S. Marshals unit where Kayce now works, describes it as a local legend and dumping ground for the region’s worst criminals.

When Harry asks Kayce if he has heard the story—given that the Dutton family has been in the area for over a century—Kayce denies prior knowledge. However, viewers of Yellowstone know this is not true. In the original series, the “Zone of Death” was referred to as “the train station.” Across five seasons, the Dutton family notoriously disposed of bodies there and used the phrase as a code for killing someone. Most notably, Kayce and his sister Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) were involved in dumping their brother Jamie Dutton’s (Wes Bentley) body in this very area during the Yellowstone finale, creating a major cliffhanger for any continuation of the Dutton saga.

Now, in Marshals, Jamie’s disappearance is a recurring subject in the second episode. Harry clearly harbors resentment toward the Dutton family and presses Pete (Logan Marshall-Green), Kayce’s former Navy SEAL friend who recruited him, about Kayce’s knowledge of Jamie’s whereabouts. Even fellow marshal Andrea (Ash Santos) questions Kayce on the matter, highlighting the mystery surrounding Jamie’s vanishing.

Kayce remains tight-lipped when confronted, but the show is expected to explore how he manages to avoid revealing more throughout the season’s 13 episodes. Hudnut hinted that the season finale will end on a high-stakes note that will compel a return for season two. He also expressed openness to a crossover featuring Beth Dutton, should the stars align between the spinoff shows.

Marshals airs new episodes Sundays at 8 p.m. on CBS, with episodes available on Paramount+ the following day.