Dutton Ranch Star Teases Jaw-Dropping Joaquin Twist in Season 2
Dutton Ranch actor Juan Pablo Raba has defended his character Joaquin as he teases some stunning revelations could come to light in Season 2.
Warning – this article contains major spoilers for Dutton Ranch’s Series 1 finale.
Dutton Ranch star Juan Pablo Raba has defended his character Joaquin after he apparently killed his brother Rob-Will (played by Jai Courtney) in the series finale this Friday (3 July). The hit programme streaming on Paramount+ follows the story of Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and her husband Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) as they relocate from Montana to Texas to begin a fresh chapter following a catastrophic wildfire.
Alongside their young ward Carter (Finn Little), the unconventional family establish a new home on a 7,000-acre estate in Rio Paloma, but quickly find themselves at loggerheads with a neighbouring ranch. Their bitter rivalry with 10 Petal Ranch owner Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening) culminated in an explosive showdown in the series finale where Carter is abducted and Joaquin is commanded to murder Rob-Will by his adoptive father Mariano (Raoul Max Trujillo) to regain control.
His mother, Beulah, and daughter Oreana (Natalie Alyn Lind) are left devastated, but actor Raba remains convinced there could be a crucial missing element to the mystery.
Speaking to Variety, he asked: “Let me ask you a question: Do you think Joaquin killed Rob-Will?”

Raba reminds audiences that the individual who fired the shot is never actually shown, highlighting there was an exceptionally brief window for Joaquin to eliminate his brother.
“I mean, here’s the deal, and I’m not being cheeky here. I don’t think he did it!” he claimed.
“I really don’t. If you follow the timeline of the scene, you can check it out again, but Rob-Will says ‘Bye’ to Oreana. 15 or 20 seconds later, you hear a gunshot and there’s no cut. So whoever did it, literally: Ding-dong, door opens, shoots the guy.
“Are you telling me that Joaquin did that? He’s not drunk. He’s not drugged. And why? Because a guy, his dad, that honestly he has to hate in so many ways, asked? I think there’s a lot of questions to be answered.”
Raba’s Remarks Suggest Redemption for Joaquin
Raba’s remarks not only suggest a potential redemption storyline for Joaquin in Season 2, but also reveal the animosity he harbours towards his father may be far more profound than viewers appreciate.
For the time being, fans must wait patiently to discover how the compelling family saga unfolds in the next chapter, which Paramount confirmed last month is currently in development.
The actor also championed Joaquin by insisting he simply lacks the capacity to murder his brother. “This guy’s not a cowboy,” he added.
“This guy’s not a killer. This guy, for Christ’s sake, he’s a college boy!
“He doesn’t want to be like his father. He wants to be a Texan rancher. He could have made that call 20 years ago, but he didn’t want to. So everything that starts happening to him is just so bizarre, and he’s not acting like he can control things anymore. He’s really scared.”

The Shocking Events of the Season Finale
The season finale of Dutton Ranch delivered a series of dramatic twists that left viewers with numerous questions. The confrontation between Rip and Rob-Will highlighted the escalating tensions between the Duttons and the Jacksons. The revelation of the Jackson family’s involvement in drug trafficking added a new layer of complexity to the story and created immediate danger for Beth and Rip.
The kidnapping of Carter and the murder of Rob-Will created significant emotional stakes for the characters. These events set up compelling storylines for the next season as the characters deal with the consequences of the season’s dramatic conclusion. The series’ ability to balance personal drama with larger conflicts has been a key strength throughout the first season.
The Jackson Family Power Struggle
The Jackson family power struggle has been building throughout the first season. The death of Rob-Will and the kidnapping of Carter create new tensions within this powerful ranching family. The relationships between Beulah, her sons, and granddaughter Oreana will be significantly affected by these events.
The generational conflicts within the Jackson family continue to drive the narrative. The revelation of the drug operation explains many of the family’s actions and creates new conflicts for all involved. The decision to use cattle for drug trafficking demonstrates the lengths the family has gone to maintain their ranch.
Oreana’s Pregnancy and Relationship with Carter
Oreana’s pregnancy revelation adds another layer of complexity to the story. Her decision to keep the pregnancy secret and her desire to escape with Carter create compelling dramatic possibilities for future episodes. The uncertainty about Carter’s fate and the impact on Oreana’s future create emotional weight for the characters.
The young couple’s relationship represents hope and potential change in the challenging world of Dutton Ranch. Their shared feelings of isolation create a bond that transcends their different backgrounds. The pregnancy revelation will test their relationship and force them to consider their future together.
Beth and Rip’s Challenges in Texas
Beth and Rip’s move to Texas represents a fresh start for the couple after the challenges they faced in Montana. Their determination to build a new life while protecting their family creates interesting dynamics with the local ranching community. The conflicts with the Jackson family and the kidnapping of Carter will test their resilience and commitment to their new home.
The couple’s experience and strategic thinking help them navigate the dangerous world of the 10-Petal Ranch. Their partnership remains central to the story as they face new challenges in their new environment. The contrast between their relationship and the younger romance between Oreana and Carter adds interesting layers to the narrative.

The Success of the First Season
The strong performance of Dutton Ranch in its first season has been a significant success for Paramount+. The series has attracted a large audience and generated considerable discussion among fans of the Yellowstone universe. The show’s ability to expand the franchise while introducing new characters and storylines has been well received.
The renewal for a second season ensures that fans will have the opportunity to continue following the characters’ journeys and discover more about the world of South Texas. The behind-the-scenes insights from the cast have helped build excitement and strengthen the connection between the show and its audience.
Looking Ahead to Season Two
With season two already confirmed, there is considerable interest in how the story will continue. The first season has established complex characters and intriguing storylines that provide numerous possibilities for future episodes. The Jackson family secrets and dynamics will likely be explored in greater depth.
The contrast between the Jacksons and Duttons creates interesting dynamics and opportunities for conflict and cooperation. As the story continues, the exploration of both families’ histories and their interactions will be central to the narrative. The resolution of the cliffhangers from season one will be a key focus as the series moves forward.
The success of the first season has created significant anticipation for what comes next. Fans have embraced the new characters and storylines while appreciating the connections to the larger Yellowstone universe. The combination of strong performances, compelling storytelling, and the
prestige of Taylor Sheridan’s name has created significant interest in what comes next for Dutton Ranch