Dutton Ranch – S01E04 – Start with a Bullet – Transcript

Dutton Ranch
Season 1 – Episode 4
Episode title: Start with a Bullet
Original release date: May 29, 2026

Plot: Beth walks in on Carter and Oreana and learns that Oreana is a Jackson. Beulah and Everett spend time together and lament their missed opportunity for romance. Rip and Beth make the difficult decision to put their entire herd down, and later they exact vengeance on the cattle broker who scammed them into buying a sick bull using forged vet documents. Carter returns home and becomes upset when he realizes that he had been kept in the dark about their situation.

* * *

Transcript

Note for Students & Writers: This transcript is archived here for educational purposes, critical analysis, and screenwriting study. All rights belong to the original creators.

[Azul] Boss, you’re gonna want to see this.

[mooing]

Shit.

[gunshot]

[Everett] I’m afraid you’re right, Rip.

Foot-and-mouth.

It’ll burn through your whole damn herd if you don’t act quick.

If this thing breaks bad…

I understand. I got it.

Just what you asked for. Wow.

[Claudio] The very best.

[Beth] I got to go to Dallas. I got that meeting at the Swexan.

Certified Black Angus.

You bought Bill Edwards’s ranch?

I sure did.

Fucking Hoyt. We got into another fight

’cause he can’t keep his dick in his pants.

Why date someone you hate so much?

Why don’t you save me?

[moaning]

Oh, Everett, this place will be the death of us.

Well, we’ll just greet it with a smile.

Well, I’ve missed you.

Yeah.

Listen, you’re gonna want to come home.

Are you okay? Please don’t lie to me.

I never have, honey, and I never will.

[cattle lowing]

[lowing continues]

[bellows]

♪ slow, dramatic music ♪

[Beth] How does this happen?

It’s got to be the new bull.

It ain’t Reveille Farms, either. It’s more than likely Mexico.

♪♪♪

[cattle lowing]

[flies buzzing]

I don’t want Carter to see this.

I’ll get him up and get him out of here.

Zachariah, Azul, we got work to do.

You haven’t had many girls in your bed, have you?

Haven’t had many beds.

That’s what I like about you.

You’re the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen.

[chuckles softly]

[chuckles] What?

You know, you’re already gonna get laid again.

You don’t got to flatter me.

You’re bad at taking compliments.

I don’t believe in ’em.

You should.

Carter…

Who’s your friend?

Uh, does it really matter?

Look, uh, I don’t mind what you do in your free time, but right now, you should be getting your ass to school.

Don’t you think that he’s old enough to decide for himself?

I wasn’t talking to you.

I’ll-I’ll drive you home.

No, you won’t.

Where do you live?

10-Petal.

Are you a Jackson? Yes, ma’am.

Course you are.

Meet me outside in two minutes.

[door closes]

[engine revving]

Trying out for NASCAR?

[clears throat]

Guess that’s a yes.

You still in school?

Hmm?

No… ma’am.

Thought not.

Today’s not the day for this, but why him, why Carter?

He doesn’t try to be something he’s not.

I’ve never met a guy like that.

Most are cocksuckers.

Is that right? Mm-hmm.

Well, I don’t know what type of guys you’re used to, Oreana, but that one has a pure heart.

If you fuck with it, I will make your life a living hell.

Beulah already beat you to it.

I’m sure she did. [scoffs]

She uses people, throws ’em out like trash.

Kicked my daddy to the curb. Won’t let me move out.

Well, you don’t strike me as the type of woman who asks for permission.

♪ dramatic music ♪

It was nice to meet you.

Where’d you find her?

In bed with my son.

[sighs] Oreana’s like Texas weather.

Wait a day, she’ll change, find a new plaything to torment.

Carter isn’t someone to be played with.

My experience, boys that age enjoy being played with.

[chuckles]

We got off on the wrong foot. Let me make it up with a drink.

I’ll pass.

Rio Paloma’s a small town, Beth.

♪ tense music ♪

♪ slow, dramatic music ♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

[door closes]

[Oreana sighs]

Sheriff Wade says you’ve been out making trouble again.

Do you get bored spying on me?

You’re gonna do something, do it right.

[sighs]

You running around town like a feral animal puts me in a difficult position.

It’s also beneath you.

No more credit cards or Bronco until you behave.

How the hell am I supposed to get anywhere?

Your fucking lapdog?

Do not disrespect him.

[sighs]

I’ll get him a leash.

[Beulah sighs]

♪ dramatic music ♪

[indistinct P.A. announcement]

♪♪♪

[indistinct P.A. announcement]

You need a hand, sir?

I can ride, rope, fix fences.

Not today, son.

Oh, but you might want to mosey on inside.

Uh, Danny Ray, he knows every ranch within a hundred miles.

Will do. Thank you.

[country music playing]

Uh, you Danny Ray?

Yeah. What can I do for you? I was wondering if you knew any ranches in the area that need a hand?

Yeah, I know a few places always looking for day-trashers with a horse.

[Carter] I don’t have a horse, but I can ride and rope.

[Danny Ray] Gonna be hard-pressed, then.

What’s your day rate, chief?

Uh… whatever you’re paying.

Not much, but I’ll throw in victuals.

I’m not really sure what that is.

Grub.

I already ate.

Rule number one, two and three, never turn down free food. Let’s scoot.

Sir, I… I don’t have a horse.

Chief, you’re about to be the horse.

Come on. Giddyap.

♪ dramatic music ♪

[line rings]

[receptionist over phone] Winter Garden Vet Clinic.

Hi, I’m calling about a bull I bought.

Yes, ma’am.

And I have some questions for Dr. Poole.

You mind holding while I grab him?

Not at all.

Good girl.

You’ll be rid of me soon enough. [grunting softly]

[vet tech] Dr. McKinney.

10-Petal has a pregnant mare about to foal.

10-Petal uses Doc Sturgess.

Apparently, he’s on vacation.

Who’s covering for him?

Don’t know, but it seemed urgent.

[sighs]

Well, tell ’em I’m on my way, but not to make a habit of it.

[Dr. Poole] Hello, who is this?

My name is Dutton. You did the presale examination and blood work on a bull I bought from a cattle broker named J.R. Simon.

I don’t know a J.R. Simon. Who is this again?

Dutton.

D-UTTON. Beth.

I’m sorry, ma’am. I’ve never heard of you or a J.R. Simon.

♪ dramatic music ♪

[cattle lowing]

[whistling]

[engine turns off]

Y’all know where Rob-Will’s at?

He don’t work here no more.

Well, who’s the foreman, then?

You’re looking at him.

Where’s the pregnant mare?

What pregnant mare?

The one that dragged my ass out here.

Sir, we ain’t got no pregnant horses.

That right?

Right as rain.

[scoffs]

♪ slow, dramatic music ♪

[sighs]

[door opens]

You think you’re awfully clever.

I am awfully clever.

Could’ve just asked me to come by.

But you wouldn’t have, would you?

How about a whiskey?

I got a day ahead of me.

Oh, come on, Everett.

Take advantage of a good offer while the two of us are still breathing.

[laughs]

Nothing from you’s just a good offer.

Well, that ain’t all true.

Just one drink, okay?

I’ll set an alarm.

[pouring drink]

Just a splash.

All right.

[country music playing]

Yeah. Alpine born and bred.

I’d still be there, too, except my mama on her deathbed said, “Dwight, you were meant to see this big ol’ world.”

Have you?

From Alpine to here.

See, my mama, she wanted me to be somebody I wasn’t.

So, I told her a little white lie.

She’s probably still up there looking down on me, trying to block the pearly gates.

Not that I have a ticket, but still.

Enough of my jabbering.

What about you? How old are you?

Nineteen.

Nineteen?

Yeah.

On my 19th birthday, I had a nasty wreck after ingesting three bottles of Boone’s Farm.

I must’ve turned that son of a bitch over three or four times.

Cracked a femur, concussed myself, cuts and bruises everywhere, but walked away.

No, didn’t really walk away with a cracked femur, but you know what I’m saying.

The cowboy life, right?

We got to be tough sons of bitches.

Yes, sir, we fucking do.

Why don’t you take a break, man?

I’m-I’m getting worn out just watching you work.

Come over here.

Share a couple of cold boys with old Dwight.

[can pops]

Cheers, young fella.

Best part of working is stopping.

[chuckles softly]

You ever thought about retiring?

If I drop dead bringing a foal into this world, uh, it’ll be a life well lived.

Never thought about a final ride beyond Rio Paloma?

Is that a question or an invitation?

It’s a bit of both, I suppose.

You’re still running this ranch.

Well, I wish I didn’t have to. [chuckles]

Rob-Will’s fighting his demons again?

Good Lord, Ev.

You always did just cut deep.

Thought they taught you better than that at vet school.

Well, your new foreman looks out of his depth.

Chet is a decent enough cowboy.

Yeah, decent enough to handle an outfit this size?

You want to come run the place, huh?

Let me take the final ride?

Not for all the oil in Texas.

Well, truth be told, I had to send Rob-Will off to rehab.

Let’s hope third time’s the charm.

♪ tense, dramatic music ♪

[grunts softly]

He was a decent kid.

Good people don’t lose all their good.

Some do.

I still got that old tire swing hanging from my oak.

You know, I would’ve thought it’d have fallen down by now.

Decades of sun and rain and occasional ice storm, but it won’t quit, and, uh, more than anything, I just want the ropes to rot, so I don’t have to hear it creak every time the breeze blows by.

I mean, part of me still thinks it’s Levi out there.

And then, you know, reality kicks in, and…

[sighs]

…that wound rips open again.

[sighs]

But the guilt of cutting it down…

[sighs]

Shit, Beulah.

If we could go back…

Yeah.

We got too many demons to ever be good for each other.

♪ wistful music ♪

[sighs]

Well, I can’t argue that.

You can’t?

Okay, well, I guess not.

[chuckles]

I got to get on.

[sighs]

[sighs]

See you around, McKinney.

[door opens]

[door closes]

[crying]

[phone buzzing]

What is it?

Uh-uh. How many beers you have? Might need another one.

[laughing] Might need another one.

You got it.

Ah, you got him.

Damn.

[phone buzzing]

Uh-oh.

Oh, shit.

Lady troubles?

It’s my mom. She thinks I’m in school.

Well, what the hell is this if–

You tell your mama that this is school, son.

This is school of life.

[buzzing continues]

All right, all right. Mum’s the word.

Hey.

Listen, about this morning.

No, I… I get it.

Why don’t you take Oreana out tonight?

Get some dinner?

No curfew. Really?

You already fucked her, you might as well feed her.

Okay. Uh, I’m glad you like her.

Just be careful, please.

I love you.

[clerk] Where’s the party?

[scanner beeps]

Not a party, buddy. Funeral.

Sorry for your loss.

Thank you.

♪ somber music ♪

♪♪♪

Tell me to shut up if you want, but God’s plan ain’t always a blessing.

Shut up.

[country music playing]

Go long.

Nice try.

This ball’s being thrown one way or the other.

Ah. [laughs]

Still got it.

Yeah, you do.

What color?

Doesn’t matter, does it?

♪ tense, suspenseful music ♪

This’ll be one of those days that follow you to the grave.

If either one of you want to walk, I won’t hold it against you.

We’re with you.

[Zach] Yes, sir.

Y’all are gonna dig the pit, and Beth and I are gonna drive ’em in.

Azul, you’ll keep me loaded. Beth…

I’ll be right next to you.

Honey, that’s not where you want to be.

That’s why I won’t be anywhere else.

[pouring drink]

♪ tense, dramatic music ♪

Golly.

What?

Just need some air.

[Azul] My old man always said, “The surer a man is, the less he knows.”

Hector wasn’t wrong.

So how can anyone be sure what the Lord’s thinking, blessing or not?

I ain’t sure, but if it’s all for nothing, might be too bitter a pill to swallow.

You know?

Might be too bitter.

♪ somber, dramatic music ♪

[cattle lowing]

♪♪♪

[mooing]

Rip, maybe she’s okay. Maybe we can save her.

We can’t, honey.

[sighs]

[Rip clicking tongue] [sighs]

[cattle lowing]

[lowing continues]

[mooing loudly]

♪ somber, dramatic music ♪

[bellows]

♪♪♪

[gunfire continues]

[gunfire continues]

♪ somber, dramatic music ♪

♪♪♪

You don’t deserve this.

♪♪♪

[gunshot echoes]

[calf thuds]

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

[engine starts]

♪♪♪

[Zach] ♪ Play the drum slowly ♪

♪ Play the fife lowly ♪

♪ Play… ♪

[humming]

♪ As you carry me along ♪

♪ Down to the green valley ♪

♪ Lay the sod o’er me ♪

[humming]

♪ As you carry me along ♪

♪ somber, dramatic music ♪

[Carter] It’s nice land you got here.

I mean, I was ready to hate Texas, especially driving through the, uh…

Panhandle? Panhandle, that’s it. Yeah.

I-I’ve never seen so much nothing my whole life.

Must’ve slept through Oklahoma, then.

Maybe.

You know why Texas don’t fall off into the Gulf?

Why’s that?

Well…

[chuckling]

…because

Oklahoma sucks.

[both laugh]

Oh, my God. Oklahoma sucks!

[laughing]

Oh, man. Ah.

You ready for something wild?

Born ready. Hmm. All right.

Grab ahold of your gojonies.

[engine starts]

Hang on, boy!

[whooping, shouting]

Whoo! [laughing]

♪ tense, dramatic music ♪

Whoa.

Oh!

Safety first.

[Carter chuckles]

♪ tense, suspenseful music ♪

Come on, boy.

Come on.

Come on.

[chuckles]

Holy fuck.

I named her Xena after the… the Warrior Princess, you know?

[Carter] That’s a…

That’s a full-blooded African leopard.

Holy shit.

Where’d you even get her?

Who’s asking?

Me.

[laughs] Okay. In that case, I got her off this old boy from Arkansas.

It’s amazing the things you can get on the Internet these days.

Kitty, kitty.

Come here, Xena. Come here, baby.

Oh, shit, I…

I got to get out of here. I got to go.

Hey, hey, hey, hey.

Here you go. That’s for a hard day’s work.

Tell your Warrior Princess ol’ Dwight said hi.

All right? All right, I will.

Okay. Take the Gator, too.

Take the Gator.

I’m gonna stay here a while.

Sure? Um… yeah.

Go on, go on, go on, go on. All right.

[snarls]

There? Yeah.

I don’t know how we’re gonna tell Carter.

Mm. I don’t know, sweetheart.

He’s resilient. He’ll be okay.

Made some calls earlier.

Got answers you’re not gonna like.

All the vet paperwork, the blood tests, all of it forged.

♪ tense, dramatic music ♪

Cattle broker, he fucked us, baby.

I didn’t hear you come in.

I didn’t want to wake you.

Oh, I barely sleep anymore.

Seems like you don’t, either. Hmm?

My daddy always said, “Clouds give rain to quench the dry earth.

That’s how a man should live.”

♪ tense, dramatic music ♪

I’m so fucking tired.

Estoy harta.

Yo sé, jefa.

Let me take over.

Let me do the job for you.

I wish I could, Kino.

Wish I could.

[sighs]

[sighs]

[crickets chirping]

[Oreana] Yeah.

[engine starts]

♪ dramatic music ♪

Okay.

[scoffs] Take my fucking truck. See about that.

Move. Where you going?

None of your fucking business.

Unfortunately, it is.

Going to meet a friend.

Believe it or not, I do have friends.

Now move.

Unlike you, there are some very real consequences for me if I fuck up.

I’m not trying to fuck up your life, but I’m done getting treated like a child.

If you want freedom, stop acting like a child.

[car approaching]

♪ tense, dramatic music ♪

[car door closes]

Back it up.

[“Night Time is My Time” by Jake Worthington playing]

♪ I hear the honky-tonk alarm ♪

♪ About 5 p.m. ♪

♪ And I put a splash of coffee in my mug of gin ♪

♪ There’s a good time waiting on me uptown ♪

♪ Lord, I start to come alive ♪

♪ When the sun goes down ♪

♪ Hey, neon is… ♪

[snoring]

[gasps] What the fuck?

You sold me a sick bull.

[yells]

[Simon] What the hell you talking about?

♪ ominous music ♪

[grunts]

Dr. Poole doesn’t know you.

People come to me.

Their business ain’t mine. I will get you every penny.

[screams] Shut the fuck up.

[clattering]

You got 30 seconds to get the fuck out of this trailer and out of Rio Paloma, and if I ever fucking see your fucking face again, you’re dead.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

This was supposed to work.

Nobody could’ve seen this coming.

I’ll fix it.

I’ll do whatever I have to do.

No.

This isn’t on you to fix.

[engine turns off]

[seat belt clicks]

I need a minute, honey.

I love you.

You sent me away.

I was protecting you.

Protecting me from what? You want me to be a rancher.

No, today wasn’t ranching, Carter.

Bullshit.

I should’ve been here. Well, you weren’t.

Yeah, because you sent me to class with fucking 15-year-olds.

We will break ourselves in half to give you a better life, Carter. Do you understand that?

My life isn’t yours.

And it isn’t fucking Rip’s.

I mean, no curfew, and I thought it was because you liked Oreana.

[sniffles]

You’re just a liar.

♪ somber, dramatic music ♪

I’m sorry.

[door opens]

[door slams closed]

♪♪♪

[sighs]

[line ringing]

[clears throat]

[phone buzzing]

Yeah?

[Rip over phone] It’s done.

[sighs] I’m sorry.

For you and Beth.

Yeah.

[sighs]

♪♪♪

[exhales]

♪♪♪

[sighs]

[sighs]

♪ slow, dramatic music ♪