While it might seem a bit obvious to point out that such blatant abuse is probably not going to be good for a relationship, John’s branding of Kayce on “Yellowstone” is much more disastrous than he could have ever imagined. Directly because of his actions, his son’s emotions become somewhat stunted, and he leaves the ranch for years to join the military, only rarely speaking with his father.

This is likely why when John seeks to reconnect with Kayce’s branch of the family, he chooses to do so through his grandson, Tate (Brecken Merrill). After all, if Kayce and Monica had followed John’s wishes, Tate wouldn’t even exist. In this way, it seems like this is John’s way of admitting he was wrong to punish Kayce.

Still, as fans of “Yellowstone” will well know, the brand is for life. Only one character has had the brand removed over the course of the series, and anyone who recalls Wade Morrow’s (Boots Southerland) brutal final moments will probably not want to follow in his footsteps anytime soon. Meanwhile, John and Kayce have grown increasingly close throughout the series, and John has even bonded with Monica from time to time, suggesting that even an overreach as violent and unnecessary as John’s can at least be redeemed to some extent.