‘Y: Marshals’ Needs to Bring Back Yellowstone’s Underrated Hero Cade McPherson
Introducing Cade McPherson
The upcoming Y: Marshals spinoff promises to expand the Yellowstone universe in exciting new ways. While Logan Marshall-Green’s Pete Calvin will play a prominent role alongside Kayce Dutton, there’s one overlooked character fans are eager to see return: Cade McPherson.
First appearing in the Season 5B episode “The Apocalypse of Change,” Cade helped Kayce investigate Jamie’s involvement in their father’s murder. He made a second appearance in “Counting Coup,” providing crucial intel on Grant Horton, the man who actually pulled the trigger. Despite these limited appearances, Cade left a lasting impression as a resourceful and mysterious ally.
Why Cade Deserves a Spotlight
Cade’s brief appearances reveal key aspects of his character. He shares a history with Kayce from their military days, suggesting a bond forged in intense situations. He’s deeply skilled in intelligence and information gathering, often operating through unmonitored apps and unconventional methods to maintain secrecy.
Fans know little else about Cade, making him a perfect candidate to deepen the story in Y: Marshals. His skill set and past connections could enrich the narrative, especially as Kayce navigates a world of danger and moral ambiguity outside the Yellowstone ranch.
Expanding Kayce’s Navy SEAL Background
Y: Marshals also provides the opportunity to explore Kayce’s Navy SEAL history more fully. Unlike Yellowstone’s land and family-centered drama, this series leans toward action-driven storytelling. By including characters like Cade, the spinoff can highlight Kayce’s military expertise and tactical thinking, offering fans a new dimension of his character.
Expanding on this past not only adds depth to Kayce but also introduces compelling storytelling possibilities. Cade could serve as a guide, ally, or even a moral compass in high-stakes operations, offering insight into the risks Kayce faced during his service.
A New Direction for the Yellowstone Universe
While Y: Marshals will retain the neo-Western aesthetic of Yellowstone, it’s clear that the series will focus less on Dutton family land drama and more on action, justice, and intrigue. Think SEAL Team or Longmire meets Yellowstone. This new approach promises suspenseful missions, dangerous encounters, and moral dilemmas that challenge Kayce and his allies.
With the Dutton Ranch out of the picture, the show can explore fresh stories while remaining anchored in the universe fans know and love. Cade’s inclusion could bridge past and present, linking Yellowstone’s legacy to the spinoff’s action-packed narrative.
Anticipation Builds for 2026 Premiere
Though Y: Marshals won’t premiere on CBS until 2026, anticipation is already high. Fans are eager to see how Kayce adapts to a new phase of life, who he trusts, and how his military past shapes his present. Cade McPherson could play a pivotal role in this transition, giving viewers a familiar yet intriguing connection to Yellowstone.
In the meantime, audiences can revisit Yellowstone on Peacock to catch up on Kayce, Cade, and the complex world that Y: Marshals will build upon. The spinoff promises a fresh take on justice, loyalty, and survival — and Cade’s return could make it even more compelling.