Y: Marshals Must Revive Yellowstone’s Most Underused Character: Cade McPherson
Cade McPherson Deserves a Spotlight
CBS’s upcoming Y: Marshals offers an exciting opportunity to explore Kayce Dutton’s (Luke Grimes) past as a Navy SEAL while bringing law enforcement drama to Montana. While Logan Marshall-Green will appear as Pete Calvin, one of Kayce’s old military buddies, there’s another character fans hope won’t be forgotten: Cade McPherson.
Introduced late in Yellowstone’s Season 5B, Cade (played by Jake McLaughlin) appeared in just two episodes: “The Apocalypse of Change” and “Counting Coup”. In those brief moments, he helped Kayce investigate Jamie Dutton’s role in their father’s murder and provided key intelligence on Grant Horton, the true culprit. Yet Cade’s character was never fully explored, leaving fans curious about his skills, personality, and relationship with Kayce.
More Than a Plot Device
Cade’s limited appearances left him as little more than a tool to advance Kayce’s story. Still, the two share a strong military bond, suggesting a depth that Y: Marshals could fully develop. Cade’s expertise in government intelligence, surveillance, and discreet communication makes him ideal for the series’ action-driven narrative.
His insistence on secure, unmonitored contact with Kayce hints at a character grounded in precision and loyalty. These traits could provide tension, expertise, and emotional depth, particularly when paired with the procedural elements of Y: Marshals.
Exploring Kayce’s SEAL History
One of the most exciting aspects of Y: Marshals is its chance to showcase Kayce’s time as a Navy SEAL. Flashbacks to missions, combat, and tactical operations can reveal the formative experiences that shaped him into the U.S. Marshal fans will follow. Cade could serve as a bridge between past and present, appearing both in flashbacks and in the current timeline to aid Kayce in complex investigations.
This approach allows the series to expand on Yellowstone’s untold stories, showing why Kayce is methodical, disciplined, and deeply loyal to his team. Fans of shows like SEAL Team or The Terminal List will appreciate the high-stakes, tactical action sequences Cade could help facilitate.
A New Take on the Yellowstone Universe
Unlike Yellowstone, which centered on Dutton family drama and land disputes, Y: Marshals promises a more action-packed, introspective approach. Procedural investigations, criminal takedowns, and personal stakes are at the forefront. Cade’s intelligence skills and military experience make him a perfect fit for the show’s tone, ensuring continuity with Kayce’s past while elevating the series’ procedural elements.
Including Cade alongside new characters like Pete Calvin would enhance both character development and narrative depth, giving fans a richer understanding of Kayce’s journey and the unique challenges U.S. Marshals face in Montana.
Why Cade Should Return
Cade McPherson represents untapped potential within the Yellowstone universe. His past with Kayce, tactical expertise, and loyalty could add thrilling action sequences, emotional resonance, and layered storytelling. Reviving him on Y: Marshals ensures continuity and strengthens the series’ core, giving viewers more than just a procedural drama — it becomes a story about brotherhood, trust, and justice.
As Y: Marshals gears up for its CBS premiere in 2026, fans have reason to be excited. The series promises to expand Kayce’s past, explore his military bonds, and deliver intense action in a neo-Western setting. Cade McPherson’s return could be the key to bridging Kayce’s past and present while making Y: Marshals stand out as its own thrilling spin-off.