Y: Marshals Must Revive Yellowstone’s Most Overlooked Character: Cade McPherson
A New Direction for the Yellowstone Universe
CBS’s upcoming Y: Marshals promises to take fans deeper into the world of law enforcement and cowboys, expanding Kayce Dutton’s (Luke Grimes) history as a Navy SEAL while showing the unique struggles U.S. Marshals face when separated from family. Tackling Montana-based criminals is a compelling draw, but the show also presents a chance to explore one of Yellowstone’s most overlooked characters: Cade McPherson.
Introduced briefly in Season 5B of Yellowstone, Cade appeared as a critical ally to Kayce in the aftermath of their father’s murder investigation. Played by Jake McLaughlin, Cade offered Kayce intel on Grant Horton, but his limited appearances meant his character was never fully developed. Now, Y: Marshals has the opportunity to change that.
Cade McPherson: More Than a Plot Device
Cade’s introduction in Yellowstone was late and fleeting, serving primarily to move Kayce’s storyline forward. Beyond a few phone interactions, fans saw little of his personality, skills, or his bond with Kayce. Yet it’s clear these two share a deep connection forged through their military service — a bond that could fuel gripping storytelling.
Given Y: Marshals’ procedural and action-packed format, Cade could be integrated as a recurring character who provides expertise, tactical support, and emotional resonance. The series already confirmed Logan Marshall-Green as Pete Calvin, a Navy SEAL comrade of Kayce’s. While Pete expands Kayce’s military backstory, Cade’s return would deepen the emotional stakes and highlight loyalty forged under fire.
Expanding Kayce’s SEAL History
One of the most exciting opportunities Y: Marshals offers is exploring Kayce’s time as a Navy SEAL. Flashbacks to missions, combat sequences, and tense operations could reveal why Kayce became a U.S. Marshal and how his past informs his decisions. Cade’s expertise in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and off-the-grid communication positions him as a perfect narrative tool for these flashbacks, even if he appears intermittently in the present timeline.
The inclusion of characters like Cade or Pete provides a natural way to bridge Kayce’s military past with his current responsibilities. It also opens the door for complex moral dilemmas, intense camaraderie, and action-driven storylines — elements that Yellowstone often hinted at but never fully explored.
Procedural Thrills Meet Neo-Western Drama
Unlike Yellowstone, which centered on land disputes and Dutton family drama, Y: Marshals will focus on justice, investigation, and the personal challenges faced by law enforcement officers. Cade could bring procedural expertise to the team, assisting Kayce with high-stakes cases while navigating his own secrets and past missions.
By integrating SEAL Team-style sequences and tactical flashbacks, the series can balance action and emotional depth, making Cade a key figure in both the investigative and character-driven arcs. This approach would honor Yellowstone’s world while giving fans fresh stories and higher stakes.
Why Fans Need Cade Back
Cade McPherson is more than a background figure. He embodies the discipline, loyalty, and skills Kayce relies on in life-or-death situations. Reviving Cade ensures continuity within the Yellowstone universe while creating opportunities for thrilling action, suspenseful investigations, and heartfelt character moments.
As Y: Marshals prepares to air, fans can anticipate a series that is part neo-Western, part action-drama, with strong emotional ties to Kayce’s past. Including Cade McPherson is not just fan service — it’s essential for the depth and realism that could make the show a standout successor to Yellowstone.