As “Marshals” progresses through its debut season, viewers, especially those from the “Yellowstone” fanbase, are left puzzled about the timeline of events. The series had yet to clarify the duration since Monica Dutton’s (Kelsey Asbille) demise until the latest episode, “Out of the Shadows,” which reveals that a year has passed since her death. This timeline indicates that at least a year has elapsed in Taylor Sheridan’s universe since the conclusion of “Yellowstone,” where Monica was last seen alive and well. However, the specific amount of time since Kayce relinquished the Dutton Ranch is still shrouded in mystery.

This poignant revelation comes through a heart-wrenching scene depicting the aftermath of Monica’s death. In a moment long anticipated from the season’s trailer, a nurse is shown covering Monica with a sheet, while her devastated husband and son look on. For the first time, the scene is accompanied by on-screen text clarifying that this occurred “a year ago.” Kayce (Luke Grimes) acknowledges that it’s time to move forward, shedding the weight of his mourning and the remnants of his past life.

The storyline of “Marshals” continues to delve into Kayce’s journey through grief, depicting his gradual emergence from sorrow. Since Monica’s passing, tensions have flared between him and Tate, but recent episodes show their relationship mending, much to the delight of Dutton family fans. However, the introduction of Dolly (Ellyn Jameson) as a potential new love interest in Episode 4 sparked outrage among “Yellowstone” enthusiasts, as many felt Kayce’s romantic reawakening was premature despite the months since Monica’s death.

“Marshals” continues to revolve around Kayce’s grieving process as — step by step — he starts to come out of his shell and leave behind his sadness. He and Tate have been prone to fights since Monica died, but they’ve begun to heal their once-close relationship in recent outings. That’s a narrative turn that devotees of the Dutton family celebrated, but “Yellowstone” fans were also furious when a potential love interest for Kayce named Dolly (Ellyn Jameson) was introduced in Episode 4. It felt far too soon for Kayce to be dating no matter how many months have passed since Monica’s death.

Now that audiences know that a year has gone by since Monica died, perhaps they’ll be more welcoming toward a potential girlfriend for Kayce. But until that lady shows up, they’re going to have to accept that one day Kayce’s grief will lift and he’ll fall for a fresh new face, with memories of Monica forever echoing in his mind.