The poignant moment has arrived for Kayce Dutton, portrayed by Luke Grimes, and his son Tate, played by Brecken Merrill, to honor the memory of their beloved Monica, whose tragic demise has been one of the most heart-wrenching elements in “Marshals” up to this point. The episode, titled “Out of the Shadows,” features Monica’s memorial service, a gathering that also sees the return of her grandfather, Felix Long, played by Rudy Ramos. Fans will remember Felix from his appearances in “Yellowstone,” where he was last seen in the series finale. This marks Felix’s debut on “Marshals” after having a recurring role in the original series.

During the emotional reunion, Felix warmly embraces Tate, who rushes to him eagerly, and expresses his surprise at seeing Kayce. Felix’s joy is palpable; he feared losing Kayce along with Monica when Kayce began distancing himself from the reservation life. The heartfelt embrace between the two men signifies a mending of their strained relationship. Although Kayce initially intended for Tate and Felix to represent Monica at her memorial, he ultimately chooses to stand by them. He shares a touching moment with Tate, giving him Monica’s cherished necklace, which Tate had previously requested. In doing so, Kayce acknowledges the need to begin the healing process, allowing himself a moment of vulnerability as he sheds tears.

Rudy Ramos, a seasoned actor with a career spanning back to the 1960s, has had roles in a variety of productions including “Hunter,” “The High Chaparral,” and “Helter Skelter.” However, to “Yellowstone” enthusiasts, he is best recognized as Felix, the steadfast figure who consistently supported his granddaughter Monica through thick and thin.

Rudy Ramos first graced “Yellowstone” in the pilot episode, “Daybreak,” which aired in 2018. Throughout the inaugural season, Felix is a significant presence in Monica’s life as she navigates the challenges of losing her brother, the turbulent dynamics within the Dutton family, and managing a teaching career that leads to an injury. Kayce, often overwhelmed by living in the shadow of his father John, portrayed by Kevin Costner, frequently seeks Felix’s guidance. For a time, the small family resides in Felix’s house on the reservation.

Rudy Ramos first appeared on “Yellowstone” in the pilot episode, “Daybreak,” back in 2018. During that initial season, he is a frequently visible part of Monica’s life as she copes with the death of her brother, turmoil within the Dutton family, and a teaching career that sees her incur an injury. Kayce often comes to him for advice as well, as he copes with feeling like he’s stuck in his father John’s (Kevin Costner) shadow. The small family also live on the Rez in Felix’s house temporarily. 

Felix appears again during the first two episodes of Season 2; he doesn’t show up at all in Season 3, and returns briefly for a single outing in Season 4. It’s likely the show needed him less once Monica and Kayce moved off the reservation together during Season 2.

But Felix resurfaces to participate in two moving Season 5 episodes. He pops up at the memorial service Kayce and Monica hold for their miscarried child in “Horses in Heaven,” then cameos in the series finale. During “Life is a Promise,” he can be seen helping his fellow Broken Rock tribe members pull down the remnants of the Dutton Ranch, reclaiming it for their people and for the land. Now that Kayce has mended fences with Felix, will Tate get to see his great-grandfather again? It certainly seems possible now that Felix has been reunited with the Dutton side of his family tree.