In the latest episode of “Marshals,” titled “The Gathering Storm,” viewers witness Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) grappling with the possibility of moving on from the loss of his wife, Monica (Kelsey Asbille). Monica’s tragic death is still fresh, yet Kayce finds himself encountering Dolly (Ellyn Jameson), the daughter of a rancher who needs rescuing from the mountains amid a brewing storm. After Kayce and Pete Calvin (Logan Marshall-Green) heroically save Dolly’s father, she expresses her gratitude by treating them to drinks at their local bar.

Andrea (Ash Santos) plays a pivotal role in helping Kayce realize that Dolly’s interest might extend beyond mere gratitude. When Dolly suggests a private tour of Big Sky Country, Kayce’s hesitant “Maybe” stirs mixed reactions among fans, who feel his romantic interest might be premature.

“Oh, please for the love of God do not start Kayce off with a love interest this soon after Monica’s death,” implored Reddit user u/funkofanatic95. “I may not have liked Monica much at all because all she did was cry, but for real both Kayce and Tate are still grieving… her shoes are still by the damn door.” The contrast between Dolly and Monica doesn’t sit well with some fans, who find Dolly’s character clichéd. “Too soon after Monica’s death — and too soon in the series storyline. Plus, we don’t need a bottle blonde from back east,” commented u/BeachgirlNJ0613.

Further complicating matters, Kayce’s budding relationship with Dolly might jeopardize the fragile bond he is rebuilding with his son, Tate Dutton (Brecken Merrill). “Oh yeah, drive a bigger wedge between Kayce and son by forcing a love interest,” observed u/saxyseminole.

An even bigger problem might lie ahead for Kayce if he ends up getting together with Dolly: a possible rift in his relationship with son Tate Dutton (Brecken Merrill), a connection that was just starting to heal in the wake of Monica’s death. “Oh yeah, drive a bigger wedge between kayce and son by forcing a love interest,” remarked u/saxyseminole. 

Many commenters agree that it’s too early for Kayce to be contemplating love after just four episodes of “Marshals.” Still, others have noticed the fiery interaction between Kayce and Belle Skinner (Arielle Kebbel), and the push-pull dynamic between Kayce and Andrea, and are hoping that he’ll pick one of them. One viewer even has their eye on someone who hasn’t been in Kayce’s orbit for a while. “If they were going to introduce a love interest for [Kayce] it should have been Avery,” said u/AbbreviationsAway500. A horse groomer working on the Dutton ranch in “Yellowstone,” Avery’s (Tanaya Beatty) chemistry with Kayce was never explored, thanks to his marriage to Monica. 

While Kayce might look into his feelings for Belle and Andrea — and even Avery — sometime in the near future, fans should brace themselves for more Dolly: Ellyn Jameson is confirmed to have a recurring role on “Marshals.”