1923 Season 2 Episode 1 recap: How are Jacob and Cara surviving the harsh Montana winter?

1923, Yellowstone's spin-off, has kicked off Season 2, and things are not looking good for Jacob, Cara, and their ranch.

While Spencer is aboard a ship, shoveling coal, Alex is trapped in her home in England. She is visited by her friend Jennifer, and Alex reveals that she is pregnant and wants her friend's help to reunite with Spencer.

While Alex wants a train passage to Montana, Jennifer manages to get her a ticket to the Cunard line, where “gamblers and thieves” also travel. Alex sets out on her journey to be reunited with her husband.

Elsewhere, Jacob and Cara are in for a harsh winter, and how are they surviving? Barely. They have sold most of their cattle, have no money to pay their property tax, and are only relying on Jacob's hunting.

Here is the complete recap of 1923 Season 2 Episode 1.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for 1923 Season 2 Episode 1. Reader discretion is advised.

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A harsh Montana winter in 1923 Season 2 Episode 1

In the 1923 Season 2 premiere, we see a snow-clad Montana posing problems for Cara and Jacob on the ranch, as she explains them in a letter to Spencer.

She explains how the couple has exhausted their money and is left with nothing to pay this year's tax, so they have sold most of their cattle, except some bulls and heifers. The couple is barely making it through the winter, which has shut down travel and most industries, and are waiting eagerly for spring.

The community mostly relies on their men's hunting, and after having a small banter about having a telephone at their home, Jacob goes out to find a snow leopard on their porch, which hints at danger. While he goes away without harming, he returns in the last episode, and Cara shoots it with a gun, hinting danger is afoot, and she might have to take the upper hand this season.

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Donald Whitfield is after Jacob's ranch in 1923 Season 2 Episode 1.

Donald Whitfield is introduced as he is having the time of his life with prostitutes in the 1923 Season 2 premiere. While he is already enjoying with Linda in the bath, we see Christy tied in his closet, naked. He talks about a court trial, which we later learn is about Zane and his family.

In Season 1, Zane was separated from his wife Alice and their children due to the mixed marriage laws. Not only was he not able to meet up with his family, but they were beaten up. As Jacob gathers with the other men in the Speakeasy to discuss this case, it is revealed that Donald reported Zane for miscegenation charges to get back at Jacob because he has his eyes set on his ranch.

Since Donald is already after Jacob's property, Sheriff McDowell also reminds him that if he fails to pay this year's property tax soon, Donald will pay it and claim his land.

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Spencer fights for survival in 1923 Season 2 Episode 1

After being separated from Alex, Spencer is aboard a ship to America, where he is shoveling coal with an Italian man named Luca. One night, he finds a crew member r*ping Luca and beats the man to a pulp. The captain of the ship shoots the r*pist.

After the incident, Luca considers taking his life by jumping from the ship, but Spencer talks him out of it. Since Spencer fought with the r*pist so well, Luca suggests that he fight with the other sailors for money. After considering, Spencer agrees, and Luca arranges and makes bets. Spencer fights against the dukes on the ship and makes $420, out of which he gives 20% to Luca. He sees the land at the end of the episode.

Also Read: “Prepare yourself”: Michelle Randolph teases an emotional rollercoaster in 1923 Season 2

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