1923 Season 2 Episode 3 recap: A storm passes, but trouble lingers for the Duttons

The Dutton family's storyline goes on in 1923 Season 2 Episode 3, named "Wrap Thee in Terror." It shows that even when the harsh weather settles, their deep-rooted troubles don't. The episode is set in both the cold lands of Montana and the challenging setting of Ellis Island.

In Montana, Elizabeth deals with the aftermath of a vicious wolf attack. Despite needing medical care, she resisted it until 1923's Cara Dutton stepped in more firmly. Meanwhile, Alex faces a tough time in New York after arriving to be with Spencer. She's subjected to a degrading medical check and faces the possibility of being sent away because she's pregnant.

Elsewhere, Spencer's secret business in bootlegging becomes deadly, showing that breaking the law during Prohibition is a dangerous game. This episode looks at tough times, giving things up for others, and unfair systems.

1923 keeps us thinking about Spencer and Alex's baby, who represents the Dutton family's future in the show. But their present is full of battles.

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1923 Season 2 Episode 3 recap: Cara keeps Elizabeth alive

Elizabeth's avoidance of her rabies shots became a problem in 1923. After a scary encounter with a rabid wolf, she fights against receiving the painful injections. The doctor and other ranch workers try to keep her still, but she resists.

Cara Dutton then takes charge with a powerful and clear display of leadership.

Cara slaps Elizabeth and tells her,

“The world is not a fair place.”

Despite this, Elizabeth's acceptance of their tough reality doesn't stop her resentment from growing. Her anger with ranch life builds up over time.

Elizabeth decides she's had enough and tells Jack she wants to leave for Boston.

She says,

“Eight more, and I’m done with this place.”

Her future with 1923's Dutton family is looking more and more uncertain. She's hurt, both in body and spirit, and her patience is wearing thin.

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1923 Season 2 Episode 3 recap: Alexandra at Ellis Island

Alex arrives in New York, only to find an unexpected challenge: the Ellis Island immigration process. She must undergo a humiliating medical exam, where she's made to strip down. A doctor finds out she's pregnant and brands her abdomen with "PG" for pregnant, which could lead to her being sent back.

But now in 1923, this isn't the America of opportunity she had hoped for; it's a place where she's just been embarrassed.

Alex fights back, though. When faced with an immigration officer trying to trip her up, she reads from a book called Leaves of Grass. This shows she's not the person they think she is. In a clever move, she points out a lipstick mark on his neck. It shows he's not as clean as he pretends to be. Reluctantly, he lets her stay.

But her victory is brief. In Grand Central Station, the danger is waiting. A pickpocket sees her small amount of money and decides to go after it. So even though she's made it through the gates, she's not safe yet. She's still got to watch her back.

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1923 Season 2 Episode 3 Recap: Spencer's bootlegging

Spencer's plan to get to Montana hits a snag when he ends up in a bootlegging run. He gets caught up, but when Luca, the person he's with, runs into trouble with the law, Spencer decides he's not going to get killed for some illegal hooch.

He takes off just before bullets start flying. This is a big deal because Luca gets shot and is another person who doesn't make it in the dangerous world of Prohibition. This shows what the series is about: doing what it takes to survive.

Spencer is all about his family, and he'll go through a lot to be with them. But things keep getting in the way. Now, after this bad experience with the bootleggers, he's got to figure out how to keep going on his dangerous trip.

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1923 is streaming on Paramount+.

Next up: What happened to Cole Brings Plenty?