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The second Yellowstone (YS) prequel is the series, 1923, which debuted in December 2022. It gave the Dutton family a deeper level of complexity as they guided the ranch through historic adversity, like economic collapse, range conflicts, and generational strife. The show introduced Jacob and Cara Dutton, played by Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren.
The 1923 Season 2 finale addressed certain long-standing problems. However, it also left significant questions about the Dutton family tree, the Train Station's beginnings, and unresolved character arcs that might have an impact on 1944 and other spinoffs.
These five unanswered problems have a real bearing on how fans interpret the Duttons' mythology and legacy across the franchise; they are not merely unresolved issues.
5 questions that 1923 Season 2 finale left unanswered
These are the five main questions that the 1923 Season 2 finale left open, along with an explanation of why they are important for the Dutton franchise's future:
Who Is John Dutton III’s Grandfather, Spencer or Jack?
1923 could not specifically identify who would become the direct ancestor of Yellowstone's John Dutton III (played by Kevin Costner), despite numerous generational flash-forwards and narrations.
The majority of the hints suggested that Spencer Dutton and Alexandra had a son called John, which is consistent with Dabney Coleman's portrayal of an older John Dutton in Season 2 of Yellowstone. The Season 2 conclusion, however, added complexity by revealing that Spencer may have had a second child with a widow later in life while Elizabeth's pregnancy with Jack was still unresolved.
What Happened to Spencer Dutton’s Second Child?
After Alexandra passed away, Spencer sought solace with a widow. As per the storyline, he fathered a second child. This was mainly according to Elsa Dutton's narration in the last episode.
The identity of that child and their place in the Dutton lineage were seriously called into doubt by this discovery. This was carelessly revealed in the final moments of the show.
There was no name, no chronology, and no link to the ranch. It felt unfinished not to investigate whether this child went back to Montana, helped the ranch survive, or went on to become a future Dutton patriarch, considering the significance of such a revelation.
Is Elizabeth’s Child Still Part of the Dutton Legacy?
In interviews, Michelle Randolph attested to Elizabeth's pregnancy at the time of her departure from Montana. But neither her nor the baby's fate was ever explained in the show. Elizabeth left abruptly, and there was no indication that she planned to go back to the Yellowstone Ranch. The future of her child, who might be another legitimate heir to the property, was thus left entirely up in the air.
There was a significant hole in the Dutton family tree that flows into Yellowstone since Jack Dutton was positioned as the next in line after Jacob, and his plot was left unsolved.
Why Did Spencer Blame Donald Whitfield for Alex’s Death?
Spencer's last act of retaliation was a deeply personal one. Even though Alexandra's death was caused by gangrene and frostbite, he held Donald Whitfield accountable. According to the chronology, her health deteriorated as a result of a delayed trip to Bozeman, and although Whitfield's land war prompted Spencer to return, he was not the main cause of her death.
Viewers began to doubt Spencer's reasoning as a result of this conflict. Spencer's character should have had a crucial final arc, but the finale left a significant emotional beat unsolved by providing no additional opportunity for reflection or self-reflection.
What was Alexandra’s Story?
Alexandra went through a great deal of suffering, including escaping England, crossing the Atlantic, and then experiencing tragedy in Wyoming. However, the conclusion of the 1923 season 2 made the story clear.
As per the plot, it showed the only people who truly understood the depth of her pain were Hillary and Paul, the Chicago couple who drove her to the hospital. Her story died along with them.
The larger topic of female erasure and forgotten history was emphasized by this omission. Given how important Alexandra was to Spencer's emotional development in both seasons, the show lost the chance to give her story the credit it merited.
Cast of 1923 Season 2
On April 6, 2025, 1923's second season came to an end. The YS prequel features quite a diverse cast. Harrison Ford made a comeback as the old but powerful family patriarch, Jacob Dutton. His wife, Cara Dutton, played by Helen Mirren, kept the family together.
The 1923 season 2 revolved around Spencer Dutton's voyage from Africa to Montana, played by Brandon Sklenar. Julia Schlaepfer returned as Spencer's wife, Alexandra, whose terrible destiny influenced the show's climactic moments. Michelle Randolph played Elizabeth, who fled Montana while still pregnant, and Darren Mann played Jack Dutton.
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Teonna Rainwater, a young Native girl battling to survive a cruel system, was portrayed by Aminah Nieves. The season's primary antagonist, Donald Whitfield, was portrayed by Timothy Dalton.
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