Winter rages on in the fourth episode of 1923’s second season, “Journey the Rivers of Iron.” After the first three episodes, it’s clear nothing will be easy for the Duttons or the people they care about — and episode 4 offers very little in the way of a reprieve.
However, Episode 4 does answer many of the questions and uncertainties presented in previous episodes. Spencer Dutton’s (Brandon Sklenar) efforts to get home to Montana and to be reunited with Alexandra (Julia Schlaepfer) continue while her latest threat plays itself out. Jacob and Cara Dutton (Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, respectively) care for Zane Davis (Brian Geraghty) and his family alongside Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph) and Jack Dutton (Darren Mann) as they find themselves at odds. Meanwhile, Donald Whitfield’s (Timothy Dalton) machinations continue and reveal just how far he’s willing to go to take what he wants.
On the whole, the fourth episode of 1923 finds the Duttons outrunning danger, only to encounter new and expected challenges.
Donald Whitfield Sells the Montana Experience at a Steep Price in ‘1923’
In Episode 2 of 1923, Donald Whitfield realizes that he could sell the Montana experience and make a ton of money in the process. The fourth episode features Whitfield’s pitch to investors who question the viability of a winter vacation resort. Whitfield is unfazed by their skepticism and convinces them that his plan to build a winter park resort is not only possible, but it will be lucrative for them all.
Once the investors agree to back Whitfield, the cutthroat businessman tells his lackey, Banner Creighton (Jerome Flynn), that it’s time to put together an army to take the land he needs. Creighton struggles with what comes next but, after talking to his wife, tells Whitfield he’s willing to do whatever he needs.
Creighton’s timing is perfect because, at that moment, Whitfield’s demented lover shows him the woman she killed in the throes of sex. Whitfield sends Creighton to a patch of land where there is no law to dispose of the body. This is presumably the so-called Train Station, where countless bodies will be dumped in Yellowstone.
Alexandra and Spencer’s Journeys Continue, But Teonna’s May Be Coming to an End
At the end of episode 3 of 1923, Alexandra walks into the restroom at Grand Central Station after buying a ticket to Montana. We find out what happens afterward in Episode 4 as she is beaten and has her money stolen. Alexandra fought back as much as she could, but he overpowered her, and she was left unconscious. When she wakes up, Alexandra is desperate to find out the time as a train whistles in the background.
Alexandra runs to catch her train, literally jumping aboard as it moves down the track. Her appearance is off-putting to the first-class passengers, but she holds her head up and walks to her quarters. There, Alexandra finds a woman and her two children, her companions for the trip.
As Alexandra races to catch a train, Spencer Dutton is also seeking a train in Texas. Before he is taken to the train station by a police officer in Fort Worth, Spencer is forced to finish the liquor delivery that he started with Luca. The authorities are well aware that Spencer was involved and, when they accompany him to the liquor drop, a shoot-out ensues. Spencer flees and, much like his wife thousands of miles away, runs to catch a train already chugging down the track. On the train, Spencer encounters three homeless people who threaten him. In the end, Spencer has to fight them off and jump off of the train, once again walking to try to get home.
In contrast, Teonna Rainwater (Aminah Nieves) and her group settle in Texas and provide help to the kind rancher who has welcomed them on his land. It’s short-lived when Teonna sees wanted posters with her face on them, a reminder that nowhere is safe.
Two Much-Needed Miracles May Offer a Glimmer of Hope for the Dutton Household
At the Dutton ranch, Jacob and Jack Dutton make a vice to hold Zane Davis’s head, so the doctor can drill into his skull and relieve the pressure. They take it to the doctor and Zane is strapped in, given chloroform, and the procedure begins. Jacob and Jack hold Zane down because, as the doctor reveals, the unpredictability of chloroform doesn’t guarantee Zane won’t regain consciousness. He wasn’t lying, and Zane wakes up, screams, and remains awake for the remainder of the surgery.
Elizabeth hears Zane’s screams and covers her head, while Zane’s wife, Alice (Joy Osmanski), and Cara discuss the impossibility of escaping greed and bigotry. When the surgery is over, Zane stands and goes to see his wife, while Jack tries to talk to his fiancé about what he just witnessed. Elizabeth doesn’t want Jack near her because she feels as though he’s chosen the ranch over her.
When Jacob hears that Elizabeth wants to leave, he goes to talk to her. Jacob tells Elizabeth that he understands why she wants to leave but also explains that to Jack, the ranch is under attack and he can’t abandon his family. Elizabeth and Jacob have a good discussion and when they’re done, Jacob is feeling pretty good about himself.
In an exchange that highlights how great Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren are in the show, they banter as Jacob takes credit for Elizabeth’s decision to stay. Cara lets him bask in the glory of the success briefly, but later tells him, “it is your complete ignorance of the mind of a woman that is the cornerstone of our marriage.” In truth, Elizabeth learns she’s pregnant, and that’s ultimately what reunites her with Jack.