While we might not have stepped foot on the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch and checked in with Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren), Episode 5 in Season 2 of 1923—titled “Only Gunshots to Guide Us”—was just as jam-packed and drama-filled as ever! Not only did we get a few highly anticipated reunions, but there was also a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that left viewers needing to know what happens next. To what exactly happened, and who it happened to, keep scrolling!
Alexandra Dutton is becoming more and more desperate by the day
Alexandra Dutton (Julia Schlaepfer) might be on the train to Montana, but that doesn’t mean her journey will get any easier. In this episode in particular, the soon-to-be mother learns that in order to secure food for herself, she must work as a server in the car reserved for rich people.
It goes well at first. Not only does she get free food, but she also gets tips and can listen in on the latest gossip. Then, one day, a wealthy middle-aged man forces her to wipe down his genitals after Alex accidentally spills coffee on him. The next day, she returns to work, and the gentleman is still there, but this time, he puts his hand up her skirt and violates her.
In self-defense, Alexandra strikes him with a coffee pot and narrowly avoids arrest when another couple—who witnessed everything—backs her up. They invite Alexandra to stay with them after her train to Montana is canceled because of snow. It is unclear how long she will stay there.
Spencer Dutton is finally on his way home
After literally jumping out of a moving train in the last episode, Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) finds himself getting arrested in Texas by none other than U.S. Marshal Mamie Fossett (Jennifer Carpenter)—who viewers might remember as the woman who helped Father Renaud (Sebastian Roché) and Marshal Kent (Jamie McShane) make Teoona Rainwater’s (Aminah Nieves) wanted posters.
Feeling suspicious about the fact that Spencer is also from Montana, Mamie drags him to Amarillo, Texas, where they call Sheriff McDowell (Robert Patrick), who not only confirms Spencer is who he says he is but he also warns him not to come back.
In true Dutton fashion though, Spencer is stubborn and vows to return home and avenge his brother John Dutton Sr.’s (James Badge Dale) death. This mention is important because it’s the first time that Spencer has called out any family member directly all season. He also mentions his aunt Cara (Mirren) and tells the Sheriff to let her know he will be home soon before getting on a train.
Now, whether that train will make it remains a mystery. Since Alexandra’s train to Montana was canceled, it’s safe to assume others will be as well, but only time will tell.
Teoona Rainwater nearly comes face-to-face with her past
In the last episode, Teoona Rainwater learned she was a wanted woman and fled the Texas-based cowboys she was working with. Her escape was going well at first, but then when her lover, Pete Plenty Clouds (Jeremy Gauna), leaves to get water, things take a turn for the worse.
Earlier in episode 5, we learn that Father Renaud and Marshal Kent have made their way to Amarillo, Texas after the cowboys Teonna was working with turned her in. After learning where the group left her, Father Renaud and Marshal Kent ride off into the desert to hunt Teonna down and kill her.
Instead, they find Pete, and the episode ends with the three of them racing on their horses. Pete’s horse, sadly, gives out, and all viewers see after that is a black screen with gunshots in the background.
The episode ends there, leaving fans needing to know what in the world is going to happen next.