I have to preface this by saying I never watched Yellowstone. I decided to go through the franchise in chronological order, so the prequel spinoff shows were my first gateway into the franchise, and what a treat was waiting for me. Of the two, 1883 and 1923, the latter was the one I loved the most. 1923 did a phenomenal job of exploring how the Dutton family did during the Prohibition era, with a solid ensemble of characters. 1923 season 2’s cast brings most of them back, anchored by strong performances from Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, and Brandon Sklenar.
1923 season 1 ended with a few major events. Spencer and Alexandra were forced to separate, which I hated to see happen, and the Dutton family had to brace for a winter that promised to be quite harsh. Adding to it, Timothy Dalton’s Donald Whitfield paid off the Dutton ranch’s debt, which means if Ford’s Jacob Dutton does not find a way to raise enough money to pay him back before the time to do so expires, the Duttons will lose their home to the mining tycoon. 1923 season 2 continues those high-stakes stories to great effect.
Winter Is A Game-Changing Element For 1923
The Duttons Must Stick Together
In true Game of Thrones fashion, winter was coming when we last saw the Yellowstone spinoff series. 1923 season 2 fully tackles how that changes life at the ranch and presents some unexpected challenges. On a technical aspect, it allows the show to soar. One of my favorite parts of the series is just how gorgeous it looks. There is a very cinematic feel to 1923, with nature playing a key role in the show and motivating many of its characters. Winter paints Montana’s backdrops white and offers truly compelling visuals.
Snowstorms and more dangers are lurking in the vicious season, which allows the show to explore if the Duttons are really cut for that kind of life amid all the issues that they are facing.
That said, it is not all pretty. Snowstorms and more dangers are lurking in the vicious season, which allows the show to explore whether the Duttons are really cut for that kind of life amid all the issues they are facing. In the first three episodes of season 2 I watched for review, those questions are explored in quite a few different ways. I was surprised to see how many new problems could come out of the winter setting, and I truly think it changes the show for good, offering exciting new obstacles for the Duttons.
The snowy Montana is not the only location we explore in 1923 season 2. After we last saw them at the end of season 1, Spencer and Alexandra were separated. The couple is my favorite duo in the series, so it is very interesting to watch as they start their journeys towards meeting each other in very different locations and conditions. I loved how their journeys balanced the show’s visuals with exciting scenarios. It feels like they exist in a world completely separate from what the Duttons are experiencing back home.
1923 Season 2 Is Full Of Fantastic Performances
The Cast Deserves Awards Recognition
As with season 1, I can’t help but praise the cast. The show did a phenomenal job here, and season 2 delves even deeper into the characters after the first season set them up perfectly. One of the most intriguing players on the show is Donald Whitfield. Season 1 showed how much of a ruthless and scary character he is. However, season 2 makes him even worse, and it’s compelling to watch Dalton, who brings such wickedness to the villain with such a contained demeanor instead of using outbursts to lash out.
After an outstanding performance in season 1, Ford chews up the scenery every time he appears in season 2.
Mirren’s Cara Dutton remains the rock of the family. She takes control of adverse situations and alternates between a strong persona and moments of vulnerability that make her a compelling and well-rounded character. In interviews about the show, Mirren has talked about how co-star Harrison Ford had a change in his acting in the past few years, and it opened a new door to his inner feelings. That statement could not be more correct. After an outstanding performance in season 1, Ford chews up the scenery every time he appears in season 2.
Jacob puts his life on the line to help his family, which allows Ford to deliver emotional performances throughout season 2’s first few episodes. I’d be remiss not to mention Brandon Sklenar as Spencer Dutton and Julia Schlaepfer as Alexandra. Separated at the end of season 1, the characters must each find their way back to each other in Montana, just like they promised. Sklenar’s performance as Spencer is nuanced, with the beast of a man displaying a lot of heart. As for Schlaepfer, she shines in some of the season’s most dramatic moments. 1923 season 2’s start is sublime.