The Dutton family’s range war has begun, and Jack Dutton’s (Darren Mann) death in 1923 season 2, episode 6, breaks a popular fan theory about Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) and Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar). It’s been an ominous season for Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone prequel, with daunting challenges for Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara Dutton’s (Helen Mirren) family. Jack and his sweetheart, Elizabeth Strafford (Michelle Randolph), have been holding it down at the ranch with Jack’s uncle. The 1923 characters were finally called to action in “The Mountain Teeth of Monsters,” putting Jack in the firing line.
Meanwhile, Spencer Dutton is on his way home to Montana, desperate to return to the Paradise Valley while his wife, Alexandra of Sussex, makes a harrowing journey to reunite with her partner, bringing Spencer the news of their child. After 1923 season 1’s ending, many Yellowstone viewers rightfully presumed Alex was pregnant. It was also assumed that Elizabeth might never bear a child again, after she and Jack lost their unborn baby in the finale. The assumptions led to a popular fan theory that was quite feasible. That is, until 1923 season 2, episode 6, broke its viability.
1923 Fans’ Theory About Alexandra Dutton & Elizabeth Strafford Explained
Fans Believed Elizabeth Would Raise Alexandra’s Baby
After Alexandra appeared pregnant and Elizabeth lost her baby, a theory emerged among Yellowstone fans about how life would play out for the Dutton-in-laws in 1923 season 2. Fans predicted that Alex would have her baby but die before she could raise it, leaving Elizabeth to raise her sister-in-law’s child. The theory looked promising as 1923 season 2 premiered, with Alex revealing she was pregnant to her best friend, Jennifer (Jo Ellen Pellman). Alex has also had a perilous journey back to the ranch so far, emboldening claims that the mother’s pursuit would ultimately meet an ill fate.
However, tides begin to shift in 1923 season 2, episode 4. After a traumatic experience with rabies shots after she is bitten by a rogue wolf, Elizabeth discovers that she is pregnant again. Still, it looked just as likely that Alex and Spencer could meet an ill-fate as their journeys continued, with Elizabeth all the more ready to raise their child after having her own. However, with Jack’s death, Elizabeth’s situation is more uncertain. Moreover, it’s unlikely she will stay at the ranch after the conflict is over, having wanted to return to Boston just moments before her good news.
How 1923 Season 2, Episode 6, Flips Alex & Elizabeth’s Adopted Mother Theory
It’s More Likely Now That Alex Will Raise Elizabeth’s Baby
With the development that Jack is dead, Elizabeth may leave the Yellowstone Dutton ranch, making it more likely now that Alex will end up raising Spencer’s nephew’s child instead. The youngest of James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret’s (Faith Hill) children is just moments away from home in 1923 season 2, episode 6, and we have good reason to believe that Spencer will survive 1923. Therefore, as long as Alex makes it back now, the couple will assume their position as the de facto owners of the Yellowstone Ranch. As stewards of the family’s land, Alex and Spencer can open up their home.
Perhaps Elizabeth will return to Boston, and someday she will send her son back to the Yellowstone to discover his family’s legacy.
The reason that Yellowstone fans believed that Strafford would raise the Sussex-native’s baby is because 1923 season 2 has embraced the idea of adopted families, with Jacob and Cara Dutton raising John and Spencer as their children. Jack points this out in season 1’s finale, telling Elizabeth her life will have purpose even if she can’t have children, using his aunt Cara as an example. Perhaps Elizabeth will return to Boston, and someday she will send her son back to the Yellowstone to discover his family’s legacy. That would flip the popular fan theory while maintaining its best qualities.