Taylor Sheridan might have once had the magic touch, turning Yellowstone into a must-watch TV show, but with 1923, fans are starting to wonder if that magic is fading. Considering how Sheridan has leaned into excessive scenes with pr*stitutes, instead of meaningful storytelling—this whole shift in the creator’s vision sparked questions about whether the creator has lost his touch.
On top of that, the way Taylor Sheridan is still continuing this easy choice of showing more and more pr*stitutes in the 1923 season 2 premiere, fans argued that this adds nothing but shock value. Many feel he missed a golden opportunity to explore deeper themes, including Banner Creighton’s family life, while being busy portraying s*xual violence.
Fans are cringing over the themes in 1923 Season 2 premiere episode
When 1923 first hit the theatres television screens, fans had expected an intense and emotional Western drama similar to Yellowstone, considering how it’s the second Yellowstone prequel, after 1883. Moreover, since all three shows were being created by Taylor Sheridan, fans had high expectations from him.
But as the show premiered in 2022, fans were left baffled by the storytelling. Finding the show heavily focused on excessive graphic and unnecessary scenes with pr*stitutes, rather than deeper storytelling, fans were left kinda disappointed. However, nothing made viewers cringe more than the season 2 premiere of 1923.
The premiere episode of 1923 Season 2 continued the trend from Season 1—focusing on pr*stitutes, which added nothing to the plot. While 1923 has always been about the harsh realities of the past, many believe these scenes feel forced. People argued that instead of meaningful storyline and character growth, the show focused on things that would earn easy views.
Reddit discussions thus noted how Taylor Sheridan could have focused on Banner Creighton’s family life, his struggles, and inner conflicts, instead of doubling down on the pr*stitute subplot. Further, people also reflected on how the episode could show parallels between Alex Dutton and Teonna Rainwater’s situations, and delve deeper into Cara and Elizabeth Dutton’s storyline.
Netizens believe Taylor Sheridan has lost the magic that made Yellowstone great
Thereafter, addressing how 1923 season 2 episode 1 could focus on far more interesting elements, instead of leaning into unsettling themes that left viewers frustrated, fans wondered what happened to Taylor Sheridan’s brilliance. Considering how that man brought the iconic and fan-favorite Yellowstone to life, people wondered if he had lost his magic.
Arguing that Taylor Sheridan could have used the 1923 premiere episode to explore compelling storylines like—Banner Creighton’s personal struggles; parallels between Teonna and her supportive dad, and Alex and her parents; Cara and Elizabeth’s moment of independence—fans wondered if Sheridan has lost that special spark. Considering how storytelling has always been Sheridan’s greatest strength, fans now believe that his magic might have faded.
While Yellowstone found success because of its layered characters and gripping narratives, fans noted that 1923 seems to be taking an easier route—dramatic but unnecessary scenes with pr*stitutes, showcasing kinks and s*xual violence, that doesn’t drive the story forward. Therefore, on Reddit, fans seemed particularly disappointed in how Taylor Sheridan handled Banner Creighton’s storyline.
While the villainesque character could have been humanized, had Taylor Sheridan focused on his family dynamics, instead of the unnecessary pr*stitute subplot, fans argued that it was a classic case of a missed golden opportunity. Now it seems that if 1923 continues down this path, the show might lose the very audience that made Yellowstone such a success.
1923 is currently available to watch on Paramount+.