As the curtains fell on the second season of "1923" on Sunday, April 6th, actress Julia Schlaepfer was inundated with an overwhelming surge of support across social media platforms. The two-hour season finale unfolded in a manner that fans had dreaded, marking the poignant end of Schlaepfer's character, Alex's, journey. Amidst her desperate attempt to traverse the country and reunite with her beloved, she found herself trapped in a relentless blizzard in Wyoming. Tragically, Alex succumbed to the severe complications stemming from frostbite, shattering the hearts of countless fans. Despite knowing her character's fate, Schlaepfer confessed that it was still an immensely difficult pill to swallow.
In the wake of this emotionally charged season finale, Schlaepfer penned a heartfelt two-word message on Instagram, dedicating it to the show's devoted fanbase: "Thank you."
During a poignant conversation with People, Schlaepfer delved into the premeditation she had with "1923" creator Taylor Sheridan regarding Alex's destiny, even before the filming of season one commenced. "Prior to the commencement of season 1, when Taylor [Sheridan] hosted us for dinner, I sat beside him and asked outright, 'I'm dying, aren't I?' It was as if I had already foreseen my character's demise," she recounted. At that juncture, Sheridan was reportedly undecided about Alex's fate, having multiple scenarios swirling in his mind. "I recall him saying, 'I'm not sure yet. You might not know either. I honestly don't know.' He had a few distinct versions playing out in his head. Nobody knew for certain. I don't think he had made up his mind for quite some time," she added.
"I had this inexplicable premonition. I can't explain why, but I just had a gut feeling that this was how it was going to unfold," she continued. Though she sensed her character's impending end, "Nothing can truly prepare you for reading it for the first time, witnessing it on screen, or, more so, portraying it. It strikes a chord unlike any other."
Schlaepfer further delved into the heart-wrenching scene where she valiantly chose to exhaust every ounce of her strength to ensure her baby's survival, even if it meant sacrificing her own life. "I believe she was acutely aware of her dire circumstances and made a conscious choice for her family, for her baby. She was determined to spend her remaining moments, her final hours, ensuring her baby stayed alive, regardless of the cost. Oh, how devastating it is, isn't it?"
While the season finale was replete with dramatic twists and turns, there is no denying that the demise of Schlaepfer's character left an indelible mark on the show and its devoted fan community.
