As our narrative last paused in 1923, Spencer (portrayed by Brandon Sklenar) stood eye-to-eye with a menacing leopard, while Jack (Darren Mann) faced the peril of sheep herders' bullets whizzing past. Fortunately, we do not have to endure a lengthy wait for the resolution of these harrowing scenarios in the second episode.
The African saga begins with Spencer valiantly battling the leopard, yet tragedy strikes as the feline claims the life of one of his companions. At the camp, while a doctor treats his wound (fully cognizant of the dire consequences of untreated infections, a fate similar that of Elsa), Spencer confronts the employer who deceived him about the presence of two leopards and showed scant respect for his fellow hunter. He warns the employer that the only thing preventing his demise is the need for transportation back to Nairobi.
As for Jack, the bullet missed its mark but fatally wounded his steed. With the sheep herders closing in, Jacob (Harrison Ford), accompanied by the remainder of the cowboy contingent, arrives on the scene and encircles them. Jacob brutally subdues Banner Creighton (Jerome Flynn) with his pistol, announcing their intention to confiscate his sheep for the reservation and vowing to uphold his promise of hanging Banner if he ever trespasses on another's land again. Banner dismisses the threat of hanging in the 20th century, but Jacob swiftly proves him wrong by suspending them from their horses, leaving them to a grim fate.
Later, by the campfire's glow, Jacob confides in John (James Badge Dale) and Jack, expressing hope that some may survive this ordeal. When Jack inquires why, Jacob reveals that the ranch's greatest adversary is not nature's fury but rather fellow humans. He elucidates that the best defense is to inspire such fear in others that it outweighs their greed. He intends for those who survive, including Banner (who miraculously did), to disseminate the message of the consequences of crossing a Dutton.
Elsewhere, Teonna (Aminah Nieves) persists in her struggle against the reform school. She pushes the boundaries with Sister Mary (Jennifer Ehle) until resorting to her native tongue. Sister Mary retaliates with a strike, but Teonna responds in kind. However, this time, justice is not blind; Teonna is thrown into a wooden shed and left there overnight, succumbing to fever. Upon her release, another nun attempts to molest her, but Sister Mary intervenes—not to save Teonna but to fulfill her mission of eradicating the Indian spirit within her. Teonna is warned that any further defiance will result in the demise of her remaining kin.
One can only hope that Teonna's plight will soon attract the attention of a savior. We witness her grandmother pleading with the superintendent on her reservation to facilitate Teonna's return and guardianship. However, he remains unmoved, subjecting the grandmother to a labyrinth of bureaucratic hurdles before she can officially become Teonna's guardian.
On the porch of the Yellowstone, Cara (portrayed by Helen Mirren) and Emma (played by Marley Shelton) relax, taking in the serene surroundings. Emma notices Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph) belting out a tune and rehearsing her dance moves for the wedding, remarking that Jack will have his hands full with her and their impending offspring. Though they refrain from stating it outright, their subtle hints suggest that Elizabeth is already carrying Jack's child. Cara describes Elizabeth's boundless energy as akin to gasoline, emphasizing that this fiery spirit will undoubtedly persist in future generations, evidenced by Beth Dutton's own fiery demeanor.
Elsewhere, Zane (Brian Geraghty) steers the sheep towards the reservation, presenting the herd as a gesture of goodwill to the indigenous men they encounter. Initially, they eye the gift with suspicion, and Dutton's name carries a certain stigma. Yet, they eventually relent, accepting the herd and instructing Zane to convey their gratitude to Jacob, handing him a knife as a token of their appreciation.
Meanwhile, the cowboys discover an ideal grazing spot for the herd and leave a few of their number to oversee it. Jack exults with joy, announcing their imminent return home—a prospect that fills him with excitement, as it finally paves the way for his and Elizabeth's long-delayed wedding.
The narrative shifts to Africa, where Spencer is recuperating at a Nairobi hotel. Here, he encounters Alexandra (played by Julia Schlaepfer), a young British woman whose fiery spirit and zest for life resonate deeply with him. However, a wrinkle arises: Alexandra is engaged. Spencer, too, has plans afoot, having been hired to hunt a hyena for another job.
That night, Alexandra attends her engagement dinner, though her enthusiasm for her fiancé is notably absent. She crosses paths with Spencer again, teasingly suggesting that he might whisk her away on his latest adventure. Spencer demurs, insisting that she wouldn't enjoy his kind of work. Alexandra, undeterred, replies, "Don't bet on it," before reluctantly returning to her fiancé's side.
The following morning, as Spencer prepares to depart, he spots Alexandra, who is about to leave with her group. Their gazes are locked in an unspoken exchange until Spencer's car starts to roll away. Alexandra, unable to resist the pull of her burgeoning feelings, decides to chase after him. Despite Spencer's warnings about the impending danger, she is resolute in her decision to run away with him.
Spencer and his unfolding tale of probable tragedy emerge as an early standout in 1923, while the brewing rivalry between Jacob and Banner sets the stage for significant developments in the future.
