Just as Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren) takes her horse-drawn carriage rides to the post office, anticipating Spencer's (Brandon Sklenar) telegraph announcing his return, the avid fans of '1923' have been impatiently counting down the days since the show's three-week hiatus. Their anticipation has finally culminated with the episode titled "Ghost of Zebrina," which seamlessly reimmerses us in the expansive saga of the Duttons, illustrating the profound impact of war on their family and the unwavering strength derived from their mutual reliance.
Elsa's (Isabel May) opening narration paints a picture of the ranch family succumbing to单调乏味的日常, far from ideal. Cara persists in nursing a sickly Jacob (Harrison Ford), while Jack (Darren Mann), consumed by anger and thirst for revenge, turns a blind eye to Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph). Emma (Marley Shelton), on the other hand, finds herself in despair following John's (James Badge Dale) demise, ultimately taking her own life—another heart-wrenching blow to the family. Spencer's arrival cannot come swiftly enough.
He and Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) strive relentlessly to secure their passage back home, arriving at a port city only to discover that the next passenger ship departs in three weeks—a timeframe that seems like an eternity. As they grapple with their next move, fans can't help but dread the outcome, given Elsa's ominous prediction that this journey could be her brother's last.
The narrative shifts to the Indian school, where nuns and priests uncover the tragic aftermath of Teonna's (Aminah Nieves) escape, revealing the bodies of the nuns she had slain. Father Renaud (Sebastian Roché) resorts to brutal interrogation of Teonna's friend to uncover her whereabouts, subsequently dispatching priests to track her down and reclaim her. Fortunately for Teonna, she has a head start and covers her tracks adeptly. Yet, her solitude in the untamed wilderness proves perilous, as a wolf stalks her by night. Teonna manages to perch herself atop a rock, but the wolf, patient and relentless, waits her out.
To Teonna's astonishment, the wolf has vanished by morning, replaced by a flock of sheep below. She encounters Hank (Michael Greyeyes), a Native American who knows her father and offers her refuge, promising to send word to him.
Back in Africa, Spencer finds himself scrambling to book passage aboard a modest vessel bound for the Suez Canal, hoping to catch another ship thence to America. With limited options, he secures a berth on a tugboat captained by Luca (played by Peter Stormare), whose ailing condition is plain to see, yet represents his sole means of escape.
Meanwhile, Banner (portrayed by Jerome Flynn) and Whitfield (Timothy Dalton) forge ahead with their ambitious schemes. Whitfield reveals to Banner his intention to secure not merely Yellowstone but the entire valley. In exchange for Banner's unwavering loyalty, Whitfield bestows upon him a house outfitted with modern conveniences: a gas stove, electricity, and running water, announcing that Banner has now ascended to the status of a master.
While Banner's fortunes seem to be rising, the Dutton family grapples with financial woes. Jack is compelled to sell off several of their cows, struggling to manage the herd amidst the departure of numerous cowboys. This frustration boils over as he confronts Jacob, insisting that they must fight back. Jacob counters that they require a leader—Spencer—as the men are as yet unwilling to follow Jack. He further cautions Cara that Banner, a monster in his own right, must be backed by someone, and she must recruit warriors who will stand alongside them when the hour of reckoning arrives.
Jack yearns for a battle, but the confrontation he receives is unexpected—from Elizabeth, who lays down an ultimatum. She demands that he revert to the man she fell in love with, ceasing his neglect of her, or face her departure. This ultimately serves as a wake-up call for Jack, prompting them to renew their vows before God, if not a formal priest or the law, with Cara silently observing from afar as their witness. Later revelations uncover that Elizabeth now carries their child.
Spencer briefly entertained the notion of abandoning his beloved bride and venturing alone, with plans to summon her later, but Alex made it clear: it was now or never for their life together. Wisely, Spencer opted for the former, much to our relief, as their union has been a shining beacon throughout the series. Prior to embarking with Luca, he dispatched a telegraph to America, ensuring his intentions were known.
Out at sea, their vessel crossed paths with a spectral ship, its crew long gone, leaving it to drift aimlessly. Luca recounted tales of other maritime chills, including a haunting encounter with the Zebrina, which he believed had singled him out. With agile maneuvers, they managed to steer clear of this spectral specter, and the trio arranged night watches. Spencer joined Alex for her shift, where she vowed mutual trust, a pledge he readily embraced.
The following dawn, Spencer awoke to find the engines eerily silent. Rushing to the bridge, he discovered Luca, lifelessly still. He frantically issued a distress call, only to witness the ominous specter of the ghost ship bearing down upon them. Desperately attempting evasive maneuvers, the phantom vessel rammed into their craft with relentless force.
The episode concludes back in Montana, where Cara once more makes her way to the post office. On her path, she encounters Whitfield, who reveals his acquisition of the Strafford ranch. As they depart, he predicts that by spring, Cara will be prepared to part with the Yellowstone. However, her spirits lift upon receiving Spencer's telegraph, promising his imminent return. Little does she realize, their vessel lies capsized in the vast, unforgiving ocean.
This marks the second cliffhanger in 1923 to end an episode on a heart-stopping note with Spencer. Though we are inclined to believe he will survive this perilous ordeal, poor Spencer (and now Alex) have already endured more than their fair share of trials this season. What fate awaits them upon their presumed return to Montana?
