Regardless of Yellowstone's uncertain future, delving into the Dutton family's past—first in 1883 and now transitioning to 1923—has proven to be an exhilarating journey. Even within an episode titled "One Ocean Closer to Destiny," which primarily serves as a prelude to forthcoming events and offers fleeting glimpses into character development, the television western's grand scale and epic aura remain an absolute delight to witness.
The narrative intensifies with Teonna (Aminah Nieves) and Hank (Michale Greyeyes). Hank devises a plan to conceal Teonna by disguising her as a boy, dubbing her Joe. This necessitates burning all remnants of her school life, to which she readily consents. However, when she offers Hank a bible, he pauses, haunted by memories. He recalls it being read to him during his incarceration, believing the Christian deity to be vengeful. Fearing the repercussions of burning it, Teonna instead decides to bury it.
Elsewhere, Teonna's pursuers close in. Two law enforcement officers descend upon her grandmother Issaxche's (Amelia Rico) home in search of her. They ravage the premises, and when Issaxche strikes one officer on the arm in defense, he roughly pushes her aside, causing her to fatally磕伤her head on the stove. The officers conspire to conceal their involvement in the incident.
Only after the opening credits do we revisit Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) and Alex's (Julia Schlaepfer) harrowing shipwreck, which concluded episode 5. They cling to life by a thread, with their sole hope resting on a rescue boat that Spencer managed to contact before the disaster. In the interim, they grapple with scant water supplies, relentless sun exposure, and eventually, a menacing pack of sharks circling them.
Meanwhile, in Montana, Jacob (Harrison Ford) begins to regain his strength, albeit aided by a cane. He confides in Zane (Brian Geraghty), instructing him to assemble a posse to confront Banner (Jerome Flynn). Similarly, Cara (Helen Mirren) is also recruiting, albeit for the more legitimate Livestock Commission. They uncover a promising recruit in Clyde (Brian Konowal), a former Chicago police officer. He becomes their third hire, prompting Cara's frustration over their dwindling time. This apprehension compels Cara to disclose the attack to Sheriff McDowell (Robert Patrick) for the first time, marking a critical turning point.
Jacob isn't remotely elated by Cara's actions, even after the sheriff assures him that Banner will be apprehended for the assault (though, much like Jacob, we harbor doubts about the conviction sticking). In a fit of pique, Jacob storms off, but Cara拒绝接受他的情绪宣泄。She reprimands him for his relentless quest for vengeance, reminding him that it was she, Emma (Marley Shelton), and Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph) who bore the brunt of the ordeal; even Jack (Darren Mann), who was frustratingly instructed to stand down, felt its impact.
Later, under the cloak of night, Jacob sits beside Cara, expressing his gratitude for her unwavering dedication to shielding the family and nurturing him. Yet, he contests that vengeance is not his motive. He paints a vivid picture for her: imagine New York or Boston, envision what they might resemble if the concrete jungles that now reign hadn't sprouted. He asserts that his battle is to safeguard their ranch and preserve the natural haven of their land—to ensure that no development mars Cara's final resting place. His speech is poignant, rivaling, if not surpassing, any monologue delivered by Kevin Costner's John Dutton in Yellowstone, elucidating his relentless struggle.
The closing segment of the episode finds Spencer and Alex, after enduring a perilous day, rescued by a boat. They encounter the captain, who informs them of their impending journey to Marseille, from whence they can secure passage to America. Spencer boldly asks the captain to marry them, to which he readily agrees. Though they eschew grand ceremonies, the captain presents them with rings left behind by deceased sailors, a gesture Spencer finds poignant—they conquered the ocean's wrath, and now it bestows upon them a symbol of their unity. Alas, Alex struggles to find a ring that fits, prompting the captain, deeply moved by their bond, to offer his late wife's ring as a token of their love.
As newlyweds, they enjoy a night of makeshift wedded bliss, and Alex inquires about Spencer's dreams. His mind can only conjure up the image of being with Alex forever, after overcoming obstacles that might have signaled the universe's disapproval of their union. She reassures him that his dream has already materialized, vowing to follow him wherever he goes, even into the afterlife.
While perhaps not the most gripping hour of television, episode 6 of 1923 continues to impress with stellar performances from Ford and Mirren, and the engrossing love story of Spencer and Alex captivates the heart.
