Let's commence with a profound exhalation of relief – this time, there was no misunderstanding between Taylor Sheridan and Paramount Plus. The season 1 finale of "1923" did not mimic the abrupt conclusion of "1883," wrapping up its narrative prematurely despite the renewal of a second season. Hence, the saga of the Duttons in the early 20th century is poised to unfold further. However, before that, they truly suffered a setback in episode 8.
The episode kicks off with marshals conducting an investigation at the Native American school from which Teonna (Aminah Nieves) had fled. They resolve to track her down and insist that Father Renaud (Sebastian Roché) accompanies them to aid in identifying her.
Teonna is in the process of recovering from her assault, which unfortunately culminated in Hank's (Michael Greyeyes) demise from a gunshot wound. Fortunately, Teonna's father (Michael Spears) and Pete (Cole Brings Plenty) arrive to her rescue, whisking her away.
As they camp under the night sky, Teonna's father declares their plan to head south to a Comanche reservation, where they can lay low. He notices Teonna and Pete exchanging glances and warns them against succumbing to love amidst those who seek their demise. Teonna rejects his caution, asserting that they've been trying to kill her since they confined her to that school, so she refuses to hold anything back any longer. Teonna's journey throughout this season has taken its toll; even in a tender moment with Pete, she can't prevent herself from breaking down in tears.
In Bozeman, Jacob (Harrison Ford), Jack (Darren Mann), and Zane (Brian Geraghty) attend Banner Creighton's (Jerome Flynn) arraignment. However, it doesn't unfold as they had hoped. Whitfield's lawyer persuades the judge to release Creighton without bail. Unable to resist, Creighton taunts the Duttons, causing a near brawl.
Later, at Whitfield's (Timothy Dalton) place, Creighton vows revenge against the Duttons. Whitfield attempts to soothe him, explaining that violence isn't the solution to his problems. The revenge he desires can be achieved with a pen: seizing the land from the Duttons to create generational wealth for Creighton and his family. This is the kind of power that Whitfield seeks.We witness the extent of Whitfield's infatuation with power as he continues to indulge the prostitutes we first encountered in episode 7. Reluctantly, the two women oblige Whitfield's bizarre command, lashes cracking through the air as they strike each other with a belt. He clarifies that his pleasure does not stem from their agony, but rather from the mastery they wield over one another in this grim ritual. As they comprehend his twisted thrill, his excitement escalates. Whitfield's monstrous nature becomes increasingly vivid, mirrored by Dalton's masterful portrayal, which is nothing short of diabolical.
Meanwhile, the Duttons find themselves in a powerless quandary. Jacob ventures to the bank, hoping to secure a loan for winter hay supplies, only to be rejected outright. The bankers deem cattle an unreliable investment, and he swiftly declines their alternative of a mortgage.
Elsewhere, Zane seizes a fleeting moment to visit his family: a wife of Chinese descent and their two children. The reunion, a tender scene, is all too brief. Clyde (Brian Konowal), Whitfield's clandestine eyes and ears, trails Zane and discovers his interracial family, a flagrant violation of Montana's oppressive laws at the time. Soon after, officers descend, arresting Zane's wife and brutality assaulting him.
Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) and Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) fare little better. As they board a ship bound for London, fate conspires to place them aboard the very same vessel as Alex's ex-fiancé, Arthur (Rafe Soule). Alex resolves to remain cloistered in their cabin for the three-week voyage, but Spencer persuades her to seek some fresh air. On deck, they bump into Alex's old friend Jennifer (Jo Ellen Pellman), who shares that Arthur has been inconsolable since her departure and her family deeply disapproves. Alex remains unperturbed, revealing that she and Spencer are married and that her sole concern is embracing her newfound family. Jennifer, genuinely happy for her, offers her blessings.
Empowered by this encounter, Alex rejects the idea of hiding and instead opts for a grand evening in the main hall, donned in their finest attire. Arthur, also present, cannot let go of his vendetta against Spencer and Alex despite his father's urging to move on. He eventually issues a duel challenge to Spencer, who refuses until Arthur insults Alex, crossing a line that leaves no room for retreat.
The scuffle was hardly a contest, as Spencer swiftly gained the upper hand against Arthur. Yet, the spirited young Briton refused to surrender, brandishing a pistol and charging at Spencer. In response, Spencer acted swiftly, hurling him overboard. At that very moment, the captain arrived, promptly arresting Spencer and instructing that Alex be confined to her cabin.
Meanwhile, aboard the Yellowstone, Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph) felt unwell and sought solace in a bath. However, she soon realized with horror that she was bleeding – she had suffered a miscarriage. Devastated, feeling like she had failed at her singular purpose in life, Jack sought to console her by reminding her that Cara (Helen Mirren), too, had never borne children but had found fulfillment in raising him and managing the ranch. If they could not have children of their own, they would discover purpose elsewhere.
To compound their woes, Whitfield arrived at the ranch with a concealed agenda, presenting Jacob and Cara with a so-called favor – he had made the first payment on their property tax. However, this gesture was a Trojan horse; if they could not repay him by year's end, ownership of the ranch would revert to Whitfield.
Teonna's season-long journey concluded as she, her father, and Pete embarked on their lengthy trek to the Comanche reservation. Yet, the Marshal and his men had deduced their destination and planned an ambush upon their arrival.
Back on the boat, thanks to Jennifer's brave revelation of the truth, Spencer was spared a murder charge. However, he was ordered to disembark at the nearest port by Arthur's father, a member of the royal family – the Earl of Sussex. Furthermore, the Earl questioned the validity of Spencer and Alex's marriage, denying her the right to accompany him. Jennifer hastily assisted Alex in leaving her quarters to rectify the situation, but they arrived too late; Spencer was already being ferried away in a dinghy. Heartbroken, they vocally declared their love, with Alex vowing to track him down in Montana.
The first season of 1923 was an expansive and exhilarating saga. We have swiftly grown fond of these characters and eagerly anticipate the continuation of their story in season 2 of 1923.
