Episode 2 of Season 2 of "1923" kicks off with Donald Whitfield accompanying Banner Creighton on a journey into town, their path illuminated by the gleaming frost that clings to the biting cold roads. As they ride, Whitfield's voice carries a chilling tone as he declares that he has forfeited everything for mere sheep—a task he sees as the drudgery reserved for peasants. He implies that Creighton has transcended his peasant origins and should aspire to greater heights, casting his gaze towards horizons filled with grander opportunities.
Their journey is momentarily interrupted by the sight of skiers daring the slopes above. Intrigued, Whitfield expresses a desire to draw nearer, his mind racing with the notion of how he might capitalize on the exhilarating allure of skiing. Drawing inspiration from the Norwegians, who claim that anyone can master this sport, Whitfield ponders whether he can encapsulate and market the thrill of skiing itself.
Upon reaching the town, Jacob and Sheriff McDowell make their way to the courthouse to seek audience with the Judge. Their discussion soon turns to the plight of Zane and Alice, revealing that Alice Davis is an alias on their marriage certificate, rendering their union unrecognized by the State. Despite being parents to two children—whom the Judge derisively labels as mongrels—Alice stands convicted for cohabitating with a Caucasian man.
The Judge is yet to pass a sentence, but Jacob presents an alternative solution: placing the entire family under his custody. The Judge agrees, stipulating supervised probation under Jacob's watchful eye. However, there's a catch—Alice must identify the priest who solemnized their marriage to the court. Jacob steadfastly refuses, instead leveraging the Judge's drinking problem to coerce his signature, ensuring that the matter does not escalate further.
Meanwhile, back at Yellowstone, Elizabeth finds herself in a harrowing encounter with a wolf lurking near the barn. The beast sinks its teeth into her, leaving her in dire straits. Cara rushes to her aid, striving to dress her wound, just as Dr. Miller arrives with an injection poised to administer treatment. This sets the stage for an intense scene where Elizabeth is restrained while the doctor administers the injection, the air thick with tension and dread.
Amidst the ongoing turmoil, larger threats loom on the horizon. A formidable storm brews, necessitating Jacob's immediate return to the ranch. Yet, complications arise as Zane is in dire straits, unable to walk, and unvisited by any physician. Undeterred by the impending tempest, Jacob resolutely ventures forth into the blinding blizzard, desperate to reach the safety of his home. Yet, fate intervenes, and they find themselves compelled to seek shelter. Jacob maneuvers the wagon onto its side, creating a makeshift refuge beneath it, amidst a scene of disarray.
Meanwhile, Teonna and Pete trudge back to camp after an all-night absence, raising Runs His Horse's eyebrows. His suspicions deepen upon learning of their encounter with a cowboy in the woods.
In Oklahoma, Father Renaud and the Detective make their presence known, accompanied by US Marshal Fossett. She consents to issue a Wanted Poster for them but cautions the detective to tread carefully.
That night, while encamped in the woods, they are assailed by Native Americans. Father Renaud and the Detective retaliate, their shots ringing out in unison. However, the chaos claims an innocent victim when Renaud unintentionally shoots a young boy, leaving him appalled by the carnage.
Elsewhere, Spencer is brought before Luca's people, under the watchful eye of mob boss Signore Maceo. He vows to treat Spencer well in gratitude for saving one of their own. Back on solid ground, Spencer dispatches a telegram and prepares to depart by train. However, Maceo's bodyguard shadows him, refusing to grant him passage. Unwilling to indulge in games, Spencer disables the guard with a swift blow and opts to walk, determined to forge his own path forward.
Well, Spencer's journey doesn't extend very far, as Maceo's men intercept him and escort him back to their boss. Once Spencer regains consciousness, still sore from the beating he endured on the bridge, he hastily explains how his family desperately needs him. With a war looming over their land, he asserts that he has no room for courtesy or hospitality. Despite sympathizing with Spencer's predicament, Maceo insists that he must address a matter of respect first, due to the disrespect Spencer has shown towards the family. It seems that Spencer's side quest is far from over, as Maceo assigns him the task of transporting a truckload of whiskey to Fort Worth. He also provides him with money for bribes and a firearm for those who are unlikely to be swayed by monetary incentives.
As the episode draws to a close, Cara awakens in the dead of night to discover the wolf from earlier has returned. The beast has savagely attacked the nurse who was sleeping on the sofa, leaving her lifeless. In the living room, the wolf bares its fangs at Cara, provoking her to act. With a resounding shotgun blast, she fires into the air, filling the room with the sound of gunfire.
