Episode 3 of Season 2 of "1923" begins with the group stranded once more in the unforgiving wilderness. Jacob and his companions emerge, weary and battered, from the overturned wagon after the tempest has subsided. Time hangs precariously in the balance; they desperately need firewood to ignite a blaze and fend off the biting cold, lest the children succumb to hypothermia. While the rest of the group frantically works to kindle the fire, Jacob ventures out to retrieve their horses.
Back at the house, a pall of melancholy envelops the atmosphere. Cara oversees the removal of the deceased nurse, and then goes upstairs to visit Elizabeth. Elizabeth is still adamantly against rabies vaccinations, and Cara sternly points out that she has lived a kind life compared to others. In an attempt to awaken Elizabeth's sanity, Cara even slaps her in the face.
Meanwhile, Alex embarks on her journey to New York, only to find upon arrival that officials insist she and her fellow travelers board another ferry to Ellis Island for immigration processing. This presents a quandary for Alex, who, lacking documents, has little room for objection but to comply.
Revealing her surname as Dutton, Alex undergoes questioning before taking her seat beside a visibly frightened pregnant woman awaiting a medical examination. This woman delivers grim news: soldiers have decreed that pregnant women are inadmissible and will be deported.
This revelation troubles Alex deeply, particularly when she is compelled to strip naked for inspection. The doctor, unsympathetic and curt, conducts the examination with a harshness that reduces Alex to feeling like cattle. Indeed, three doctors examine her, one after another, in a process devoid of humanity.
Ultimately, her pregnancy is detected, and her story is scrutinized by an officer who doubts her intention to travel to Montana. Alex, by now exasperated, retorts sharply, lambasting the American dream and highlighting the indignities immigrants endure during these checks. Her spirit remains unbroken, as evidenced in her subsequent meeting where, despite it all, she is granted passage.
I mean, her keen observation of the man with lipstick smeared on his neck—a brazen marker left by one of the women as her clandestine "ticket" to New York—certainly aided the situation. Despite the hurdles, Alex eventually arrives in the Big Apple, her wits sharp as a tack as she navigates the bustling train station. However, this journey to Montana is anything but straightforward. Considering the dire state of rail travel in America (I'm sorry to say, Europe still reigns supreme in this regard, though not the UK), Alex faces a long and winding path filled with numerous detours.
She must remain vigilant against pickpockets and the harsh elements alike. Fortunately, the helpful station attendant offers some invaluable advice. Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, our female sheriff and her team receive grim news of brutal murders in the woods from the priest. Among the deceased, we know, is the little boy. Father Renaud and the detective find themselves on the Texas border, miles away from a town named Shamrock.
Jacob returns to the ranch, albeit with one less wagon since he had to burn it for warmth. Cara welcomes them warmly, and thankfully, they have a doctor on hand to examine the new arrivals, particularly Zane. Zane's condition is dire. Blood has accumulated in his brain, and the doctor, speaking confidentially to Jacob and Cara, reveals that the only solution is to drill into his skull and use suction to remove the excess blood. Without immediate intervention, he will surely perish, leaving them with little choice. Yet, matters worsen when the doctor admits he has no anaesthetic.
As these events unfold, Spencer persists on his journey, yet encounters an impasse on the road that poses a significant threat. Despite Luca's urging to resort to violence, Spencer steadfastly refuses and decides to forge ahead on an alternative path. However, this necessitates abandoning their truck, as attempting to bypass the roadblock would undeniably draw unwanted attention. Ultimately, Spencer parts ways with Luca, who, steadfast in his loyalty to his family, declines to accompany him. Tragically, Luca's unwavering loyalty leads to his untimely demise, witnessed helplessly by Spencer. Meanwhile, as the episode draws to a close, Alex prepares for the subsequent leg of her voyage, but shadows loom – she is unwittingly being observed and tailed.
