1923’s Shocking Twist: Taylor Sheridan’s Big Prophecy Misleads Fans About Alex Dutton’s Fate

Warning: SPOILERS for 1923 Season 2’s Finale – “A Dream and a Memory”

In the first season of 1923, Taylor Sheridan planted a compelling prediction that seemed to suggest Spencer Dutton’s wife, Alexandra Dutton, would survive. However, I was disappointed when Alex met an untimely end in the second season finale, shattering my expectations for their ongoing love story. Despite the Yellowstone Ranch claiming victory in the Dutton family’s range war, the characters were left reeling from the tragic loss of Alex. Nevertheless, she gave birth to John prematurely in the final episode of 1923, offering a glimmer of hope amid an otherwise gloomy and sorrowful conclusion.

In the happenings of the Dutton family’s struggle against Donald Whitfield and Banner Creighton in episode 6 of season 2 of “1923,” Jack Dutton (Darren Mann), unfortunately, meets his end. This tragic event led to Elizabeth Strafford (Michelle Randolph) giving up the ranch, marking one of her many hardships in “1923.” Regrettably, only Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren) remained as surviving Dutton couples in season 2. However, I had initially thought that Alex might survive, based on Elsa Dutton’s narration in season 1 of “1923.”

Elsa Dutton Told Us That Spencer Would Live To Raise Multiple Children In 1923

Elsa Tells Us That One Of Her Father’s Children Lives To See Their Kids Grow Up

In the first episode of season 1, set in 1923, Elsa Dutton’s narration provided insights into significant future events for the Prohibition-era Dutton family. Elsa, an early member of the Dutton family lineage, perished in Taylor Sheridan’s prequel series, 1883, which marked the beginning of the family’s ownership of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Surprisingly, despite her death in 1883, Elsa appeared as the narrator in 1923, serving as a link for viewers to understand the events that unfolded over the subsequent 40 years. Elsa’s narration shed light on why her uncle Jacob and aunt Cara were running the ranch at this time. Additionally, the omniscient narrator hinted at how the events of 1923 would conclude.

In the debut of 1923, Elsa makes this observation about James Dutton (Tim McGraw): “My father had three children. Only one would survive to witness their own grandchildren; only one would bear the destiny of our family through the Depression and every other trial the 20th century imposed.” Following John Dutton’s (James Badge Dale) demise in season 1, episode 3 of 1923, this left just one child alive, confirming that Spencer would live. Moreover, Elsa’s statement suggests that Spencer will have more than one child, with “own children grown,” implying multiple descendants.

Why Elsa’s Narration Created A Disappointing Confusion To Spencer’s 1923 Season 2 Ending

Elsa Seemed To Suggest That Spencer Would Have Multiple Children In 1923

While I was fairly confident that Elsa Dutton predicted Spencer would live, I was less certain about Alex’s outcome. Despite the grim events surrounding her, Elsa’s narration instilled hope within me that Alex Dutton made it through 1923, going on to have numerous children with Spencer, given his fervent devotion to his bride, which seemed unlikely to waver if she perished. However, Elsa informs us at the end of 1923 season 2 that although Spencer never forgot Alex, he eventually found solace in a widow who gave birth to his second son.

In the 7th episode of season 2 in 1923, Elsa’s continuation reveals why she believed Spencer would witness his “own children grown.” Tragically, Spencer Dutton realized this prediction without the presence of Alex Dutton, as he had a child with a widow and chose not to marry her. This is how Spencer came to have numerous descendants without the woman he loved. Elsa’s revelation also leaves an intriguing question mark in the Yellowstone family tree, as she hints that Spencer’s wife mysteriously vanished with no clear explanation. Although I appreciate Taylor Sheridan’s dedication to the narrative, it’s a pity that it didn’t result in Alex’s survival.

What Elsa Dutton’s Narration Means For Spencer Dutton’s Yellowstone Story

Spencer Dutton Lives To Witness The Ramifications Of His Decisions

In the final scene of 1923, Elsa provides a glimpse into future events, much like she did at the start. After Spencer Dutton leaps through time in the finale, Elsa reveals that his brother lived till 80, passing away in 1969. This information verifies that Spencer survived up to 1944, presumably managing the Yellowstone ranch during that period, as suggested by the end of 1923. Consequently, it’s reasonable to infer that Spencer Dutton may be at the helm of Taylor Sheridan’s upcoming Dutton family prequel, 1944. This new series is set in 1944 and is expected to mirror events of World War II.

It’s quite plausible that Spencer’s second son, whose name remains unknown, might make an appearance in the year 1944, adding a layer of personal strife to an already chaotic period. Since Elsa mentions in the first episode of season 1 of 1923 that Spencer lived to see his children grow, it’s possible that, even though the widow disappears from the scene, Spencer eventually becomes acquainted with this second son and witnesses some aspects of his growth. The introduction of Spencer’s son in 1944 could lead to intriguing plot twists in the prequel, potentially also featuring the return of Elizabeth Strafford’s child, who we might assume is still alive.

2025-04-19 17:08