Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone Bombshell: Spencer’s Choice That Saved His Life in 1923

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

In the final episode of “1923,” a significant distinction emerged between Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) and Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar), as portrayed by Kevin Costner’s John Dutton in the modern series “Yellowstone.” The season finale of Taylor Sheridan’s Prohibition-era Dutton saga saw the family engaged in a fierce conflict against Banner Creighton (Jerome Flynn) and Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton). As events reached their peak at the Livingston train station, Spencer arrived to assist Jacob Dutton (Harrison Ford) in combat against Whitfield’s men. However, following this confrontation, Spencer chose to depart his wife and uncle, proceeding to Bozeman rather than staying behind. In the ensuing battle at the Yellowstone Ranch, Spencer allied with Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren), fending off the remaining adversaries.

In the final episode of season 1 of “1923”, Jack Dutton (Darren Mann) tragically passed away before he could defend the family against Clyde (Brian Konowal), leaving a mix of highs and lows at the end. However, Spencer Dutton’s (Shea Whigham) takeover of the Yellowstone Ranch in “1923” season 2 gave the family a glimmer of hope to face more generations of hardship. The closing scene of “1923” revealed that Elsa Dutton (Isabel May) lived for an additional 45 years, which astounded many as Spencer’s life span was significantly longer than most members of the Dutton family tree.

Alex Dutton’s 1923 Death & Ending Explained

Alex Dies Of Necrosis In 1923

Tragically, when Spencer arrived back at Alexandra of Sussex, she was critically ill in a hospital bed in Bozeman, having survived but succumbing to the severe injuries she sustained while trapped in Paul’s (Augustus Prew) and Hillary’s (Janet Montgomery) vehicle during a freezing ordeal. In the series finale, Alex chose not to have her legs and part of an arm amputated – a decision that could have prolonged her life. Initially, Alex declined amputation in order to give birth to John Dutton and nurse him. However, even after delivering John Dutton, she persisted in forgoing life-saving treatment, which ultimately proved harmful to her.

In 1923, Alex Dutton’s death was a devastating addition to the series of awful events that befell her, but it seems her tragic end could have been prevented. After navigating numerous challenges to reunite with Spencer, it was painful, even somewhat hard to believe, that the resolute mother chose not to save herself. Although it was partly a sacrifice for her son, extending their time together, one can’t help but wonder if someone could have cared for Alex’s newborn while she underwent surgery. This would have granted Alex more time to nurture her infant.

Kevin Costner’s John Dutton Revealed Spencer Loses A Leg In Yellowstone

Spencer Dutton Avoids Necrosis According To John Dutton

In the gripping world of “Yellowstone” during its fourth season, I find myself taking heed of John Dutton’s chilling revelation in episode 2 titled “Phantom Pain.” As Jimmy, played by Jefferson White, grapples with life-threatening injuries from rodeo bulls and a horse, I can’t help but draw parallels. Just as Jimmy struggles to understand why he feels no sensation yet agonizing pain in his fingers, John shares a chilling tale about his grandfather. His ancestor, too, suffered grievously – the most intense pain he ever felt was in his toes long after he had lost a limb. It’s a stark reminder of what might befall me if I don’t tread carefully in this unpredictable world.

It appears that the second season of 1923 provided a resolution regarding who John Dutton II’s grandfather was, as Alexandra named her child John after Spencer’s brother, suggesting that the baby is John Dutton II. Consequently, if this is true, then any hint given by John Dutton III pertains to Spencer. In this scenario, if Spencer indeed lost a leg, it may imply that he underwent the life-saving amputation procedure despite his wife’s refusal. Although the reasons for his loss of limb might be different, we know that Spencer had to make a choice to amputate his limb, indicating his preference for survival.

How Alex Dutton’s 1923 Ending May Have Inspired Spencer Dutton’s Choice

Alex’s Fate Impacted Spencer Until His Death

If Spencer Dutton was indeed John Dutton III’s grandfather and he lost his leg prior to his passing in 1969, it could be that Alex’s fate influenced Spencer’s future decisions. The premature death of his wife, choosing not to amputate her limbs, might have prompted him to make a different choice. Although Cara Dutton was present to keep the family united at the end of 1923, it’s unclear how many years Spencer’s aunt lived after the family experienced war. It’s likely that Spencer had seen his family struggle without a matriarch throughout the years, which may have been exacerbated by Alex’s death later on.

John Dutton’s hints suggest a strong possibility that Spencer might lose a limb during World War II. Although John doesn’t explicitly say that Spencer’s ancestor lost a leg in battle, Taylor Sheridan’s upcoming prequel series, “1944,” set amidst the conflict, may shed light on this matter. Spencer, being 55 years old, is not typically the age for active fighting, but given his status as a seasoned war hero, it’s not implausible that he would join. It’s speculated that if Spencer were injured, he might have undergone an amputation without conscious consent due to the circumstances of war. Regardless, Spencer Dutton manages to evade the tragic fate his wife experienced in the series “1923.

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2025-04-24 23:38