Spoiler warning! This narrative uncovers plot points from season two’s concluding episode of “1923.”
For most of “1923”
Season 2
, Alexandra (played by Julia Schlaepfer) has been frantically trying to reconnect with her newlywed spouse Spencer Dutton (portrayed by Brandon Sklenar). Meanwhile, the skilled fighter quickly returned to the embattled Yellowstone Dutton ranch to rescue his uncle.
Jacob (Harrison Ford) and his Aunt Cara (Helen Mirren).
Star-crossed lovers
Alex and Spencer individually triumphed over every imaginable hurdle aboard ships, cars, and trains.
Before joyfully converging close to the frost-covered railway tracks of Montana on Sunday’s two-hour season finale (currently available on Paramount+), after Spencer leaps off his moving train for one last dash towards his nearly hypothermic spouse, their passionate reunion is scorching hot.
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Exactly like scorching hot. The harsh Montana winter depicted in the Taylor Sheridan series was replicated using special effects and artificial snow banks inside an Austin soundstage during the sweltering Texan summer.
Wow, it felt incredibly hot, around 100 degrees, which is totally different from winter,” explains Schlaepfer, who is 30 years old, speaking alongside Sklenar, aged 34, in an interview with USA TODAY. “We ended up shaking due to cold even though we were completely soaked in sweat.
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We yield to the potency of narrative artistry and modern technological advancements, as that long-anticipated scene proves effective. “It’s compelling,” remarks Sklenar. “As they race through the snow for those final yards, you witness their struggle to reunite with each other.”
The latest Mrs. Dutton is expecting, as Spencer finds out. He kindly helps his frail wife get bundled up and rushes toward warmth along the railroad tracks. Unconventional performances were necessary for this scene.
“It was genuinely hilarious,” recounts Sklenar with laughter as they reminisce about the solemn instance. “I had to carry Jules and feign running in one spot, shaking her around. I’ve never before needed to simulate running for such a crucial and dramatic scene.”
Alexandra has a child named John Dutton. However, which one is he referring to?
Luckily, the train came to an unexpected halt, shortening the false journey more than anticipated. However, the climax remains as challenging as ever for Alex, whose body is severely affected by frostbite after enduring the freezing experience. The situation escalates dramatically for the adversaries of the Dutton clan; Spencer takes care of them virtually alone with his retribution.
Alex amazingly manages to deliver her premature baby boy and decides to call him John. This momentous event marks the highly anticipated beginning in the Yellowstone-Dutton universe. Put your money down on this being the connecting character for the series – young John Dutton II, who would later become the father of John Dutton III, portrayed by Kevin Costner in “Yellowstone.”
“It’s enjoyable to ponder this idea as it connects to the entire narrative,” explains Schlaepfer regarding Baby John. Quickly adding, she clarifies that she isn’t asserting whether the infant in swaddling clothes belongs to Costner’s character on screen. “Only Taylor Sheridan has the authority to verify such information directly from him.”
“John is quite a common name,” remarks Sklenar, sidestepping the confirmation of his role as Costner’s TV grandfather.
Who passes away in the season finale of ‘1923’?
The newly discovered happiness within the Dutton family doesn’t last long. Alex passes away in the hospital while holding Baby John, with Spencer beside her.
Schlaepfer explains, “They fall asleep together and then she fades away.” He adds that both Ford and Mirren were on set during this scene as a sign of their respect. “It’s simple really; filming it was painful.”
Spencer adopts his vengeful expression to vent his emotions on his familial nemesis, Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton), the cruel businessman and pioneer of alpine skiing. Accompanied by Jacob, Spencer guns down Whitfield as he sits at his dessert-laden morning meal.
At that point in history, men didn’t truly grasp their feelings very well. Back then, there were no podcasts available for coping with sorrow,” explains Sklenar. “The character’s suffering is expressed physically, and his retaliation feels empowering. This embodies the strength of Spencer, the force of love, and the impact of a gunshot.
Is this the conclusion of ‘1923’?
Alex receives the highest posthumous honor from the Dutton family: a place in the esteemed ranch cemetery reserved exclusively for premier members of the clan. Despite being an English aristocrat in Montana, Alex has earned her spot in the Duttons’ illustrious hall of fame for the deceased.
“It’s quite an honor. I understand that everybody will be disappointed with (Alex) becoming part of the Dutton family cemetery,” Schlaepfer states.
However, Alex thrived powerfully, met her end nobly, bore a crucial Dutton child, left her weak aristocratic betrothed for Spencer, and provided audiences with an epic romance narrative.
Sheridan and Paramount Global initially intended to limit “1923” to just two seasons before transitioning into the subsequent narrative, “1944,” which will presumably feature a grown-up John Dutton II. Given this plan, it seems likely that for actors Ford, who is 82, and Mirren, at 79, the second season’s conclusion may mark their final appearance. Jacob has expressed his intention to retire from ranching. Meanwhile, Cara notes that baby John represents “the future.” The series finale includes a scene where viewers catch a glimpse of Spencer, now remarriage-free and aging, resting beside his late wife’s gravestone; however, Sklenar declines to verify whether his character meets his demise here.
The man could simply be an elderly fellow perhaps dozing off,” he remarks. “It’s possible there exists a (‘1923’) adaptation where a frail Spencer trudges around with his pistol since he lacks the strength to wield it properly.
Although 1923 has concluded, it’s been quite a journey. Sklenar mentions, “We strived to breathe life into this couple’s narrative and uphold their significance in Dutton lore,” adding, “It truly was an honor.”
The article initially appeared on USA TODAY:
In the 1923 series, actors Brandon Sklenar and Julia Schlaepfer discussed the finale reunion, focusing on births and deaths within the Dutton family during an interview.
