The Yellowstone universe continues to expand, even as the main series remains on hold. Taylor Sheridan’s 1923 takes viewers back to the 1920s, focusing on Jacob Dutton (Harrison Ford) and Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren) as they struggle to protect their land.
The series captures a dangerous time in Montana’s history, showing how the Duttons navigate financial threats, brutal winters, and personal hardships.
The second season begins with “The Killing Season,” bringing back familiar characters while introducing new threats. As winter tightens its grip on Montana, the challenges for the Dutton family only increase. The cold, however, is just one of many battles they must face.
Hard Times at the Dutton Ranch
Jacob and Cara Dutton, along with Jack (Darren Mann) and Liz (Michelle Randolph), work tirelessly to keep their ranch afloat. The family has already sold much of their cattle to repay debts, leaving them with little to survive on. Hunting has become necessary for food, and every day presents new struggles.
Before Jacob leaves for town on business, he sees a mountain lion resting on their porch. When he gets too close, the animal runs off, but the encounter unsettles him. It feels like an omen of more trouble ahead.
Meanwhile, in the luxurious mansion of Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton), a disturbing scene unfolds. Whitfield relaxes in his bath with Lindy (Madison Rogers), one of the women he controls. When he demands more, Lindy brings in Christy (Cailyn Rice), who has been locked in a closet, bound and naked.
Lindy urges Christy to “do better” to avoid Whitfield’s punishments. It is clear that Whitfield’s cruelty knows no bounds, and those around him fear his power.
At a hotel in Livingston, Banner Creighton (Jerome Flynn) prepares for a dangerous journey. He tells his wife and son that he must face Whitfield alone. His words make it clear—he sees Whitfield as an unstoppable force, a man as dangerous as the Devil himself.
Spencer Dutton’s Fight for Survival
Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) has been separated from his wife, Alex (Julia Schlaepfer), and is determined to make his way back to her. He takes a job aboard a ship, working hard to earn enough money for his return to America.
On the ship, he meets Luca (Andy Dispensa), a young Italian man eager to prove himself. Spencer warns Luca not to overfeed the ship’s furnace, but soon, he discovers a far greater problem.
That night, Spencer finds Luca being assaulted by another crew member. When he wakes to see the same attack happening again, he takes action. Spencer, a hardened war veteran, beats the attacker within an inch of his life, stopping Luca’s suffering.
The ship’s captain arrives, surveys the scene, and delivers swift justice. Without hesitation, he shoots and kills the rapist, making it clear that Spencer’s role is to work—not enforce justice.
Meanwhile, Alex remains trapped in England, struggling with her separation from Spencer. Her friend Jennifer (Jo Ellen Pellman) visits, finding Alex in a weakened state. Grief has consumed her, and she barely takes care of herself. When she finally confesses that she is pregnant, she realizes she cannot afford to wait any longer.
Determined to reunite with Spencer, Alex asks Jennifer for help. She gives her friend’s family jewels to sell, hoping to secure passage to America. Jennifer agrees, proving her loyalty.
At sea, Spencer continues his hard labor. When he checks on Luca, he finds a suicide note written in Italian. He rushes to the deck, where Luca stands at the ship’s rail, staring into the water.
Spencer speaks to him, urging him to reconsider. He tells Luca that death will not end his suffering—it will only bring pain to those who love him. His words reach Luca, who steps away from the edge, ready to continue fighting for his life.
Teonna Rainwater’s Journey Takes a Dark Turn
While the Duttons battle their own struggles, another story unfolds in the Oklahoma Territory. Father Renaud (Sebastian Roché) and the U.S. Marshals continue their search for Teonna Rainwater (Aminah Nieves). Their pursuit leads them to a small Comanche camp, where they demand answers.
The tribe has never heard of Teonna, but the Marshals refuse to believe them. Marshal Kent (Jamie McShane) takes his cruelty to a horrifying level, threatening a child at gunpoint.
Father Renaud, despite his own harsh nature, is disturbed by this. He forces Kent to release the child—only for Kent to trample the boy with his horse moments later. The act is heartless, proving that justice is not on their minds.
Meanwhile, Teonna continues her journey with her father, Runs His Horse (Michael Spears), and Pete Plenty Clouds (Jeremy Gauna). Runs His Horse tells his daughter that the U.S. government wants to destroy their people. “They want beggars,” he explains, emphasizing that survival requires strength.
Teonna, exhausted from years of hardship, no longer wants to fight. But her father insists that they must protect what is theirs, even if it means resisting the forces against them.
As Pete goes hunting, Runs His Horse asks Teonna if she wants Pete as her husband. She admits she does and later reveals her feelings to Pete.
While hunting, Pete spots Teonna removing her clothes, signaling her intentions. As they prepare to share a private moment, a cowboy appears in the distance. Pete quickly grabs Teonna’s clothing, hoping to hide their presence.
The cowboy, Cody Lore, reveals that they are no longer in Oklahoma—they have crossed into Texas, onto a ranch owned by Charles Goodnight. Pete realizes this could be a safe place, so he returns to Teonna, and they embrace their newfound hope.
Jacob Dutton Faces a New Enemy
Back in Montana, Jacob and Jack find themselves in an illegal speakeasy. Prohibition is in full swing, but underground bars thrive. Jacob meets with Sheriff William McDowell (Robert Patrick) to discuss a pressing issue—Zane Davis (Brian Geraghty) and his family.
At the end of Season 1, Zane and his wife, Alice Chow (Joy Osmanski), were brutally beaten and arrested because of anti-miscegenation laws. Jacob wants justice for them, but McDowell has no power to intervene.
The sheriff also warns Jacob about Whitfield’s latest scheme. Whitfield plans to take the Dutton land by paying their property taxes before they can. If Jacob does not raise enough money in time, he will lose everything. The situation is dire, and Jacob knows that finding a solution will not be easy.
Meanwhile, on Spencer’s ship, he and Luca start a fight ring among the crew. Spencer’s victories earn them a total of $420, bringing them closer to their goal. Hope begins to build as Spencer looks out over the sea, ready to face his next challenge.
Back in England, Jennifer manages to secure Alex’s passage to America. She gifts Alex a watch, hoping she will return it one day. Alex, determined and hopeful, steps onto the ship. As she enters the crowded tourist section, she embraces the uncertainty ahead, eager to reunite with Spencer.
A Deadly Threat Lurks Near the Dutton Ranch
In Bozeman, Jacob and Jack stop at a new telephone booth before heading to the courthouse. What awaits them there remains uncertain, but the trouble is never far away. At the Dutton ranch, Liz steps outside to enjoy the sunlight. Cara watches her from the window and immediately notices something terrifying. The mountain lion has returned.
Before Liz can react, Cara grabs a rifle and fires through the window. The bullet hits the beast, killing it instantly. Liz runs back inside, shaken but unharmed. As the episode ends, Elsa Dutton’s (Isabel May) voice echoes: “Winter is the killing season.” Wolves howl in the distance, signaling that danger is far from over.
Summary of 1923 Season 2 Premiere – “The Killing Season”
The second season of 1923 returns with intense struggles for the Dutton family and others connected to their story. Jacob and Cara Dutton, along with Jack and Liz, are fighting to keep their ranch afloat. They have sold much of their cattle to repay debts and must now hunt for food.
A mountain lion appears near their home, signaling that danger is near. Meanwhile, Donald Whitfield continues his cruel ways, controlling those around him with fear and power.
Spencer Dutton, still separated from his wife, Alex, works aboard a ship to earn money for his return to America. He befriends a young Italian worker, Luca, and saves him from an abusive crew member. In England, Alex, now pregnant, seeks help from her friend Jennifer to secure passage to America.
Teonna Rainwater remains on the run with her father and Pete Plenty Clouds. The U.S. Marshals, led by Father Renaud, continue hunting her, using brutal tactics. Pete and Teonna grow closer, realizing their love for each other.
Back in Montana, Jacob learns that Whitfield plans to seize the Dutton ranch by paying next year’s taxes. As winter settles in, Elsa Dutton’s voice warns that “The Killing Season” has only just begun.
New episodes of 1923 are available every Sunday on Paramount+.
