With the recent announcement of 1944, the next installment in Taylor Sheridan’s ever-expanding Yellowstone universe, fans are eager to understand how the events of 1923 (which came to an end two weeks ago) lay the groundwork for the coming wartime saga.
Spanning the decades between the harsh realities of post-World War I America and the global upheaval of World War II, 1923 doesn’t just serve as a chapter in Dutton family lore—it sets the emotional, political, and generational trajectory for what’s to come.
A Legacy in Transition
At the heart of 1923 is the Dutton family’s battle to preserve their ranch, legacy, and way of life in the face of industrial expansion and political corruption. The show ends with the family reeling from personal loss and looming threats, most notably from mining baron Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton), who manipulates the law to seize control of the Yellowstone.
The financial and emotional damage he inflicts creates a fissure that will likely reverberate into 1944, especially as land rights and generational inheritance remain central to the Dutton mythos.
The Birth of a New Dutton Generation
While Jack Dutton’s fate was sealed by the end of 1923, his widow Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph) is revealed to be pregnant, offering a symbolic and literal link to the next generation. That child—presumably the parent or grandparent of John Dutton III (Yellowstone)—will carry forward the family’s bloodline and the burden of its legacy. Actor Darren Mann, who played Jack, has hinted at returning to the franchise as his character’s son in 1944, suggesting a direct narrative continuation from 1923.
The Return of War
Spencer Dutton’s (Brandon Sklenar) arc in 1923 reflects the long shadow of war. A decorated World War I veteran, Spencer is marked by trauma, distance, and resilience. His journey back to Montana serves as a metaphor for the broader reckoning the Duttons face—a world changing faster than they can control. In 1944, it is almost certain that World War II will loom large, potentially pulling a new generation of Duttons into the global conflict, either on the battlefield or through its economic and emotional toll back home.
Alex’s Haunting Legacy
One of the most heartbreaking threads in 1923 was Spencer’s relationship with Alexandra, or Alex, (Julia Schlaepfer) whose love story was both passionate and tragic. Torn apart shortly after their wedding in season one, both endured horrendous obstacles to reunite in Montana. When they finally do get back together, their happiness was cut short when Alex died giving birth to their son, John.
Her death leaves an emotional scar on Spencer—one that could shape his character in 1944. Spencer never remarried, a testament to how deeply Alex’s memory remains with him. While she may not return in the flesh, there’s potential for Alex to appear in 1944—not as a physical character, but as a ghost, a memory, or a symbolic presence that haunts Spencer and influences his decisions.
Her emotional impact on Spencer is undeniable, and her reappearance in any form would serve as a poetic throughline of love lost but never forgotten. Loss not only deepens the emotional complexity of Spencer’s arc but also ties directly into the next generation, as her son John will likely be a central figure in 1944. Through Alex, the series underscores how the past never truly leaves us—it lingers, shaping legacy through love, loss, and memory.
Women’s Role in the Ranching West
1923 also put the spotlight on women like Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren), Elizabeth, Teonna (Aminah Nieves) and Marshal Mamie Fossett (Jennifer Carpenter), all of whom show fierce independence and leadership.
In 1944, we may see these traits passed on to a new generation of Dutton women who continue to anchor the family during times of upheaval, especially if the men are off fighting overseas.
Cultural and Historical Context
The interwar years were marked by social change, economic instability, and the rise of fascism in Europe. The Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and the lead-up to global war all fall into the window between 1923 and 1944. As Sheridan’s storytelling often reflects broader American themes, we can expect 1944 to incorporate these seismic shifts, likely showing how the Duttons adapt (or don’t) to a country in flux.
The Long Game of Legacy
By ending 1923 on a mix of loss, resilience, and uncertainty, Sheridan sets the perfect stage for 1944. It’s not just another prequel; it’s a bridge. A generational baton pass that invites viewers to see how America—and the Duttons—weather another defining moment in history. Whether it’s through war, family tension, or battles over land and legacy, the road to Yellowstone continues to unfold, and 1944 promises to be another thrilling milepost.
Stay tuned. All episodes of 1923 are currently streaming on Paramount+.
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
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