Patton/Paramount+Spoilers for Season 2 of 1923 ahead. Season 2 of 1923 has been filled with intense moments. The Dutton family is bracing themselves for a battle against Banner’s crew, who are on a mission to target Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) and eliminate the rest of the family one by one. The recent loss of Jack (Darren Mann) in episode 6 has heightened the tension. Meanwhile, Spencer’s wife, Alex (Julie Schlaepfer), encounters obstacles on her journey to Montana after a chaotic road trip. Teonna (Aminah Nieves) is also on the run from U.S. marshals following the death of her father. The fate of our beloved characters hangs in the balance as the season reaches its climax. Show creator Taylor Sheridan has crafted a high-stakes narrative for this segment of the Dutton saga, culminating in a feature-length finale that ties up loose ends. Clocking in at about 111 minutes, the finale appears to provide closure to the intricate plotlines.
The seventh episode, titled “A Dream and a Memory,” opens at the Dutton residence, where Cara (Helen Mirren) anxiously awaits the return of her husband, Jacob, and the other men. Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph) expresses concern over Jack’s disappearance, prompting Cara to offer reassurance. However, Elizabeth senses that something is amiss. Meanwhile, we see Jacob (Harrison Ford) and the sheriff awaiting Spencer’s arrival at the train station.
Over at Banner’s (Jerome Flynn) abode, he confides in his wife, Ellie, about his internal struggle regarding the decision to pursue the Dutton family. Despite his admiration for Jacob and doubts about the true nature of Whitfield (Timothy Dalton), Banner ultimately opts to abandon his vengeful mission.
Lost in a frigid wilderness en route to the ranch, Alex scavenges for supplies in the car left behind by the British couple she was traveling with. Using matches, a handkerchief, and newspaper pages, she fights to stave off the cold.
Elsewhere, Mamie Fossett (Jennifer Carpenter) discovers the remains of Father Renaud and Runs With Horses at a campsite where Teonna and her father sought refuge. With Teonna missing, Mamie and her team must piece together the events leading to the men’s demise.
A brief glimpse into Whitfield’s world reveals his sadistic joy at the prospect of the Duttons’ downfall and his aspirations for a ski resort business, marked by continued mistreatment of Mabel.
Back at the train station, tensions rise as Spencer’s arrival approaches. Jacob and Banner engage in a heated confrontation, with Banner attempting to flee but ultimately being forced to stay
The injustices committed against her weigh heavily: “Whose deceased kin will they resurrect to advocate for me?” Despite this, the marshals take her into custody and head towards a court hearing. Banner’s men approach the Dutton residence and opt to take preemptive action by engaging in violence. A fierce gunfight ensues between the ranch workers and Banner’s henchmen. As the women and children are directed to seek safety in the basement, Elizabeth opts to remain on the main floor, armed and ready. Cara skillfully picks off the approaching men from a window.
Meanwhile, at the train station, there are only 25 minutes left before the 2:20 train arrives. Jacob observes a large group of men gathering in anticipation of Spencer’s arrival. Despite Banner’s urgency to depart, he withholds the true reason from his bewildered son. He convinces the child that Montana offers no prospects for them; it is simply a place where the wealthy thrive. It is in their best interest to leave and start afresh elsewhere.
In the car, Alex’s resolve is weakening. She reluctantly begins burning her most cherished possessions, her letters from Spencer, while questioning God’s plan for her. Was her purpose truly to meet Spencer, bear his child, only to be separated and face a freezing demise?
Just as hope starts to fade, Alex hears the train whistle. It is Spencer’s train! Realizing they are driving parallel to the tracks, she positions herself perfectly to catch Spencer’s attention. Setting the car ablaze, she catches Spencer’s eye and he leaps off the moving train to reunite with her.
As Spencer races towards her, Alex learns she is carrying a baby boy. A doctor on the train tends to her frostbitten fingers and toes, highlighting the miraculous timing of Spencer’s rescue. With Spencer’s arrival, they rush to the hospital in Bozeman for medical care.
Back at the homestead, the group successfully fends off Banner’s men, but the threat lingers. Zane suspects a nighttime return and they anxiously await Jacob and Spencer’s arrival for added support. As the train approaches, Jacob prepares for the impending confrontation. In the chaos, Jacob and the sheriff stand their ground, ensuring the safety of their loved ones. Spencer intervenes to save Jacob, and the sheriff incapacitates Banner, fulfilling their respective promises. Banner’s family boards the train for Portland as Jacob and Banner share a final exchange. The aftermath reveals a scene strewn with bodies, symbolizing the resolution of the conflict.
Alex is sent off to Bozeman with Jacob by the doctor, while Spencer grabs his gun and heads to the ranch. Elsa provides a voiceover, expressing her fears as she watches her husband defend their home, hoping to be proven wrong. At night, Banner’s men attack the house, but Elizabeth and Zane manage to take them down. Meanwhile, Whitfield presents his tourism idea to businessmen at his house.
Jacob and Alex arrive at Bozeman, and at the hospital, doctors struggle to remove a bullet from Jacob’s body. Alex, in labor and facing amputation due to frostbite, gives birth to a premature baby whom she names John. Jack is found dead, and Spencer, Cara, Jacob, and Alex reunite at the hospital. Alex passes away, leaving her baby in Spencer’s care.
Cara takes the baby as Spencer and Jacob decide to go after Whitfield. They confront Whitfield at his house, where Spencer shoots him and Lindy. Whitfield tries to intimidate them, but Jacob insists they have nothing to explain. After killing Whitfield, they set the house on fire and leave.
Teonna appears in court after evading arrest all season.
The trial doesn’t take place in North Dakota, where Teonna’s school was located. The prosecutor explains that all the witnesses are in Oklahoma territory, so the trial will be held there instead. Teonna’s attorney then presents the death certificates of the witnesses, revealing that there are no living witnesses or concrete evidence for the crimes, leaving the case essentially without a basis. The prosecution files a motion to dismiss the case, and the judge approves it. Finally, after enduring so much, Teonna is liberated!
Uncertain of where to go next after her ordeal, Two Spears gifts her a horse and a gun, suggesting she head to California. Teonna embarks on a journey westward, and her narrative concludes.
Elsa interjects once more with narration as Spencer and the rest of the Duttons lay their loved ones to rest. Back at the house, Cara cares for baby John and bids farewell to Elizabeth, who has little left at home following Jack’s passing. Cara reassures her that it’s okay to move forward, promising to cherish Jack’s memory for both of them.
Spencer informs Jacob that he’s off to tend to the cows at the Crazies and invites him along, but Jacob opts to sit on the porch with his wife and baby John to contemplate life. Jacob confides in Cara that he’s retiring at last. When asked about Alex, Jacob paints a vivid picture of her being like “a shooting star that could speak.”
Elsa serves up the epilogue: Spencer remains unmarried, briefly involved with a widow and fathering another son, but the relationship doesn’t last. She recounts Alex’s milestones and passing, revealing that Spencer also passes away 45 years later. The scene transitions to a ballroom where Alex and Spencer, both vibrant, are seen dancing together – suggesting a reunion in the afterlife.
The episode draws to a close. With Whitfield, Banner, Alex, and Jack gone, this chapter of the Duttons’ story concludes tragically. While a third season remains unconfirmed, the promise of numerous Yellowstone spin-offs, including “1944,” assures fans that the saga of the Dutton family is far from over.
