‘1923’ ending explained: Who survives?
Nobody makes a neo-western narrative better than Taylor Sheridan. Grim realism, strong-minded complex characters living on the fringes of society, themes of family and loyalty, minimalist dialogue with maximalist impact—these are all hallmarks of his groundbreaking work. Sheridan has reshaped the traditional genre, pulling it back to popular culture consciousness with titles like Yellowstone, 1923, and 1883. Although 1923 was originally released on Paramount+, the first season is currently storming Netflix’s top ten charts.
On this week’s global top ten Netflix chart, the first season of 1923 is ranked ninth with 2.2million views. And it’s a top ten show across 28 countries this week, including the UK, where it’s positioned high up the ladder in fifth. For those uninitiated, the show is set in Sheridan’s western universe, serving as a prequel to the critically acclaimed Yellowstone and a sequel to the equally formidable 1883.
The first season premiered in December 2022, while the second and final season was released in February this year. The show revolves around the Dutton family generation living in 1923, who underwent a great deal of struggle in the wake of the Prohibition era, drought, and the early phase of the Great Depression in Montana before the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
But how did 1923 come to a close? What happened to the Dutton family in season one?
1923 season one: Ending explained
The Yellowstone ranch was the face of intense financial struggles in season one as the Dutton family faced a threat to their land and legacy. With Spencer and Alexandra separated following the tense ship incident, both their lives turn for the worse. Teonna is on the run, having murdered Sister Mary. And the instalment comes to a close with Cara’s letter to Spencer, urging him to get back to the Dutton ranch and save it from ruin.
1923 leaves many questions hovering in the first season, including the prospect of Alexandra’s reunion with Spencer, and that’s where season two picks up pace. While Netflix may not have the second instalment, here’s an overview of what happens there onwards.
Alexandra’s unexpected reunion with Spencer Dutton
The inheritance of the Dutton Ranch leads every character to the Dutton house in the closing episodes of the second season, where multiple high-stakes events unfold simultaneously. Amid the freezing temperatures, the Britishers Hillary and Paul come to the great help of Alexandra, who agrees to drive her to Montana in their car.
But following over a hundred miles of travel, when she awakens, she discovers the duo dead from hypothermia and herself stranded in that very automobile that had run out of fuel. Driven by despair, Alexandra tries to light a fire with anything and everything she can to keep herself warm. But what comes to her rescue is a train, which she sets ablaze in an attempt to slow it down.
Aboard the train is none other than Spencer Dutton, on his way to the Dutton Ranch. He jumps off the train the second he catches a glimpse of Alexandra, finally reunited. In turn, she informs him that she’s pregnant with his baby. As they get on the train together, she is taken immediately to a doctor to ensure urgent care as she deteriorates, succumbing to frostbitten limbs. Although Livingston, their ultimate destination, is not far down the line, danger awaits there, too.
What goes down in Livingston? What happens at the Dutton Ranch?
Spencer’s impending arrival in Livingston is not just known to the Duttons and Sheriff McDowell in 1923. Donald Whitfield is aware, as well. To ensure an explosive welcome so that Spencer doesn’t leave the station alive, swarming the Livingston station are Whitfield’s thugs. Banner is present in the crowd with his family, but instead of fighting for Whitfield, he intends to take his family to Portland.
When the train pulls into the station, the shootout begins before Spencer can even set foot. With blazing gunfire from every direction, survival becomes a challenge for everyone. In a pivotal moment, Banner takes a bullet to save Jacob Dutton. Jacob and Alexandra set out for a hospital in Bozeman while Spencer and they part ways as he makes his way towards his ranch.
But the ambush at the station was not the only surprise Whitfield had planned. The Dutton ranch had been under siege for hours, and Cara is seen sniping the henchman from a window above the ranch. On the ground is Zane, the faithful ranch foreman, assisting the matriarch in defence. However, as the night falls, the assailants infiltrate the house.
In the nick of time, Spencer comes to rescue, and as the house quiets down, Liz calls for Jack, who should have returned to the ranch with Spencer. Jack was sent to the station, but he was murdered on the way, and a search party later found his body in the woods. Meanwhile, Alexandra and Jacob reach their destination.
What happens in Bozeman? Who survives the ordeal in 1923?
As Jacob and Alexandra reach the hospital in Bozeman, the latter goes into labour, giving birth to a premature baby boy. Although the baby makes it through the complications, it puts Alexandra’s life at terrible risk. Her limbs are now impacted with gangrene, and amputation is the only way out. However, she chooses not to go with the surgeon’s call, having found a semblance of life upon reuniting with Spencer.
Spencer spends the night by her side, and upon waking, Alexandra is gone. It’s a bleak ending, one that’s dealt Alexandra unrelenting blows. Happy endings are a rarity in Sheridan’s universe, and Alexandra’s fate is a shining example. Spencer and Jacob later exact revenge on Whitfield, shooting him dead in the head.
In the final moments, Elsa Dutton narrates what becomes of Spencer, who dies eventually of old age. 1923 ends with a poignant scene, thanks to a piece of Spencer’s memory, showing him dancing with Alexandra at a ball. Reunion becomes a central theme, and the bliss of reunion is felt even in the afterlife.