'1923' Season 2 Debut Refuses To Answer Its Confusing 'Yellowstone' Mystery

Taking place three generations before Yellowstone, the drama of 1923 feels oddly distant from its parent show. While the wicked machinations of baddies like Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton) and Father Renaud (Sebastian Roché) continue to cause problems for the various likable characters, the continuity of the series relative to 1923 proper is still, in a sense, largely a mystery. Because, while the present tense of 1923 remains gripping—and shockingly violent—the meta-tension comes from one of the quieter storylines in the Season 2 premiere. 

Basically, although Alexandra Dutton (Julia Schlaepfer) hasn’t made it to the ranch yet, the question about her impending baby is bound to be the biggest deal in this season, by far. But, as of yet, 1923 isn’t offering any clear answers. Spoilers ahead for 1923 Season 1, Episode 1, “The Killing Season.”

Related: ‘1923’ Cast Still Trying to Figure Out Show’s Big Mystery

By the end of “The Killing Season,”  Alexandra has fully committed to the idea that she’ll be able to make the trek all the way across the Atlantic, to New York, and eventually to the Yellowstone ranch in Montana. Back at the end of Season 1, we knew that Alex was pregnant with Spencer’s child (Brandon Sklenar), and the start of Season 2 puts the heat on this storyline. Alex knows she’s going to give birth soon, and with the help of an old friend, gets enough money to get herself headed the ranch.

So, the question is, once she’s there, in a future episode, will she give birth to John Dutton II? If so, then that means she will be revealed as John Dutton III’s (Kevin Costner) grandmother. And, of course, this would make Spencer John’s grandfather. 

Will, 1923 actually pull this trigger? The episode itself is full of some odd symbolism that could indicate things might not work out the way we think. The mountain lion that Jacob (Harrison Ford) scared off at the top of the episode, comes back in the end and almost kills Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph). Cara (Helen Mirren) has to take out the lion with her shotgun, which could, maybe, foreshadow that the Dutton adult men are not long for this world and that the women will be running things for a while.

And, if that’s the case, then if Alex does arrive at the ranch, and does give birth there, you have to wonder if the baby will know their father. Because, while the baby’s place in the family tree is very confusing, still, the larger question of who will raise this baby is still in flux, too.

There likely won’t be 1923 Season 3 after Season 2 concludes. All parties involved have said that this back of episodes will wrap up the story. So, we will learn, one way or another, how Alex’s baby fits into the saga; either as a mystery branch of the Dutton family tree or, as the person who pushes Yellowstone toward its eventual destiny.

1923 airs new episodes on Paramount+ on Sundays.

Related: ‘1923’ Season 2 Has a Killer Cast and Fiery ‘Yellowstone’ Connections. Here’s How to Tune In