This week’s episode of Paramount+’s critically acclaimed series, 1923, titled “Only Gunshots to Guide Us,” aired on March 23, 2025, and continues to explore the tumultuous journey of Spencer and Alexandra Dutton, played by Brandon Sklenar and Julia Schlaepfer, respectively. This episode boldly ventures into the depths of character struggles, examining themes of love and danger while starkly missing some familiar faces.
In a surprising turn of events, the episode does not feature the appearances of the established characters Jacob and Cara Dutton, portrayed by Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. Instead, much of the storyline revolves around U.S. Marshal Mamie Fossett, played by Jennifer Carpenter, who takes perilous action to save Spencer. After Spencer’s violent past comes into play, involving the killing of three stowaways on a train, Mamie finds him under a tree and promptly takes him into custody to prevent potential harm.
Spencer's situation embodies desperation, described perfectly through an exchange when he identifies himself as a retired soldier and big-game hunter, now lost in a strange land. Mamie doesn’t buy into coincidences, especially when other law enforcement officers from the Yellowstone region are actively tracking Rainwater from Big Sky. Once they reach the nearest jail, Sheriff McDowell supports Spencer, fundamentally shocking him with the unexpected turn of finally being released.
“I’m just trying to get home,” says Spencer, illuminating his longing amidst all the chaos. His journey sees him board a train purchased by Mamie, ready to face whatever comes next on his path back home. The plot thickens as Alexandra finds herself on another train dealing with a traumatic event where she is compelled to fight for her life.
Alexandra, while serving as a waitress on the train, has an encounter with a man who attempts to assault her. In what can only be described as a horrifying confrontation, she defends herself by using a coffee pot as a weapon, leading to a bloody scene and her subsequent arrest. The terrified British noblewoman’s world collapses as she becomes embroiled in a legal nightmare, falsely accused of being a jealous girlfriend by her assailant.
Fortunately, two passengers from Chicago witness the assault and provide the necessary testimony that leads to Alexandra’s release. The drama escalates further with Whitfield making plans related to the harsh realities surrounding the Yellowstone, signifying the multifaceted conflicts at play in this season.
As the episode unravels, the climax sees Marshal Kent and the indigenous character Runs His Horse engaging in an intense standoff. The scene concludes with both exchanging gunfire, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, uncertain of who will emerge unscathed. The expansive plains depicted in this sequence highlight the ever-present challenges faced by characters traversing their unforgiving world.
In the broader context of 1923, the overall ambiance is laden with historical significance, as it dives into the intricate Dutton family heritage following the events depicted in 1883. The show’s narrative encapsulates the trials and tribulations faced by the Duttons, making it timely in today’s sociopolitical climate.
The Dutton legacy, woven intricately with tales of fortune, adversity, and fierce determination, offers audiences both entertainment and poignant societal reflections amidst its dramatic flair.
Fans of the show can find 1923 Season 2 available exclusively on Paramount+. New episodes drop weekly, allowing viewers to delve deeper into the saga that is the Dutton family’s fight for survival amid the perils of their era.
