Fans of Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone prequel 1923 can finally breathe easy as the second season has officially debuted on Paramount+, ending over two years of anticipation. Star Brandon Sklenar, who plays Spencer Dutton, expressed sheer joy about the show's return and hinted at thrilling developments this season.
Spencer Dutton, who spent the entirety of the first season hunting lions in Africa and falls for the spirited Alex (played by Julia Schlaepfer), finds himself facing emotional turmoil. By the end of Season 1, Spencer has been separated from his wife, and Season 2 opens with his perilous voyage back to America on an Italian cargo ship bound for Galveston, Texas. "I’ve been waiting for this for a couple of years now. I’m just excited to get it out there. I’m really proud of it and I know people are going to love it. It’s well worth the wait," Sklenar told Decider.
One of the most significant developments this season is the news of Alex's pregnancy, raising the stakes for Spencer as he grapples with his new responsibilities. When asked if Spencer would make a good father, Sklenar confidently replied, "Yes, he’s got a lot of love to give." These intimate revelations allow viewers to glimpse the softer side of Spencer, albeit one haunted by the guilt of his tumultuous past.
What makes Spencer's character transformation particularly intriguing is the juxtaposition of his innate protector instincts and his capacity for violence. After being forced to confront various threats, including aboard the ship with Luca (Andy Dispensa), his fellow crew member, Spencer's moral compass is painted as both noble and complex. “There’s something inside him,” Sklenar notes, “that makes it impossible for him not to defend people and help them.” The emotional and literal journeys Spencer embarks on reflect broader themes about the struggles inherent to the Dutton legacy.
Season 2 opened with dramatic twists as Spencer battles nefarious characters and engages in high-stakes conflicts, showcasing the gritty realism synonymous with Sheridan's writing. Notably, this season promises darker undertones, signalling yet another turn of events for the Dutton family, who are depicted as constantly under siege.
Current plotlines not only focus on Spencer but also encompass the harrowing storyline of Teonna Rainwater, whose struggles for survival from oppressive forces stand parallel to the violence surrounding the Duttons. The grim setting of the snowy Montana cattle ranch serves as backdrop to impending confrontations, reinforcing the atmosphere of desperation and tension.
Sklenar shared insights about his character's growth, indicating during filming he matured as both an actor and as Spencer Dutton. "There is no questioning his motivations or his mission... It was such an enjoyable experience too. I was dying to play this role for two years," he admitted, showcasing the depth he brings to the character now more than ever.
Still, it is Taylor Sheridan’s storytelling and writing style, often applauded for their emotional weight, which distinguishes 1923 from typical genre fare. "This season, Taylor's writing is on another level," Sklenar remarked. Emphasizing its poetic and action-packed nature, Sklenar commented on the emotional heft he felt reading the scripts, signifying how impactful the finale is anticipated to be. “This finale is one of the best things I've ever read in my life,” he expressed earnestly.
With the stakes rising and the narrative tension building, the Dutton clan’s confrontations with past demons and new foes become all more compelling. The arrival of mountain lions threatening their safety serves as metaphorical tension on the already strained family dynamics. Cara Dutton (Mirren) wastes no time showcasing her survival instincts, ready to defend her family from any external threat as the plot thickens.
Fans are left wondering about the five remaining episodes of this season. Sheridan’s universe is known for its pulse-pounding action interwoven with emotional crescendos, evidenced by the reception of previous installments of Yellowstone and its predecessors. There's no doubt 1923 is poised to follow suit as viewers anxiously await the next twists and turns laid out by Sheridan, who has already proven his storytelling prowess.