Paramount1923 Season 2 has only just started, but already it’s clear that the prequel series could outdo Taylor Sheridan’s flagship show in one major way.
Flashback to November 2024: Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 had just begun. The final six episodes of the Western series had some seriously high stakes. Kevin Costner was out. A mountain of spinoffs were piling up on Sheridan’s desk. This era of the Yellowstone franchise needed to be wrapped up fast, and done right.
But what happened was a flurry of rushed plotlines and forgotten character development – a flash-cooked finale to seven years of Dutton family legacy. By the time it was over, Yellowstone had left a sour taste in the mouths of fans who waited for so long.
1923, the prequel series set in the pre-Great Depression age, is just beginning its second (and possibly last) season. While not quite as monumental as the main series itself, 1923 still has a big task ahead of it to round out this historical story. But to succeed, it just needs to make sure it does one thing differently to Yellowstone.
Yellowstone wrecked its own ending
First things first, let’s revisit why the Yellowstone conclusion was such a dud. Firstly (and this is no fault of Sheridan’s), Part 2 was never supposed to be the end. It was only when Kevin Costner’s exit was announced that the future of Yellowstone was thrown into disarray, and before anyone knew it, Paramount was announcing that the Western behemoth was finishing early.
ParamountWith that in mind, it would have been an impossible task to wrap up a cliffhanger season in six episodes. John and Beth had declared war on Jamie, who equally, was gearing up for the battle of a lifetime. Rip and half the ranch hands were out in Texas, trying to save the cattle they had left. And, on top of all this, the ranch was teetering on the edge of financial ruin.
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In all likelihood, the series would have gone on for another couple of seasons, at least. Season 5 Part 1 wasn’t setting up for a big finale – it was the launchpad for so much more to come.
ParamountBut the biggest problem for Yellowstone’s final episodes by far was the fact that half its characters were in another state. Rip and the crew were setting up shop at the 6666 ranch, and that meant far less drama between the characters that were most enjoyable to watch.
And even worse than that, the remaining folks (Beth, Kayce, and Jamie) barely spent any time on screen together at all.
As a result, the final half of Yellowstone felt stunted, unimportant, and empty.
1923 Season 2 still has a chance
Thankfully, 1923 is in much better standing. Sheridan has been vocal from the beginning about envisioning the prequel series as a two-season arc. While there could be a surprise third season announcement (this is the Duttonverse – you never know), it looks like this particular era of Duttons has always been developed as short and sweet.
ParamountOf course, there’s still room to mess up. We only want one thing from 1923 Season 2, and it’s to see Spencer and Alexandra reunite and start a life on the ranch. (And based on the premiere episode, it doesn’t look like that’ll be the case.)
By getting the main group of characters (Spencer, Alex, Jacob, Cara, Jack, and Elizabeth) all together in one spot before the end of the show, 1923 can avoid Yellowstone’s biggest peril. Ultimately, the best part of Yellowstone (aside from all the gunfights and cutting insults, of course) is the ranch and the people on it. When Season 5 Part 2 ditched this approach, it lost itself.
The answer seems so simple. Get Spencer and Alex back at the Dutton Ranch asap. Let Spencer reunite with his family, and Alexandra integrate herself into an unexpected new world. By the logic of the Dutton family tree, we know they get there eventually…so let us see it!
For more, check out our guide to the 1923 Season 2 release schedule. You can also see what we picked as the best Westerns of all time, and find out what’s happening with the upcoming spinoff, The Madison.