The 1923 season 2 finale brought heartbreak, closure—and questions about Spencer Dutton’s future and whether the Yellowstone prequel is truly over.
The 1923 season 2 finale has officially dropped on Paramount+, and with it came a devastating emotional rollercoaster—and a wave of speculation about what’s next for the Yellowstone prequel. Fans were treated to a two-hour cinematic episode that tied up loose ends while still leaving one lingering question: Is this truly the end for Spencer Dutton, or will 1923 return for a season 3?
The series, starring Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton and Harrison Ford as Jacob Dutton, has kept audiences gripped with its sweeping narrative and gut-wrenching stakes. Season 2 was confirmed to be shorter than season 1, offering just seven episodes, with the finale extending its runtime to nearly two hours to bring the saga to a close.
But the finale wasn’t just an ending—it felt like a farewell.
Titled “The Mountain Teeth of Monsters,” last week’s episode set a tragic tone with seven deaths, including a Dutton family member and several major antagonists. Picking up from that chaos, the finale saw Spencer Dutton (played by Brandon Sklenar) racing to Montana to save his family’s land, while Alexandra (played by Julia Schlaepfer) fought for survival in the icy wilderness.
The couple’s long-awaited reunion was emotional and cinematic—Spencer leapt off a moving train to reach Alexandra after she started a fire to attract attention. But the joy was short-lived. Alexandra was diagnosed with severe frostbite and refused a life-altering amputation, choosing instead to spend her last moments with Spencer. Though their baby, John II, survived, Alexandra died in Spencer’s arms.
Meanwhile, chaos erupted at the train station as Whitfield’s men clashed with the Duttons. In a shocking twist, Banner Creighton—once an enemy—sacrificed himself to save Jacob. Jacob was injured, but survived, and accompanied Alexandra to the hospital, leaving Spencer to defend the homestead. He arrived just in time to eliminate the final threat to the Yellowstone ranch.
Consumed by grief, Spencer later confronted Whitfield, fatally shooting him before he and Jacob burned down the tycoon’s mansion to erase all evidence. Justice, in Spencer’s eyes, was served.
Other characters also saw powerful send-offs: Teonna Rainwater was freed of all charges and began her journey west, possibly returning to her roots. Elizabeth, reeling from Jack’s death, left Yellowstone, while Cara stepped in to raise Spencer’s son, mirroring the way she once helped raise him and his brother after their mother’s tragic death.
The episode ended with a poignant flash forward. Spencer, now an older man, visits Alexandra’s grave—his memory of her fading with time. In a dreamlike ballroom vision, he sees her once more, dressed as she was the day they met in Africa. They share a final dance, a symbol of eternal love beyond time.
Is 1923 Over for Good?
While no third season has been officially confirmed, all signs point to the 1923 story concluding with season 2. Creator Taylor Sheridan stated back in 2022 that season 2 would be the “final chapter” of the Yellowstone prequel.
The ending, particularly the narration by Elsa Dutton revealing Spencer’s fate and Alexandra’s death, offers the kind of closure typical of a series finale. But that hasn’t stopped fans from hoping.
Another Yellowstone prequel, 1944, is currently in development. Since we know Spencer lived until 1969, it’s possible he could appear again—especially with the next chapter set during World War II. Whether that version of Spencer would be played by Sklenar or another actor remains to be seen.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in 2023, Brandon Sklenar made it clear he believed 1923 was a “bookend” story:
“It’s still limited, but I think of it as one piece — there’s just a split in the middle, but it’s all one piece. It will conclude.”
Still, the show’s popularity may sway decisions. According to Paramount Global, the season 2 finale drew over 17 million global views—a 41% jump from season 1. The series as a whole saw streaming growth of 56% compared to its predecessor.
If ratings talk, then fans might not have seen the last of Spencer Dutton after all.
