When it comes to Taylor Sheridan projects, tragedy is not a matter of if, but when… and one popular fan theory is gaining a ton of traction after the most recent episode, “Only Gunshots to Guide Us,” of the Yellowstone prequel series, 1923.
There are only 3 episodes left in the final season of 1923, the second prequel series in the Yellowstone universe, and for those who are caught up, you already know that the main complaint is how slow the story has been in terms of Spencer and Alexandra getting home to Montana. Of course, if you’ve been following along, we knew this was bound to happen based on the episode descriptions that were released ahead of the Season 2 premiere… I hate to say it, but you were warned.
Nevertheless, Spencer and Alexandra are slowly but surely making their way towards Montana, and to say that it has been difficult would be the understatement of the century. Spencer has found himself in life-or-death situations a handful of times, in addition to run-ins with the mafia and the law. Meanwhile, Alex experienced an extremely invasive trip to Ellis Island, was robbed, beaten, sexually assaulted, and nearly found herself in jail as well, before some Good Samaritans intervened on the way to Chicago. With her affluent background, this journey has hardened her unlike anything she could’ve imagined, which will prove to be useful once she arrives to the Dutton Ranch in Montana. I think we can all agree that life on the ranch is rough, dare I say brutal, and something her charmed life certainly didn’t prepare her for… but this journey certainly has.
And yet, a popular fan theory gaining traction online right now is suspecting the worse for our young heroine… a fate similar to 1883’s beloved character (and 1923 narrator, Elsa Dutton. According to Redditor @TheBodyPolitic1, Alexandra isn’t going to survive the series finale:
“Taylor Sheridan killed off Elsa and other popular characters in 1883. He might be planning to kill Alexandra off before she can reach the ranch. It would take care of the family tree issue. It is also a cheap and easy way to try to look dramatic/artsy/moving with the writing.
If Taylor Sheridan kills off Alexandria I am getting off his train. I was planning on watching 1944, but not if he does that. Either way, the series is almost over( 3 episodes left). We aren’t going to get that carefree sunny romance that got us hooked in Season 1. More like “Honey, you are home” before the series ends in a big shootout. At least we can get braced for such a disappointing ending to the series. Sorry for the gloom!”
Some of the fans in the comments seemed to agree with the ominous prediction:
“You may be right. I am still gutted over Elsa.”
“You are absolutely correct. I see it coming.”
“Unfortunately I think she will die because of Elsa and because of them trying for the feels.”
“Guaranteed she makes it to the ranch but will either be mortally wounded and near death, or will be suffering from some kind of now treatable disease that was common in 1923-24.”
“I have to agree with all that you’ve posted here and the replies. Somebody’s going to get killed and it’s going to be a disappointment.”
Another thread mentioned the possibility of Alexandra arriving in Montana, only to find Lindy, Whitfield’s “assistant,” who offers her some form of “help.” She winds up as a sexual slave for Whitfield, who unknowingly has a Dutton wife in his custody, and Spencer is fueled by even more hate to rescue her. Of course, we saw Lindy find a new girl in Episode 5, so not sure how long it’ll take them to need another one, but if this theory were to come to fruition, I think you could count on fans quitting the show all together. Fans already hate the amount of sexual violence in the show, and to succumb Alexandra to Whitfield’s evil fantasies, after everything she’s been through, would be the last straw.
Nevertheless, I suppose killing her off wouldn’t earn Taylor Sheridan many fans either, but I can’t help but think that it may be closer to what actually happens.
We know someone will die, perhaps many people will die, but we also know that the Duttons will persevere. We also know that Spencer will live to see the conclusion of the series, (remember, 1923 will only be 2 seasons), because Elsa said that only 1 of her father’s children will live to see their children grow up. We already know that Elsa died at the end of 1883, and then her brother John I died in 1923 Season 1… that leaves Spencer to survive. However, since the 7 generations, prophecy came true at the end of Yellowstone, the line of the Dutton family has to run through Jack (John Dutton I’s son). I don’t know who will survive 1923 Season 2, but I’m pretty confident that Jack and Emma’s baby will survive… who ends up raising that kid is anyone’s guess.
Only time will tell… stay tuned for the next episode on March 30th, only on Paramount+.
The Dutton Family Tree:
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