Ah, the Duttons, television’s favorite morally ambiguous ranching dynasty. They’ve got the land, the legacy, and an unsettlingly casual approach to problem-solving that often involves, well… eliminating the problem altogether.
Whether it’s trespassers, rival ranchers, or pesky outlaws with bad attitudes, one thing is certain, if you cross a Dutton, you better hope you have an escape plan or a very solid life insurance policy.
But here’s the thing, why are the Duttons so naturally inclined to, let’s say, remove obstacles permanently? Is it the fresh Montana air? The unrelenting pressure of keeping the ranch intact? Or is it simply that once you start throwing people into a conveniently placed abyss, it’s hard to stop? Well, thanks to 1923 Season 2, we finally have some answers. And trust us, they’re just as dramatic as you’d expect.
Murder and mayhem passed down like grandma’s secret recipe
In the Yellowstone universe, family traditions aren’t just about brandings, horseback riding, and generational trauma, they also include a strong commitment to making sure certain people disappear. And thanks to 1923, we now know that the Duttons didn’t just stumble upon their infamous train station dumping ground by chance.
Nope, their knack for, ahem, taking care of business was practically an inheritance. It all starts with Donald Whitfield, a villain so slimy he makes every corporate tycoon in history look like a saint.
He discovers the now-famous canyon first, deciding it’s the perfect place to dispose of a particularly inconvenient problem, in this case, a dead sex worker. His associate, Banner Creighton, gets the unfortunate task of testing the canyon’s potential.
1923 Season 2: Taylor Sheridan’s Poor Writing For Two Characters Is Ruining Yellowstone’s Grand Saga
Now, while Whitfield might think he’s a genius for discovering the ultimate crime scene, he clearly underestimates the Duttons. The moment they get wind of this secret little location, it’s like striking gold, but for bodies.
Once the Duttons realize how convenient this spot is, it quickly becomes a staple in their problem-solving arsenal. Oh no, a land dispute? Chuck ‘em in the canyon. Corrupt politician? Well, gravity works just fine. Some dude gave Beth a weird look? Might as well make him part of the scenery.
And just like that, a Dutton family tradition is born. Sure, most families pass down secret barbecue recipes or heirloom jewelry, but the Duttons? They pass down a well-worn route to an unmarked graveyard.
Why logic is overrated when the Duttons have a canyon
The Duttons could probably solve some of their problems through legal means, negotiations, or therapy. But where’s the fun in that? If you ask them, the best way to settle a dispute is with a few punches, a well-timed bullet, and a dramatic horseback chase. And when that’s not enough? Well, there’s always the train station.
The real kicker is that the Duttons don’t just eliminate threats, they do it with the same casual energy most people reserve for taking out the trash. The idea that they can literally erase enemies with zero consequences is both terrifying and impressive. You have to admire their efficiency.
Whitfield, on the other hand, is playing a dangerous game. Sure, he’s got money, power, and a cold-blooded business mentality, but he’s also forgotten one key rule, never, ever underestimate a Dutton.
His brilliant plan to use the canyon for his own dirty work is basically an invitation for the Duttons to turn it into his final resting place. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that anyone who goes up against the Duttons has about as much chance of survival as a snowball in a branding fire.
So, what have we learned? That 1923 Season 2 has officially solved the mystery of the train station. In doing so, it is confirmed what we always suspected, when it comes to protecting the ranch, the Duttons have never been afraid to get their hands dirty.
1923 can be streamed on Paramount+.
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