You ever noticed how some stories, especially those that seem drenched in grit and sweat, have a way of turning everything upside down? We had one of those ‘a-ha’ moments when we watched 1923 and couldn’t help but think about the sexism allegations that have been swirling around Taylor Sheridan’s name. For all the talk of strong, rugged characters like those in Yellowstone, there’s a sneaky undercurrent that’s often overlooked—the truly layered women Sheridan creates.
Take Marshal Mamie Fossett, for instance. Jennifer Carpenter breathes fire into her character, making her more than just a tough-as-nails lawwoman. In a world where accusations of sexism are tossed around like a football at half-time, it’s women like Fossett, characters who aren’t just defined by their relationship to men but by their own solid sense of justice, that flip the script.
So what about a 1923 spinoff with her front and center? Well, it might just be the magic bullet that proves Sheridan can create female characters who are much more than afterthoughts.
1923: Why Mamie Fossett spinoff could be the perfect way to elevate Taylor Sheridan’s female characters
Now, if you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing Jennifer Carpenter own the role of Mamie Fossett, you’re missing out. Seriously, you’ll never look at a deadpan line the same way again. We’re talking about that scene in (1923 Season 2, Episode 5) Sheriff Hutchinson’s office where Mamie calmly asks Spencer if he’s really a Medal of Honor recipient—her delivery so sharp, it’s almost a punchline in itself.
The way she delivers that line, followed by Spencer’s awkward fluster, made fans realize just how much power Carpenter brings to the table. It’s not just about playing a role; it’s about completely owning it, and she does so effortlessly.
It’s no surprise, really. Carpenter herself has said the job “brought me back to life as an artist,” and you can feel that passion radiating from every scene (via Screen Rant). She’s the kind of actress who doesn’t just show up; she dives deep, living and breathing the character as if Mamie Fossett is an extension of her very soul. And frankly, we think a 1923 spinoff series with her at the helm would add a whole new layer to the Yellowstone-verse.
Needless to say, it’s fascinating how Sheridan, despite facing accusations of sexism, continues to create these formidable female characters. Whether it’s Mamie Fossett or the iconic Beth Dutton, he shows us women who are anything but stereotypes. Instead, they’re multi-dimensional, standing tall with strength, grit, and vulnerability—much like Mamie, who proves that a woman can be a rock, not just to others, but to herself too.
Jennifer Carpenter’s dedication: How Mamie Fossett redefines strength in Taylor Sheridan’s world
Speaking of grit, Jennifer Carpenter’s dedication to the role of Mamie Fossett is something you have to respect. Did you know she went to Cowboy Camp before season 2? That’s right—she braved the wilds of Texas, not just to learn how to ride horses, but to immerse herself in the life of a true western badass.
During her same chat with Screen Rant, she admitted there was a moment where she had a “full-out run” on horseback, and let us tell you, that’s the kind of dedication that shows in her portrayal.
I went to Texas for a week by myself and learned with a couple of women, who were incredible at getting me from zero to better in no time.
But beyond her love for the craft, there’s a deeper layer of admiration for Taylor Sheridan’s storytelling. Carpenter has made it clear that she respects how Sheridan connects with his audience. And let’s face it, this is a guy who’s often seen as the heart and soul of the modern western genre, even if he’s sometimes criticized for how he writes women. But characters like Mamie Fossett—who aren’t just written to prop up the male protagonists but are instead their own powerful forces—tell a different story.
Take Beth Dutton, for example. She might seem like the ultimate hard-as-nails character on the outside, but there’s so much more going on under the surface. Her vulnerability, her brokenness, and her protective nature make her one of the most nuanced female characters on TV today. And then there’s Monica Dutton, whose strength lies in her quiet resilience and her fierce determination to protect her family and her culture.
These women are more than just pawns in a man’s story. They’re driving the narrative forward. And with a spinoff focused on Mamie Fossett, Sheridan would not only prove his critics wrong but would give us a woman whose strength and complexity rival any male character in the genre.
Yellowstone and 1923 are available to stream on Paramount+.
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