When it rains, it pours—especially for the Duttons. And no, we’re not just talking about the literal storms battering the unforgiving landscapes of 1923—though those are certainly in abundance. We’re talking about the emotional hurricane that’s been brewing all season long, threatening to drown Spencer and Alex’s arc under the weight of rushed storytelling and unsatisfying character resolutions.
Now, with the two-hour finale looming on the horizon, we find ourselves holding our breath, wondering: Can this supersized episode really pull everything together?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—the pacing of this season has been all over the place. With a lack of focus and too many side plots stealing attention from the heart of the story, we’re not convinced that the finale will deliver the satisfying conclusion we’ve been waiting for.
Pacing problems: Can 1923’s supersized finale stitch together a story torn at the seams?
Let’s not kid ourselves—1923 has been a game-changer. The show, a prequel to the Yellowstone saga, thrives on its historical grit and intense character arcs. And this finale? It has got a two-hour supersized episode runtime, almost twice as long as your average episode. But with a show this intricate, a 120-minute conclusion feels like trying to fix a leaking boat with one patch.
The second season has had viewers hooked, breaking records with a massive viewership increase (see Deadline). So, sure, expectations are sky-high. We want to see Spencer reunite with Alexandra, but as the final scenes approach, the cold reality sets in: will we even get to see that reunion? And more importantly, will it feel earned?
If the first half of 1923 Season 2 was like trying to navigate a dense fog—every scene felt like a stretch to reach the next milestone—the second half has been an unrelenting uphill climb. We’re not saying every episode was a slog, but there’s been more filler than fans care to admit. Take Only Gunshots to Guide Us, for example.
It was as if the show decided to leave behind the already intense struggles in Montana and go off on tangents, exploring side stories that didn’t quite hold the same weight. It’s like trying to focus on the main dish at a banquet when the appetizers keep distracting you. The end result? A sense that the core narrative is scattered, which is problematic when everything needs to be wrapped up in a two-hour finale.
The risk of a rushed finale: Will 1923 season 2’s finale leave us feeling shortchanged?
Wait…we’re not one to throw in the towel early, but too many irons in the fire often end up burning everything. The finale is tasked with tying up a laundry list of unresolved issues—Spencer’s (Brandon Sklenar) return, Alexandra’s harrowing journey, and the looming threats to the Dutton legacy. With only two hours left, we fear we might end up with a rushed, half-baked resolution that leaves much to be desired.
Think about it—Yellowstone’s conclusion had viewers gnashing their teeth over unresolved questions, and we can’t escape the feeling that 1923 might be heading down the same path. Fans are here for the long haul, for a deep dive into these complex characters. So, what happens if the finale tries to cram everything in just to please the masses? We’ll be left with hollow resolutions!
Speaking of hollow—what about Alex? Honestly, the way she’s been treated this season is nothing short of tragic. We can’t help but feel cheated by the lack of development she’s had. And we’re not even sure if 1923 is planning to give her the resolution she deserves.
The same question lingers in our mind: will Spencer and Alex get to live out their dreams together? Or is this going to be yet another Dutton tragedy?
At this point, 1923 needs to put its foot down and choose substance over spectacle. What this finale needs is a meaningful resolution. The characters have been through enough, and the audience deserves more than a quick fix to wrap things up neatly.
If Taylor Sheridan truly wants to honor the legacy of 1883 and Yellowstone, he has to lean into the emotional heart of the story. Focus on the family dynamics, the raw, untold struggles that go beyond the violence.
1923 season 2 is streaming on Paramount+.
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