When Taylor Sheridan sets his sights on a story, he often hits the bullseye with raw, emotional truth. But when it comes to the portrayal of Ellis Island in 1923 Season 2, it seems he might have missed the mark by a country mile. True, his heart beats for the unvarnished truth of America’s past, and that’s exactly what he’s trying to showcase: the unforgiving reality of immigration.
But in the effort to paint a picture of gritty authenticity, some viewers have raised an eyebrow, pointing out that the historical brushstrokes might have been a bit too broad. While the immigration system was undoubtedly a harsh beast, Sheridan’s interpretation of the medical inspections in Episode 3 has struck some as a historical square peg in a round hole.
The scene with Alexandra Dutton (Julia Schlaepfer) enduring a series of invasive exams may stir the pot, but history buffs are quick to raise the red flag. Was it really that extreme? As the saying goes, the road to historical accuracy is paved with good intentions—but not every well-meaning detour leads to the right destination.
The dramatized Ellis Island exam in 1923 and what fans really think: Fact vs. fiction
In 1923 season 2, Taylor Sheridan places Julia Schlaepfer’s Alexandra at Ellis Island, where she faces one obstacle after another in her quest for freedom and a future in Montana. But the sequence that stands out—and not in a good way—is her drawn-out medical examination. You can practically feel her frustration and humiliation as the examination proceeds in rapid succession. But, according to fans, that’s not how things went down at Ellis Island.
Viewers have raised concerns, noting that the real medical process at Ellis Island was nowhere near as invasive or time-consuming as depicted in the show. The National Park Service outlines that doctors typically had only six seconds to check each immigrant. Six seconds! So the dramatized 30-minute, three-doctor exam we see in the show is far from reality.
Sure, it might make for some intense TV but it’s a far cry from what actually happened in those crowded halls filled with millions of hopefuls. A fan even went so far as to call it “miseducation”.
Let’s see what fans are saying:
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And honestly, we get their point. History isn’t just about how things happened—it’s about why they happened. Sheridan’s heart might be in the right place, but sometimes dramatizing historical facts leads to a more fictionalized version of events rather than an accurate portrayal.
Julia Schlaepfer’s powerful portrayal: Alexandra’s battle against America’s immigration truths
Julia Schlaepfer, who brings Alexandra to life, didn’t just sign up for another role; she took on a mission to showcase history, pain, and the undeniable truth. When Taylor Sheridan called her to discuss a heart-wrenching monologue about America’s hypocritical immigration system, Schlaepfer didn’t flinch. She knew the weight of telling such a story, a story of violations, struggles, and unrealized promises. In her own words (via Esquire), she wanted to “make sure that we told the truth”.
In episode 3, as Alexandra stands at Ellis Island, she becomes a voice for all who’ve been stripped of dignity in the name of progress. “In fact, I would say this is the least free I have ever felt in my life,” Schlaepfer declares, and the words cut deep—because they’re true, then and now.
For Schlaepfer, bringing this character to life was more than acting; it was personal. Her great-grandfather, who arrived at Ellis Island with only $15, had his own struggles. “I know from my family that he was messed with a bit,” she says, tying her own lineage to the reality her character faces. It’s a tale that spans generations, and it’s a story that demands to be told, not just for the past but for the present, too.
As we watch Alexandra move through this harrowing experience, it’s clear she’s not just fighting for survival—she’s fighting for something much bigger: her future family. From the moment she steps onto that New York-bound train to reunite with Spencer Dutton, her journey takes on a new meaning.
1923 season 2 is streaming on Paramount+.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
