“I think, in a perhaps slightly over-poetic way, I think she does, she needs to do this… It’s like her version of a journal.” Those words from Harrison Ford on the brilliance of 1923’s creator, Taylor Sheridan certainly have a way of making you stop and think. But while Ford might wax poetic over Sheridan’s female characters, we can’t help but feel like this praise doesn’t entirely match up with what we’ve seen so far in Yellowstone.
Needless to say, Sheridan’s knack for creating strong, layered women is undeniably impressive, but if we’re being honest, the execution of some of his projects leaves a bit to be desired. 1923 promises compelling characters like Helen Mirren’s Cara Dutton, a woman of depth and complexity. Still, let’s not forget about the baggage of his previous shows, where some of the women felt flat.
Why Harrison Ford’s praise for Taylor Sheridan is hard to swallow
When we think about the Duttons of 1923, there’s something uniquely touching about the relationship between Cara and Jacob. Harrison Ford nails it when he says these characters were “fated to find each other” (via TV Lines).
The Duttons of the 1920s face adversity and hardship in a way that feels raw and grounded, especially as they battle both nature and the sinister Whitfield. The way Ford describes the correspondence between Cara and Spencer is heart-wrenching. It’s poetic, yes, but it also shows a human side that Yellowstone sometimes glosses over.
There’s a tenderness in 1923 that Sheridan has carefully woven into its characters—especially female—and perhaps that’s the charm we’ve all been waiting for. Ford shared:
And it’s a spectacular insight into the mind of a woman that [series creator] Taylor Sheridan has imagined… Extraordinary. Helen’s part, all of the other female parts, are filled with passion, and purpose and tragedy.
But here’s the rub: while 1923 might be a breath of fresh air, Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe isn’t exactly winning any masterclass in character development awards these days. The contrast between the complex female roles in 1923 and some of the more one-note characters in Yellowstone is impossible to ignore.
Yes, Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) is tough, fierce, and all about tearing down walls. But isn’t there more to her than just that constant, unrelenting fire? Does Sheridan not see that there’s more to a character than playing the role of the ice queen? We’d love to see him bring a little more warmth to his other female leads—something to balance out all that icy resolve.
Taylor Sheridan finds depth in female characters with 1923 after Yellowstone’s struggles
Taylor Sheridan deserves credit for creating some truly groundbreaking women in Yellowstone. Beth, Monica, and Summer—these characters are no wallflowers. But sometimes, the complexity feels like it’s hidden under layers of tough exteriors or incessant confrontations.
We all know the power of a woman who can fight like hell, but what about the quieter, softer strengths that don’t shout but still command respect? That’s where Sheridan’s vision falters. Yes, these women fight, survive, and thrive in a man’s world—but why do they have to do it with their gloves off, all the time?
Meanwhile, Helen Mirren’s Cara in 1923 stands as an epitome of that quieter strength. She’s far from a damsel, but she also feels more nuanced, more human. Maybe that’s the balance Sheridan needs to strike—giving his characters, particularly the women, room to breathe. Maybe, just maybe, a less rigid approach would create characters who feel real and not just like symbols of grit.
1923 and its second season offers hope in its portrayal of complex female characters, like Cara, who have layers beneath their toughness. So, while Harrison Ford’s praise for Taylor Sheridan’s work is heartfelt, it’s hard to forget the mixed results of his previous projects.
If Sheridan is to truly elevate his female characters, it might be time to dial down the hard edges and explore the softer nuances that make these women more than just their battles. And with 1923, he may have finally found the right formula. Let’s hope he carries that forward into future seasons of Yellowstone and beyond.
1923 and Yellowstone are currently available to be streamed on Paramount+.
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