A helicopter crash has the staff scrambling on Fox’s The Resident season six episode 12. “All The Wiser” airs on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 8pm ET/PT.
The season six cast includes Matt Czuchry as Dr. Conrad Hawkins, Jessica Lucas as Dr. Billie Sutton, Bruce Greenwood as Dr. Randolph Bell, and Jane Leeves as Dr. Kit Voss. Manish Dayal stars as Dr. Devon Pravesh, Malcolm-Jamal Warner is Dr. AJ Austin, Anuja Joshi is Dr. Leela Devi, Andrew McCarthy plays Dr. Ian Sullivan, and Kaley Ronayne is Dr. Cade Sullivan.
“All The Wiser” Plot: The ER quickly fills up after a heavy storm causes a devastating helicopter crash. Conrad, Devon and the rest of the Chastain doctors rush to treat patients including the helicopter pilot, a barista, and Chastain’s least favorite person, Governor Mark Betz.
The compelling medical drama The Resident follows the doctors and nurses at Chastain Memorial Park Hospital. They work tirelessly to solve intricate medical cases, stopping at nothing to save their patients while facing challenges in their own lives.
Season five was a tumultuous journey, as our heroes at Chastain weathered several storms, including the devastating loss of the beloved Nurse Practitioner Nicolette Nevin. Now, entering a cutting-edge and electrifying sixth season, the stakes are at an all-time high. This season, pertinent topics are touched upon that push our characters to the limit while fighting for their patients’ lives. The season kicks off six months after we’ve last seen our heroes at Chastain. Chastain’s quality of care is put at risk and it’s up to our doctors to shine a light on the effects political corruption has on the healthcare system.
In the season premiere, DR. CONRAD HAWKINS (Czuchry) cozies up with his new love interest. Who will it be, DR. BILLIE SUTTON (Lucas) or DR. KINCAID (CADE) SULLIVAN (Kaley Ronayne)? Conrad’s journey continues as he balances his new love life, single fatherhood and saving patients at Chastain. Elsewhere, we’re catapulted into a gripping medical emergency for PADMA DEVI (guest star Aneesha Joshi) and her unborn twins, that will showcase the skills of Chastain’s new top pediatric surgeon, DR. IAN SULLIVAN (McCarthy), as he hides a dark secret surrounding addiction. If Ian’s secret leaks, it can cost him his job and his relationship with his daughter, Cade.
Stepping into fatherhood, we’ll see another side of the “Raptor” or DR. AJ AUSTIN (Warner) as he supports Padma all the way. The power couple DR. DEVON PRAVESH (Dayal) and DR. LEELA DEVI (Joshi) shine as Devon leads his own clinical trials and Leela is appointed Chief Resident. Chastain’s CEO, DR. KIT VOSS (Leeves), feels the stress of running a hospital when resources are low, and a new potential governor threatens to cut Chastain’s funding, all while supporting her love DR. RANDOLPH BELL (Greenwood) through his battle with MS.
This is a season of renewal and transformation for the doctors at Chastain as they step into new phases of their personal and professional lives.
Netflix has set a February 2023 premiere date for the third season of the popular drama Outer Banks. All 10 season three episodes will be available for binge-watching on Thursday, February 23rd.
The premiere date announcement was accompanied by the first batch of photos from the upcoming season.
Season three stars Chase Stokes as John B., Madelyn Cline as Sarah Cameron, Madison Bailey as Kiara, Jonathan Daviss as Pope, and Rudy Pankow as JJ. Austin North plays Topper, Drew Starkey is Rafe, Carlacia Grant is Cleo, and Charles Esten stars as Ward Cameron.
The cast also includes Cullen Moss as Shoupe, Julia Antonelli as Wheezie Cameron, Caroline Arapoglou as Rose Cameron, E. Roger Mitchell as Heyward, Charles Halford as Big John, Elizabeth Mitchell as Limbrey, and Andy McQueen as Carlos Singh.
“The stakes are ramping up. The Pogues realize that their adventures in the first two seasons were merely the prelude to the granddaddy of all treasure hunts,” offered series creators and executive producers Jonas Pate, Josh Pate, and Shannon Burke, commenting on season three.
“After losing the gold and fleeing the Outer Banks, season three finds the Pogues washed ashore on a desert island that, for a brief moment, seems like an idyllic home. Officially deemed ‘Poguelandia,’ the island’s newest residents spend their days fishing, swimming, and reveling in the carefree lifestyle of their temporary dwelling. But things quickly go south for John B, Sarah, Kiara, Pope, JJ, and Cleo when they find themselves once again caught up in a race for the treasure, quite literally running for their lives.
They’re broke and far from home, they can’t trust anyone, Ward and Rafe are hungry for revenge, and there’s a ruthless Caribbean Don who will stop at nothing to find the bounty. Was the treasure ever within their reach? Or was it all a trap to stop them once and for all? Either way, it’s the Pogues against the world – and the only way out is together.”
20th Century Studios has unveiled the first three photos from the thriller Boston Strangler, coming to Hulu on March 17, 2023. Two-time Oscar nominee Keira Knightley (The Imitation Game, Pride & Prejudice) stars as Loretta McLaughlin and Emmy nominee Carrie Coon (Fargo) plays Jean Cole, two of the journalists who broke the story of the Boston Strangler.
The cast also includes Alessandro Nivola (Amsterdam), David Dastmalchian (Dune), Morgan Spector (Homeland), Bill Camp (Joker), and Oscar winner Chris Cooper (Adaptation). Matt Ruskin (Crown Height) wrote the screenplay and directed, with Ridley Scott, Kevin J. Walsh, Michael Pruss, Josey McNamara, and Tom Ackerley producing.
Michael Fottrell and Sam Roston serve as executive producers.
A special three-part true crime podcast focusing on the Boston Strangler will debut prior to the film’s March 2023 premiere. The podcast will be hosted by former Boston Globe reporter Dick Lehr and will “delve into the backstories and tragic fate of the victims linked to the Boston Strangler case and explore why these half-century-old killings remain the subject of so much fascination.”
The film follows Loretta McLaughlin (Knightley), a reporter for the Record-American newspaper, who becomes the first journalist to connect the Boston Strangler murders. As the mysterious killer claims more and more victims, Loretta attempts to continue her investigation alongside colleague and confidante Jean Cole (Coon), yet the duo finds themselves stymied by the rampant sexism of the era.
Nevertheless, McLaughlin and Cole bravely pursue the story at great personal risk, putting their own lives on the line in their quest to uncover the truth.
Queer Eye‘s Jai Rodriguez and The Walking Dead‘s Alexa Mansour guest star on Fox’s Fantasy Island season two episode two. “Hurricane Helene/The Bachelor Party” will air on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 8pm ET/PT.
Roselyn Sanchez is back as Elena Roarke, a descendant of the iconic Mr. Roarke played by Ricardo Montalban in the original ’70s series. Kiara Barnes (The Bold and the Beautiful) returns as Ruby Akuda and John Gabriel Rodriguez (Rosewood) returns as Javier.
“Hurricane Helene/The Bachelor Party” Plot – In the wake of her mother’s passing, Helene visits the Island in search of her biological father. She thinks he might just be one of the guys who’s come to celebrate a Bachelor Party. Roarke and Javier grow closer, while Ruby gives herself a spiritual cleanse with a bonfire and a night swim, where she encounters an old friend.
Frankie J Alvarez (Looking) and Izzy Diaz (Broke) also guest star.
Kiara Barnes, Roselyn Sanchez and John G. Rodriquez in ‘Fantasy Island’ season 2 episode 2 (Photo CR: Laura Magruder/ FOX)
Fantasy Island Description, Courtesy of Fox:
A modern drama series, Fantasy Island takes place at a luxury resort, where literally any fantasy requested by guests is fulfilled, although they rarely turn out as expected. Delving into the “what if” questions – both big and small – that keep us awake at night, each episode will tell emotional, provocative stories about people who arrive with dreams and desires and depart enlightened and transformed through the magical realism of Fantasy Island.
Serving as steward of this mysterious island is Elena Roarke (Sanchez), a descendant of the iconic Mr. Roarke. Elena set aside her own ambitions, and even the love of her life, to uphold her family’s legacy. Sophisticated, insightful, and always charming, her calm exterior masks the challenges of the responsibilities she has assumed. Assisting Elena is Ruby Akuda (Barnes), a young woman with an old soul who arrives on Fantasy Island with a terminal illness, and is given a new lease on life there; and pilot Javier (Rodriquez), who also is the head of island transportation and a jack of all trades.
Izzy Diaz (center) in the “Hurricane Helene/The Bachelor Party” episode (Photo CR: Laura Magruder/ FOX)Roselyn Sanchez and Kiara Barnes in season 2 episode 2 (Photo CR: Laura Magruder/ FOX)Frankie J, Alvarez in the “Hurricane Helene/The Bachelor Party” episode (Photo CR: Laura Magruder/ FOX)Roselyn Sanchez and Alexa Mansour in season 2 episode 2 (Photo CR: Laura Magruder/ FOX)Alexa Mansour in season 2 episode 2 (Photo CR: Laura Magruder/ FOX)Jai Rodriguez, Frankie J. Alvarez and Izzy Diaz in the “Hurricane Helene/The Bachelor Party” episode (Photo CR: Laura Magruder/ FOX)
The teaser trailer for The Consultant features a dead body, masked thieves, and two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained, Inglourious Basterds) as the boss from hell. The first teaser was accompanied by the announcement that The Consultant will launch all eight episodes on February 24, 2023 on Prime Video.
The Consultant was created by showrunner and executive producer Tony Basgallop (Servant, Inside Men, Hotel Babylon) and is based on the 2015 novel by Bentley Little. Waltz stars as Regus Patoff, Brittany O’Grady is Elaine, Aimee Carrero is Patti, and Nat Wolff plays Craig.
Matt Shakman directed the pilot and serves as an executive producer along with Christoph Waltz, Steve Stark, and Andrew Mittman. The series is an MGM Television and Amazon Studios production.
Christoph Waltz stars in Prime Video’s ‘The Consultant’ series
“The Consultant is a biting workplace satire that is as suspenseful as it is darkly funny,” stated Michael Wright, president of scripted TV at MGM. “Tony has created something truly unexpected with this series, and we are thrilled to partner with Amazon and this brilliant creative team to bring the story to life for audiences around the world.”
“It’s a huge honor to be working with the talents of Matt Shakman and Christoph Waltz on this project that I developed with the team at 1.21 and Toluca Pictures,” said showrunner Basgallop. “And with MGM and Amazon Studios we’ve found partners who are not afraid to be bold and explosive.”
Prime Video offers this description of the twisted, comedic thriller: “When a new consultant, Regus Patoff (Waltz), is hired to improve the business at the App-based gaming company CompWare, employees experience new demands and challenges that put everything into question … including their lives.”
Hulu’s new docuseries How I Caught My Killer examines homicide cases in which the murder victim played an integral role in capturing their own killer. Hulu just dropped an official trailer that teases the stories to be told over the course of the nine-episode documentary series.
All episodes of the true-crime series will be released on Thursday, January 12, 2023
Hulu offers this description of the docuseries:
“How I Caught My Killer is a true-crime docuseries that highlights the real-life stories behind unique homicide cases with in-depth interviews, authentic archival material, and cinematic recreations all packaged together into a fresh spin in the genre.
Whether it’s a fraught letter to a friend, an urgent text message detailing a heated argument, a private diary entry describing a horrifying experience, or an ominous social media post revealing a motive for murder…these victims all leave a case-breaking clue that will one day help to solve their crime.
Every curated case details a complex portrait of a human being whose life was cut short by a killer that would have escaped justice if it hadn’t been for the victim’s own actions. Ultimately, the twists and turns of the investigations into these victim-solved crimes expose an awful truth in America today: our systemic failures as a nation all too frequently deny many citizens justice. Each episode forces us to confront the harsh reality that our system is blind to many underserved and invisible communities that make up a disproportionate percentage of the people who lose their lives to homicide every year.”
Poster for Hulu’s true-crime documentary series ‘How I Caught My Killer’
Netflix’s new cooking competition series Pressure Cooker sounds sort of like Hell’s Kitchen with a cutthroat twist. Instead of a panel of judges dishing out compliments and/or insults, the chefs judge each other while competing to win the $100,000 grand prize
The trailer for Pressure Cooker shows the 11 chefs attempting to figure out the best strategy to outlast their competition. Do they vote based on the actual dishes served or based on how threatened they feel by a specific competitor? Also, with 11 chefs in the competition, there are bound to be alliances. How does that factor into judging each other?
Season one’s eight episodes premiere on January 6, 2023.
Netflix served up this description of their latest reality show entree:
“In this first-ever house reality cooking competition, 11 professional chefs must prove that they have all the qualities it takes to thrive in the real culinary world. Locked together inside a fortress of cuisine our group of confident chefs will cook, sleep and coexist with their rivals over a series of weeks. And if that wasn’t enough stress, they’ll also need strategy to balance impressing their peers while watching their own backs…because in the Pressure Cooker there is no panel of judges. The chefs judge each other. This is a high-stakes search for the ultimate chef’s chef.”
Wes Bentley in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5 episode 8 (Photo Credit: Paramount Network)
Paramount Network’s Yellowstone wraps up the first half of season five with episode eight, “A Knife and No Coin.” Episode seven ended with Jamie on the verge of going to war with John and Beth. However, episode eight makes us wait a while to get back to that storyline and instead slips into a flashback of young Rip making his first trip with a dead body to the train station.
John (Josh Lucas) asks what Rowdy said that caused Rip to stand up for Beth. John knows without Rip explaining exactly what was said, and he informs Rip that the only fighting he’ll do in the future is to protect the ranch or someone who works there.
Rip is offered the Yellowstone’s brand and told if he accepts, he’s committed his life to the ranch. In exchange, he’ll have a home until the day he dies – or the ranch is gone. Rip agrees to be branded.
Rip returns to the bunkhouse and the cowboys applaud as Lloyd shows them the brand on his chest.
Next, we check in with Jimmy (Jefferson White) who’s still happy and in love with Emily. He’s also apparently well respected and fully integrated into life on the 6666 Ranch.
And, finally, 15-ish minutes into the midseason finale we see the guys – and Teeter (Jen Landon) – working the cattle on the Yellowstone Ranch. They’re hard at work herding the cattle onto trucks for the big move, as Monica (Kelsey Asbille) asks John (Kevin Costner) where they’re heading. John says he’s leased land in the panhandle of Texas where it’s windy and dry.
Monica turns serious and thanks John for helping her deal with the loss of her baby. John thinks we are subjected to tragedies so we can pass along how we survived through them to the next generation. John knows Monica wears the pants in her family and has a big request. He’s heading back to work governing and Rip will be leaving with the cattle, so he really needs Kayce’s help running the ranch.
Monica agrees and tells John all he ever had to do was ask.
Luke Grimes, Cole Hauser, and Kevin Costner in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5 episode 8 (Photo Courtesy of Paramount Network)
John and Rip (Cole Hauser) have one final talk before Rip heads out with the cattle. John apologizes for it having to be like this and Rip completely understands. If cowboying weren’t hard, everyone would be doing it.
John asks Kayce (Luke Grimes) if he can come the next day and help get the rest on the road. Kayce is willing but has to ask Monica first, and John – who doesn’t admit he’s already spoken to her – suggests Kayce listen to whatever she says. Kayce agrees that’s the safest move.
John surprises Kayce with a hug and tells him he loves him before walking off.
Cue the dramatic music as Jamie (Wes Bentley) addresses the legislature. He begins his speech but the action cuts away to Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) who’s joined by John and Senator Lynelle Perry (Wendy Moniz) to address the press regarding the pipeline.
Thomas is happy to see him and John agrees to start the press conference off by introducing him. John delivers a short speech coming out on the side of the tribe and against the pipeline. He promises to use the full weight of his office to stop it from happening.
Meanwhile, Jamie tells the legislature that John Dutton has violated state law and exposed Montana to litigation. He’s also cost Montana billions of dollars through his callous, calculated actions. Jamie requests Article 5 Section 13 be put into action and that John should be impeached.
As Thomas Rainwater’s speaking, the news breaks that Jamie’s seeking to impeach his father. Lynelle tells John to avoid the press, but John steps up to the mic and suggests the press keep their focus on the pipeline and not the theatrical maneuverings of Jamie.
John heads back to the capitol as his assistant, Clara (Lilli Kay), explains Jamie’s speech doesn’t point to any specific wrongdoings. It’s all conjecture, and John explains that sometimes that’s all you need to get started. Clara thinks the truth will prevail, but John doesn’t think truth will win this battle. It will take “menace” to win this fight.
Piper Perabo in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5 episode 8 (Photo Credit: Paramount Network)
Back at the ranch, Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Summer (Piper Perabo) get into an argument about Summer being at the ranch while John’s gone back to the capitol. Their argument dissolves into a fight about peanut M&Ms, and Beth actually seems to like Summer by the time they wrap up their fight.
Summer shows Beth a video of Jamie’s speech and it’s the first time Beth learns what her brother’s done. This impeachment tribunal will be the first in Montana’s history. Beth reacts in shock and says, “That mother**ker.”
We press pause on Jamie’s story for Carter to say goodbye to the pretty girl he’s been hanging out with, while inside the bunkhouse the crew that’s heading out pack everything they’ve got. Rip warns them it’s going to be freezing and to make sure to bring everything warm.
The guys joke about how Teeter heading to Texas won’t help her accent. The laughter is a cover for how much the guys remaining on the ranch will miss those heading off with the cattle. It’s apparent Colby (Denim Richards) is actually going to miss Teeter, even though he continues to claim he was forced into the relationship.
Just as the cowboys are about to head out, Colby joins Teeter outside for a final hug and kiss. She whispers “I love you” before they take off.
That night in bed Sarah (Dawn Olivieri) compliments Jamie on delivering the perfect speech. Jamie knows his dad’s going to fight it, but Sarah thinks there are enough votes to impeach him.
As they’re talking, Beth pounds on the door. Jamie doesn’t answer, so Beth breaks the glass. She charges in and warns Jamie that he’s committing career suicide. Jamie tries to push her out of his house, but she fights back. Beth hits him in the head with the rock she used to break the glass. He hits his head on a piece of furniture as he falls down, but isn’t badly injured.
Beth threatens Jamie that if he doesn’t resign tomorrow, she’ll print photos for the sheriff. Jamie doesn’t think she’ll go through with that and Beth replies, “Doubt me, Jamie. I am begging you.”
Jamie actually chuckles as he reminds her how many bodies John’s disposed of at the train station. Beth looks surprised; she didn’t know the place had been used for decades to hide dead bodies. Jamie suggests she ask Rip about the train station and reveals that killing their enemies has always been part of protecting the ranch.
Jamie – figurately – shoves a knife into Beth’s heart by reminding her she won’t be able to add to future generations of Duttons. He also points out that monetizing the ranch is the only way to protect it, and that she’s got to realize that’s true. Jamie claims what he’s doing is helping to guarantee there’s a ranch to pass down to Tate and his own son.
”The greatest threat to that ranch is our father!” says Jamie, promising he’ll remove that threat.
Sarah enters the room and Beth calls her “one expensive hooker.” Beth informs them both that war is just beginning.
The hits just keep on coming as news breaks that wolves’ collars were located and the wolves could have been killed on John Dutton’s land. Clara and Lynelle are with John as they watch the news, and Lynelle believes the news broke now because they smelled blood in the water.
Beth shows up as they’re talking and suggests her dad take them to the train station. John asks the others to leave as he describes the train station as a trash can for everyone who’s attacked the ranch. It’s in a location that’s so remote it will never be found. John also admits the men who attacked her are there along with others she knows did the family wrong.
John confirms Jamie knows about the train station, and Beth believes he’ll use that knowledge to destroy him. After a brief pause, Beth suggests Jamie’s body should be the next taken to the train station. She asks what John thinks, but we don’t hear his answer. (I can’t imagine John saying no at this point.)
Sarah tends to Jamie’s injured head and asks what he thinks Beth will do next. Jamie’s spot on when he says she’ll probably have him killed. He wonders if Sarah knows anyone who can help, and Sarah reminds him he has security.
“That’s playing defense. What if I want to play offense?” he asks. Sarah confirms there are companies that can handle it. They can make it look like a heart attack or car accident.
Jamie wants to meet with them, but Sarah will take care of it herself. She seems to hint that they should go after John at the same time, and Jamie indicates he was thinking that, too. (They’re all plotting to kill each other and any sympathy I had for Jamie has flown out the window!)
Luke Grimes and Kelsey Asbille in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5 episode 8 (Photo Credit: Paramount Network)
The next day Monica tells Kayce about her talk with John. She thinks they should help out on the ranch and she’s fine with moving into the home (East Camp) that John suggested. It’ll be like a fresh start, and the house would be theirs instead of a rental.
Kayce reveals the choice he saw in his vision was between the ranch and Monica. Monica believes that if they move into East Camp, then it’s a way of having both. They kiss and Monica smiles as Kayce gets back to work helping load the cattle.
The midseason finale ends with the camera panning up to the Y on the barn.
Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until this summer for the second half of season five!
NBC’s Chicago Med season eight returns from its month-long midseason break with episode 10, “A Little Change Might Do You Some Good.” Episode nine found April Sexton and Dr. Ethan Choi tying the knot and Jack Dayton taking over the Gaffney Medical Group. Episode 10 is set to air on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 8pm ET/PT.
Season eight’s cast includes Nick Gehlfuss as Will Halstead, Oliver Platt as Dr. Daniel Charles, Marlyne Barrett as Maggie Lockwood, Steven Weber as Dr. Dean Archer, Jessy Schram as Dr. Hannah Asher, Dominic Rains as Dr. Crockett Marcel, and S. Epatha Merkerson as Sharon Goodwin. Sasha Roiz plays Jack Dayton.
“A Little Change Might Do You Some Good” Plot: Charles and Nellie help an elderly patient and her developmentally disabled grandson. Will treats a high school swimmer with a heart condition. Crockett considers using the O.R. 2.0 for surgery. Hannah and Dr. Justin Lieu search for a patient’s missing pregnant wife in the woods.
Ivan Shaw as Justin Lieu and Jessy Schram as Hannah Asher in ‘Chicago Med’ season 8 episode 10 (Photo by: George Burns Jr/NBC)
The Chicago Med Season 8 Plot, Courtesy of NBC:
Dr. Will Halstead (Gehlfuss) fights to support his patients in the face of an extreme medical supply chain shortage. Dr. Daniel Charles (Platt) remains the Sherlock Holmes of psychiatry. Sharon Goodwin (Merkerson), the venerable head of the city’s largest hospital, is under intense fiscal scrutiny to preserve the bottom line while continuing to ensure that all patients receive nothing short of quality care and compassion. She is given the unimaginable role of final decision maker for who will receive medical supplies and care when materials are scarce.
Dr. Ethan Choi (Brian Tee), a former Navy flight surgeon and chief of the E.D., turns his focus inward and embarks on a journey of self-discovery after recovering from being shot by a former patient. Now it’s up to the blunt but talented Dr. Dean Archer (Weber) to show what he’s made of as he steps into the role of permanent chief at the helm of Chicago’s trusted and busiest ER while also reconnecting with a family member after over a decade of estrangement.
Maggie Lockwood (Barrett), the charge nurse and eyes, ears, and brain of the ER, is skilled and confident but finds herself dealing with profound family issues of her own. Ace surgeon Dr. Crockett Marcel (Rains), the New Orleans-raised surgeon with a breezy manner, juggles the relentless work of being an ER surgeon and his new role on the transplant team. Rounding out the group is Dr. Hannah Asher (Schram), an experienced attending whose fresh start at Gaffney Medical finds her in the center’s new emergency OB/GYN service.
Nick Gehlfuss as Will Halstead, Sasha Roiz as Jack Dayton, Aimee Parker as Cindy McCoy, Joel Gelman as Glen Eastman, and Emma Kennedy as Sophia Eastman in season 8 episode 10 (Photo by: George Burns Jr/NBC)Jessy Schram as Hannah Asher, Ivan Shaw as Justin Lieu, Erinn Fredin as Tiffany Thompson, and Liam Quealy as Brandonn Thompson in season 8 episode 10 (Photo by: George Burns Jr/NBC)Ivan Shaw as Justin Lieu and Jessy Schram as Hannah Asher in season 8 episode 10 (Photo by: George Burns Jr/NBC)Marlyne Barrett as Maggie Lockwood and S. Epatha Merkerson as Sharon Goodwin in season 8 episode 10 (Photo by: George Burns Jr/NBC)Ivan Shaw as Justin Lieu and Jessy Schram as Hannah Asher in season 8 episode 10 (Photo by: George Burns Jr/NBC)Nick Gehlfuss as Will Halstead in season 8 episode 10 (Photo by: George Burns Jr/NBC)
Paramount+’s 1923 season one episode three opens with a reminder that ranchers don’t keep normal hours. They also don’t get weekends off. “Ranchers are bound only to the seasons,” says Elsa Dutton (1883’s Isabel May).
And, shockingly, by the time that episode three concludes, another Dutton family member has passed away. War has come to the Yellowstone Ranch and with it death. (Spoilers ahead.)
Cara (Helen Mirren), Emma (Marley Shelton), and Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph) are doing chores when they spot their men returning home. Elizabeth races out to greet Jack, and in return, Jack (Darren Mann) rides like lightning toward the barn. Which, apparently, is simply not done on ranches. Jacob (Harrison Ford) notes that the Yellowstone Ranch might be the only ranch that doesn’t obey the rule that horses are walked near barns.
Cara confesses she was really worried about this trip, and Jacob confirms they encountered a problem he’ll need to discuss with the sheriff.
Banner Creighton’s homecoming isn’t as warm and welcoming. He’s returned without his men or his horse, and he sends his boy off to fetch fellow sheepherders. Banner (Jerome Flynn) is in poor shape from walking down the mountain, and he blames his condition on the Duttons. (Banner was the only one to survive after Jacob had the trespassing sheepherders strung up.)
The following day the Duttons and Yellowstone cowboys join Jacob on a trip to town. Cara’s shocked to learn electricity is coming to the valley, with a local shop owner confirming that cables are being run along with the paving of the road to the park. A road’s going in that will run all the way from Canada to Mexico.
Cara actually giggles as the store owner shows off a washing machine and describes what it does. A refrigerator catches Elizabeth’s eye, and the owner also describes how it works. He adds that although they can buy electricity, he’s renting these appliances.
Jack isn’t sold on these new-fangled contraptions, pointing out that they’ll just have to work harder and longer to pay for all these items that are supposed to be providing them with more time to relax. John Sr (James Badge Dale) agrees with his son and dismisses the very idea of renting these unnecessary luxuries.
As Cara’s walking away, she whispers to Elizabeth that a washing machine is actually a good idea.
Jacob and Sheriff McDowell (Robert Patrick) disagree over Jacob’s decision to hang the trespassers rather than bring them to town for justice. McDowell’s worried about a range war, and Jacob insists the war’s already begun and the sheepherders started it.
Jacob speaks with a fellow rancher, commiserating over the crowds in town, the devastating drought, and the intrusive sheep. The rancher promises to support Jacob’s fight with the sheepherders.
By the time Jacob reunites with his clan, it’s too late for the group to head back to the ranch. They’ll have to spend the night at the Hotel Boseman, and Elizabeth, for one, seems perfectly happy with that decision.
John Sr and Emma take a stroll away from the rest of the Duttons, unaware they’re being watched.
Jack, Elizabeth, and some of the cowboys make their way to a hidden speakeasy, hoping for a good time. Elizabeth’s all smiles as they take seats at the bar and order what all the “fancy folks” are drinking: Gin Rickeys (gin, lime, and club soda) and Bee’s Knees (gin, lemon juice, and honey).
Elizabeth downs her drink fast and insists on dancing. Jack will do anything for his lady and joins her on the dance floor.
They eventually make it back to the hotel, and after a passionate kiss good night, Elizabeth assures him she’s worth the wait. But as he’s walking away, she opens her door. Jack’s a bit hesitant as he enters her room and then watches Elizabeth start to take off her clothes.
“My plan was a beguiling pose on the bed,” she says, laughing softly at herself for being unable to unfasten her buttons.
Jack doesn’t care about the pose; he just wants Elizabeth right now. (Jacob’s suggestion that Elizabeth’s dad shouldn’t worry about a baby arriving early might be proven prescient.) They take their time as they explore each other’s bodies in the privacy of Elizabeth’s hotel room.
Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) arrives in the area of recent hyena attacks and learns they’re craftier animals than lions. There doesn’t seem to be a pattern to the attacks, and tying a goat to a tree has been unsuccessful in luring in a hyena.
Spencer believes the hyena responsible’s either old or hurt. It’s definitely not a pack since the victims are barely eaten.
Three men are constantly on patrol at night around the temporary settlement where the railroad workers are housed. The man in charge is worried the hyena’s kills will attract lions to the camp.
Spencer’s guides haven’t arrived, which is troubling since they’re only coming from 10 miles away.
Alexandra (Julia Schlaepfer) rises later than the men and looks out over the plains. She confesses it doesn’t look real; it reminds her of a painting. Spencer agrees that it’s beautiful, and the conversation turns to Darwin and his theory of evolution. Spencer describes the differences between wild animals in America and Africa, explaining that in America, the animals flee from people. Here in Africa, they just consider people nuisances since they’ve dealt with humans for a million years.
Spencer and Alexandra head off in a car to look at the footprints of a child baked into a lava rock, something he mentioned while they were discussing evolution. They pass by herds of zebra, elephants, giraffes, and even a lone warthog, and Alexandra’s fascinated by all the wildlife. She’s never seen an impala before and thinks they look like goats.
They finally make it to the remote location, and Spencer asks if he can call her Alex. Alexandra’s just too long and will take too much time if he needs to warn her about a lion or some other danger. She jokes about how difficult it was to ask about a nickname and says she won’t hold her breath about a marriage proposal.
However, Spencer’s ready to pop the question right now, even though they’ve just met. Alex laughs but then realizes Spencer’s quite serious. He wants to marry her despite the fact that they’re basically strangers.
“Marry me,” says Spencer, and Alex points out that’s not a question. Still, she seems fine with his demand and agrees to marry him. (Brandon Sklenar and Julia Schlaepfer have incredible chemistry!)
Alex bends down next to the footprint and turns melancholy, thinking about the child being alone when he or she left it. This area makes her feel small, and she becomes emotional as she explains it’s the first time that she’s realized life is incredibly short.
Spencer’s already aware of that, and that’s why he proposed.
They head back to camp but pause as a herd of elephants, including young ones, cross their path. Spencer’s description of these gorgeous creatures changes Alex’s opinion of this man she’s fallen in love with. She sees the boy in him and sees “their boy” in him too. Spencer sees their boy in her as well.
Alex admits her parents are going to hate Spencer, but Spencer’s sure his parents will love Alex.
Suddenly, an elephant charges at the car and Spencer’s forced to throw it into reverse. They back away, but the elephant continues charging and is able to push the car over. It attacks again once it’s disabled the vehicle, and Spencer gets off a shot.
The elephant wanders a few yards away and dies. (Between 1923 and Yellowstone season five, Taylor Sheridan’s characters are killing a lot of animals.)
Spencer helps a shocked Alex from the car, and together they manage to push it back onto its wheels. Unfortunately, the car won’t start and they’re forced to hide in a nearby tree. A dead elephant is bound to cause a feeding frenzy.
But once they climb the tree, Spencer realizes it’s not high enough. They’re still in grave danger, but this is the tallest tree around. He explains their predicament, and Alex is quick to understand the dire circumstances they find themselves in.
Spencer assures Alex he will not let this be their last night together.
Hours later, Alex jerks awake in Spencer’s arms as a pride of lions feast on the elephant. Hyenas howl and approach the pride, but the lions don’t give ground. One lioness notices the humans in the tree, and Spencer kills her before she can reach their hiding place.
The pride now concentrates their attention on the humans, and Spencer continues to shoot while Alex screams. Headlights of four vehicles heading their direction appear, and Spencer remains laser-focused on the lions as Alex screams, “We’re here!”
Men leap out of the cars while firing into the air. The lions and hyenas back away, and Spencer helps Alex out of the tree. Spencer pauses a moment before following his shaken fiancée (if she hasn’t had a change of heart, that is) down. He takes time to retrieve his lucky rope before taking a seat in the car.
On their ride back to the camp, Alex admits she didn’t feel alive when she looked death in the eye. She only felt horror – and she doesn’t want to feel that again. Spencer confesses that’s how he always felt until he met her. Now, he never wants to feel that way again.
Spencer smiles as Alex says he needs to find a new job. “Honey, that wasn’t my job. That was just you and me taking a drive in the country,” replies Spencer.
Alex suddenly understands the real price of making love under the sun one, two, or even three times a day. After surviving a near-death experience, Alex and Spencer can’t wait and have sex in the back seat on the way back to camp.
Morning arrives at the Hotel Boseman, and Cara enjoys watching Jacob shave. She points out that women are now shaving their legs and under their arms, which seems unnecessary. Cara’s worried about their species and thinks greed will be what kills us all.
Jacob agrees with his wife of 44 years and admits it’s a pleasure listening to her babble on about nonsense. Cara suggests there will come a point where women shave between their legs just because razor companies tell them to.
Jacob pauses in front of the mirror, wondering when he got so old.
The group prepares to leave town, and Jacob instructs ranch foreman Zane Davis (Brian Geraghty) to ride ahead with the cowboys. Zane wants to leave a few cowboys with the buggy, but Jacob declines that offer. The Duttons will follow behind with the buggy, and the cowboys can clear the way if there’s trouble.
A short while later, the Duttons are out of sight of the cowboys when they hear gunfire. Elizabeth’s shot before they can react, and Jacob yells for everyone to get out of the buggy. Before they can take cover, Jack’s shot and so is Elizabeth’s dad, Bob Strafford (Tim DeKay).
It’s an ambush, and although Jacob and John Sr return gunfire, their attackers don’t back off. The sheepherders are well hidden behind boulders and trees as the gunfire spooks the horses and causes them to race off with the buggy. Elizabeth never had a chance to get off, and she’s stuck in the back seat as the horses run away.
Cara, Jacob, John Sr, and Emma take cover behind a fallen tree as an injured Jack pursues the buggy on horseback.
Zane and the cowboys hear the shots and turn around, racing toward the Duttons. Meanwhile, Jack jumps into the wagon, grabs the reins, and manages to get the horses to stop.
Jacob watches Jack carry Elizabeth to safety behind a boulder as dozens of sheepherders ride toward the fallen tree. Jacob hopes Jack will remain hidden, but of course he doesn’t. Jack uses the boulder for cover and kills one of their attackers.
The larger group advances on Jacob’s position, and Cara, John Sr, and Emma all return fire.
They’re greatly outnumbered as Banner drives up with what looks like a Thompson submachine gun. He calls out to Jacob and declares himself a man of his word as he opens fire.
Jacob tells the others to run as bullets spray the area. Jacob and John Sr are hit multiple times before the Yellowstone cowboys arrive to kill or chase off the sheepherders.
Banner gets back into his car and drives away as his fellow sheepherders are shot.
Zane finds Jack crouched behind a boulder with Cara, Emma, and Elizabeth. Although Jack’s been shot, Zane orders him to retrieve the buggy because they need it.
Cara rushes to Jacob’s side, and he looks like he’s at death’s door. Unfortunately, John Sr has died from his wounds, and Cara attempts to hold Emma back, insisting she doesn’t need to see him. Emma doesn’t listen and stares at the love of her life, lying dead next to Jacob.
Elizabeth’s father has also passed away.
Cara notices an injured sheepherder fleeing on foot. (This is where the opening scene from the first episode comes into play.) She follows him and stands over the sheepherder as he begs for his life. He asks to be taken to the sheriff, but Cara isn’t about to let him get away. She pulls the trigger, but the rifle doesn’t fire. The man struggles to load his own gun, but Cara manages to load her rifle first. She kills him and screams to the heavens.
Jacob and Elizabeth are rushed back to the Yellowstone Ranch as Cara barks orders. She sets to work stopping the bleeding, and Jacob’s able to tell Zane not to send for the sheriff. Jacob believes he’s dying, but Cara insists that if he can talk, he’s going to live.
Jacob tells Cara that Spencer must come home now.
The doctor and nurses arrive, and the doctor orders Cara to leave the room and let them work.
Cara steps outside and writes a letter to Spencer. Her hand shakes as she writes to inform Spencer his brother’s been killed and it’s possible Jacob will die, too. Jack was wounded.
She writes: “This ranch and your legacy are in peril. War has descended upon this place and your family. Whatever war you fight within yourself must wait. You must come home and fight this one.”
