Paramount+’s 1923 season one finishes up with episode eight, “Nothing Left to Lose,” an episode that ends with multiple cliffhangers and none of the three major storylines any closer to resolution. The season finale split fan-favorite couple Alex and Spencer apart, left Donald Whitfield sitting in the catbird seat, and revealed Cara’s worried that Spencer’s the Yellowstone Ranch’s only hope. And Teonna’s storyline only advanced as far as the Wyoming state line, with law enforcement and Father Renaud hot on her tail.
At least Paramount+ has already confirmed 1923 is returning for season two and we will, eventually, learn if Alex and Spencer make it to Montana. However, Paramount+ hasn’t announced when fans can expect a second season to arrive.
Teonna’s Reunited with Her Father and Begins a Long Journey to Safety
Marshal Kent (Jamie McShane) visits the Boarding School and questions Father Renaud (Sebastian Roché) about the murders of the nuns. Renaud provides details on the killings and on the killer, Teonna. When Kent asks about Teonna’s friend, Renaud simply says she died. It happens quite a lot at the school; enough students die to warrant a graveyard.
Kent believes that since the three priests sent to retrieve Teonna haven’t returned, they’re most likely dead. He orders Father Renaud to join him and his deputies on the hunt for Teonna.
All three priests and Hank are dead, but Teonna (Aminah Nieves) isn’t alone for long. She’s in bad shape when her dad finally makes it to Hank’s place, and there’s no time for a real reunion. They have to stay ahead of the law.
Teonna exits Hank’s small house and sees “Child Killer” has been written in blood on the two dead priests’ chests. Unlike the priests, Hank’s body has been carefully wrapped up in a warm blanket.
Hank’s son Pete Plenty Clouds (Cole Brings Plenty) introduces himself before they ride off, and Teonna thanks him.
They eventually make camp for the night and discuss their options. Run His Horse (Michael Spears) knows some Comanches and thinks they should head south toward their reservation. Pete and Teonna smile at each other and Run His Horse warns them there won’t be any goo-goo eyes or falling in love under his watch. He knows they’ll be killed if they’re found, so they need to focus 100% on surviving. Love can come later.
Teonna explains they’ve been trying to kill her since they took her. She doesn’t believe in later, only in right now.
Pete and Teonna continue to flirt and when Run His Horse says it’s time to sleep, Teonna leans over and gives Pete a quick kiss. He responds by pulling her close and letting her rest on his shoulder. As he comforts her, Teonna finally allows herself to cry.
The Marshal’s group comes upon the first priest and sees that his heart’s been cut out. Father Renaud wants to take the time to bury him, but Kent refuses to linger.
Soon after, they discover the two other priests dead outside Hank’s place. One of the men spots three sets of tracks heading out of the canyon and notes it will be impossible to track them on the plains. The men discuss possible destinations and Canada’s suggested since it’s only a day away. Marshal Kent works his way through other options and lands on the Comanche reservation where Teonna would fit in. They’ll take the train to get there and should beat Teonna’s group to the reservation.
Teonna, Pete, and Runs His Horse have made it to the edge of Wyoming as we wrap up their story for season one. They still have quite a ways to go, but there’s no turning back now.
The Duttons Find Themselves in Dire Straits
Winter’s arrived and snow blankets the area as Jacob, Jack, Zane, and a handful of cowboys return to town for Banner’s arraignment. Jacob (Harrison Ford) points out the chains on the tires of cars, making it easier to drive in ice and snow. He’s shocked the hitching posts have been removed to make room for more parking spots. Progress is rearing its ugly head in town.
Jacob doesn’t recognize Banner’s lawyer and Sheriff McDowell (Robert Patrick) confirms he’s from the firm that represents the governor and Whitfield’s mining company. Banner (Jerome Flynn) enters a not-guilty plea, and his attorney, Chadwick Benton (Currie Graham), argues that since no murder charges exist against Commissioner Dutton – making the argument that they should – it’s a contradiction worthy of scrutiny and should mean his client can be released without bail until trial. He claims Banner was acting in self-defense.
The prosecutor denies Dutton did anything wrong and requests Banner be held without bail. The judge (in Whitfield’s pocket) says the arrest warrant was issued without physical evidence and releases Banner without bail.
The entire courtroom’s shocked and although his attorney told him not to speak, Banner addresses Jacob. He calls him a ghost and a coward for settling this in court. Jack (Darren Mann) has to be restrained and Banner leans toward him and says, “I’m guessing the blonde didn’t make it,” and punches him in the face.
Banner suggests Jacob should stop sending boys to do men’s work. He warns this will end in a field in front of Jacob’s house. Jacob tells him if that’s where he wants to die, he’s more than happy to help him out.
Later, Banner paces the floor while he speaks with Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton) at his mansion. Banner wants the entire Dutton family dead, but Donald suggests what Banner should want is to be rich. Although Banner has some money, Donald says owning the Yellowstone Ranch would make Banner truly rich. Vengeance won’t make Banner money and instead he needs to formulate a plan.
Jacob’s driven by his emotional attachment to the land and that’s why he makes mistakes. They will take the land Jacob loves from him using a pen, not a gun.
Donald invites Banner to stay and play with the whores, but Banner declines. His wife is now in town.
Jacob, Jack, and Zane (Brian Geraghty) feed the cattle, which is difficult since supplies are low and winter came early. Jack wonders what happens if they run out of hay. Apparently, the answer is a loan from the bank.
Jacob and his men return to town, and Zane takes off for the rest of the day to visit his family while Jacob speaks with the bank manager. The remainder of the group, including Jack, hang around outside.
Jacob’s meeting doesn’t go well, with the bank unwilling to loan out any additional funds toward raising cattle. The market’s too unstable and even if Jacob buys hay now, there’s no way to get it to the Yellowstone. Instead, the manager suggests Jacob take out a mortgage on the ranch. The interest rate will be low, and he’ll have 30 years to pay it back.
The banker describes a mortgage as a safe option that will give the Duttons the luxury of time, something a loan won’t do. “Only a banker would consider a mortgage a luxury,” snarls Jacob.
Jacob leaves without obtaining any cash for hay. A bank employee spots Jacob leaving and calls Whitfield.
Clyde (Brian Konowal), the red-haired newly hired Livestock Agent, has been spying on the group and watches as Zane heads out of town.
The season finale provides our first look at Zane’s family. He returns home and enjoys dinner with his wife, son, and young daughter. His son peppers him with questions about radios that he can’t answer. Fortunately, his intelligent wife, Alice (Joy Osmanski), can.
After dinner, Zane and his wife take a shower together and get reacquainted. Their daughter briefly interrupts to tell them there was a monster outside her window, but he’s gone now. Alice sends her back to bed as she and Zane continue to bathe each other. They climb into bed naked, unaware the “monster” – Clyde – is spying on them through their window.
The Duttons return home and settle in for the night. Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph) isn’t feeling well and Jack checks on her in the tub. Her stomach hurts and she requests soda water. After he leaves, she looks down at the water which has turned red with blood.
Cara (Helen Mirren) is about to make Elizabeth some peppermint tea when Elizabeth screams for Jack. They race upstairs to help.
The following morning the doctor announces Elizabeth is stable, but she’s miscarried. Cara comforts Jack before he heads upstairs to be with his wife. Elizabeth feels like a failure, but Jack insists it’s just nature looking out for her. It happens to animals, too.
Elizabeth cries as she wonders what’s she good for if she can’t have a baby. She doesn’t have a purpose in life. Jack takes a minute to collect his thoughts and then points out Cara never had children. Cara isn’t worthless and has cared for every family member. “When I look at my aunt, all I see is purpose,” says Jack. “Maybe that’s your purpose too. Being mother to those who ain’t got one, a teacher to those who need lessons.”
Jack doesn’t care if she can’t have children. Being a father might not be his destiny; she’s his destiny. He believes we’re meant to take what life gives us.
They hold each other close.
Sheriffs arrive at Zane’s home and take Alice into custody. She’s charged with miscegenation because she married a white man and had “mongrel” kids.
Zane runs out to stop them and punches an officer. The cops ruthlessly beat and kick him as they haul Alice away, screaming.
Back at the Yellowstone, Cara spots Jacob outside with a towel and asks what’s going on. Jacob reluctantly admits he’s squeezing the towel, hoping to get some feeling back in his fingers. Jacob confesses if he didn’t love her so much, he’d ride off with a bottle and give up. He hates getting old and watching his body fall apart.
The sound of a car interrupts their chat. Cara realizes it’s Donald Whitfield and Jacob grabs his pistol. He orders Cara up onto the porch so he can shoot down on Donald.
Donald begins the conversation by complimenting the main building. Yellowstone cowboys ride up, guns drawn. Donald’s two companions pull their weapons (including a Gatling gun) as Jack runs out of the house with a shotgun.
Donald’s chuckling at the commotion when Cara screams at everyone to stop. She tells Donald there will be no violence at her home as she walks out to stand within a foot of her enemy. Donald orders his men to put their weapons down and Jacob follows suit.
Donald discusses Montana’s future and how in 30 years tourism will be the biggest industry, outpacing cattle and mining. With cars gaining popularity, tourism will boom and visitors won’t want to leave. They’ll want to buy up the land and as the two largest landowners, they’ll benefit handsomely.
Donald knows Jacob owns his land without any loans but notes Jacob’s behind on his property taxes. Donald believes the payments are biannual while Jacob points out that’s an option; they’re not due until the end of the year.
Donald made the first payment on Jacob’s property taxes! That means he’ll get the Yellowstone deed if he’s not repaid by the end of the year. Cara asks what they’ve done to him to make him do this and Donald says “decent” doesn’t apply to him. He’s simply a businessman.
Donald leaves and Jacob’s speechless, unable to respond to Cara when she asks if Donald can really take the ranch from them.
Spencer and Alex are Torn Apart by a Jealous Ex
The day’s finally arrived for Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) and Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) to board the Majestic for a voyage to London. She misses Africa, and Spencer reveals meeting Alex was his favorite thing about Africa. Alex spots her ex-fiancé Arthur and his family and friends boarding the same ship and suggests they should just stay in their cabin for three weeks to avoid him. Spencer’s fine with that.
The first-class passengers enjoy time on deck, playing games, eating, drinking, and socializing while Alex suffers from motion sickness in her cabin. The only cure is going on deck and getting fresh air, but she resists – she doesn’t want to run into her ex. Spencer insists, and she does look much better once she makes it to the deck.
Of course, Jennifer (Jo Ellen Pellman) – the only bridesmaid who didn’t return with Alexandra’s parents to London – spots her and pulls her in for a hug. Jennifer reveals Arthur’s grieving the end of their relationship, which surprises Alex. Jennifer says Arthur never left his tent during the safari, and he’s basically destroyed. Plus, his family’s furious.
Alex explains she doesn’t love Arthur, and Jennifer warns her she’ll be shunned in London. Jennifer also believes Spencer will leave Alex once his interest in hunting her is over. Alex holds up her hand and shows off her ring. Jennifer’s stunned and thinks everyone will turn their backs on her. Alex doesn’t care, and Jennifer wishes her happiness before walking away.
Alex is done hiding and tells Spencer they’re dining in the grand hall that evening. However, Spencer needs a suit. He doesn’t want to waste the money, but Alex explains that she has credit.
That evening, she’s absolutely stunning in a fancy gown and Spencer does a double take when she enters the room. Spencer looks incredibly handsome, cleaned up in a new suit. They didn’t have a reception but have now consummated their marriage enough that “the English-speaking world is now relieved of the burden,” according to Alex.
They’ll “consummate” again after dinner. For now, they kiss and agree they are incredibly fortunate to have found each other.
Alex’s ex, Arthur Jr (Rafe Soule), fumes as he watches Spencer and Alex dance. Arthur Sr. (Bruce Davison) reminds him he’s avoided marrying a woman who doesn’t love him. Jennifer asks Arthur Jr to dance and, reluctantly, he agrees.
Alex is shocked Spencer knows how to waltz and he reveals Cara taught them. Alex teases Spencer that she’s jealous of all the women he’s danced with, and she continues teasing him while Spencer enjoys being with his gorgeous wife.
They accidentally bump into Arthur and Jennifer on the dance floor, and Arthur makes a big deal of it. He warns Spencer not to turn his back to him, and Spencer’s had enough. He whispers in Arthur’s ear, threatening to wipe the floor with him if he doesn’t knock it off.
Spencer turns his attention to Alex and suggests they head back to the room. Alex refuses to let Arthur get the best of them. The girl in her wanted to hide but now she’s a woman who will stand up for herself and her husband.
They return to dancing.
Later in the evening, they’re relaxing at their table listening to a singer when Arthur’s jealousy gets the best of him. He strides across the floor and slaps Spencer in the face with a glove, issuing a challenge. The words are barely out of Arthur’s mouth when Spencer – still seated – kicks him in the groin.
Arthur’s father attempts to get his son to calm down, but Arthur’s beyond being reasoned with. Spencer addresses the father, explains that he kills for a living, and suggests he does not want his son to fight him. The father agrees as Spencer and Alex attempt to make their way peacefully out of the dining room.
Arthur won’t let it go and screams at their retreating backs, “Run away with your f**king whore!”
That gets a reaction. Spencer stops and though Alex whispers, ”Please don’t,” he closes the distance between them and Arthur. He punches Arthur in the face and accepts his challenge. Spencer tells Arthur he can choose the weapon.
Arthur’s mother chases after him while Arthur’s father insults Alex, calling her an embarrassment to her father.
Captain Hurley (Damian O’Hare) is alerted there’s a duel on the bow between an American and the Earl of Sussex.
Arthur’s chosen swords and Spencer’s never held one in his life. The Earl of Sussex is an expert swordsman, and Alex tries to get Spencer to call this off. Spencer points out this is just day one and Arthur’s doing this. His anger will just escalate from this point forward.
The duel begins, and Arthur takes the correct position while Spencer uses brute force to disarm him and knock him to the ground. Spencer tosses Arthur’s sword to the side, but when he walks away, Arthur grabs it and attacks. Once again, Spencer disarms him, but the fight continues. Spencer punches him in the face multiple times and then pulls him over to his parents’ feet. He deposits Arthur there along with Arthur’s sword.
Arthur attempts to retrieve the sword, but his father places his foot on it. Arthur screams that he did not yield, pulls out a gun, and rushes at Spencer. He’s screaming, “I do not yield to you, you Yankee scum!” when Spencer tosses him over the railing in self-defense.
The crew reacts quickly and tosses out a lifesaver, but Arthur’s gone.
Captain Hurley orders Spencer to be taken to the brig while Alex insists Arthur drew a pistol on an unarmed man. Unfortunately, no one in the crowd will speak up and confirm that’s what happened.
Alex swears on her honor, but the captain doesn’t budge. Alex rushes to Jennifer and begs her to tell Captain Hurley what she witnessed. Jennifer confirms Arthur refused to yield even after Spencer had withdrawn.
Arthur Sr. demands Alex be taken to her quarters and Captain Hurley is forced to oblige, given that Arthur’s a British lord.
A short while later, Spencer’s belongings, including his rifle, are retrieved from their cabin. Alex is locked in and demands to know what’s happening, but no one tells her.
Spencer’s handcuffed and moved from the brig to Captain Hurley’s quarters. Jennifer is already there, and she’s given her statement confirming Spencer was acting in self-defense. Captain Hurley believes that’s true, but a “prince in succession” has ordered Spencer removed from the ship. Spencer’s fine with that.
Captain Hurley will send Spencer to shore in a dinghy and Spencer asks about his wife. “You mean the Countess of Sussex?” asks the captain. Jennifer says that’s who he means. The captain asks for proof of their marriage and Spencer only has their rings and his word. The Earl of Sussex has questioned the legality of his marriage and Spencer says it was performed in international waters by the ship’s captain.
Captain Hurley’s hands are tied since a royal family member ordered him to remove a passenger from one of the King’s ships and detain Alex. Spencer refuses to leave without Alex and is told it’s not his decision to make.
Jennifer rushes to Alex’s room and tells her (through the door) what’s happening. Alex begs Jennifer to get her out and Jennifer spots a porter and asks if he can use his pass key to open her door. He obliges as Alex hurriedly packs her belongings to accompany Spencer. Jennifer explains they’re not going to port; Spencer’s traveling by dinghy.
Alex grabs a bag and runs shoeless through the ship. She spots the dinghy with Spencer being lowered into the water. She screams as the sailors row away from the boat, asking where she should meet him. He screams back that he loves her. She turns and slaps Arthur Sr. in the face, demanding to know why he did this to her.
Spencer watches as she falls to the deck. He headbutts the man holding him down and it takes everyone in the dinghy to get him back under control.
Alex spilled her bag during all this commotion, and she grabs one of Cara’s letters. She screams, “Bozeman! I will meet you in Bozeman, Montana! I love you!
“I love you, Alex!” yells Spencer.
Captain Hurley addresses Arthur, saying, “You may question the marriage, sir. But it’s difficult to question their sincerity.”
The episode ends with Cara writing another letter to Spencer that she knows he’ll never receive. She tells him the land’s being stripped from them and he’s their only hope.
“You must hurry, Spencer. You must hurry, or there will be nothing left to fight for,” writes Cara.
She crumples the letter and walks back toward the house.
- Recap of 1923 Episode 1
- 1923 Season 1 Episode 2 “Nature’s Empty Throne” Recap
- 1923 Season 1 Episode 3 “The War Has Come Home” Recap
- 1923 Season 1 Episode 4 “War and the Turquoise Tide” Recap
- 1923 Season 1 Episode 5 “Ghost of Zebrina” Recap
- 1923 Season 1 Episode 6 “One Ocean Closer to Destiny” Recap
- 1923 Season 1 Episode 7 “The Rule of Five Hundred” Recap
- 1883 Season 1 Episode 10 Recap: “This Is Not Your Heaven” Season Finale
- Yellowstone Season 5 Episode 1 Recap: “One Hundred Years is Nothing”
