Major Spoilers from the Penultimate Episode of 1923 Season Two
“The darkness cannot hide from the light. And I am the light.”
These chilling words, delivered by Father Renaud (Sebastian Roché), echo throughout the gripping penultimate episode of 1923‘s second season, titled The Mountain Teeth of Monsters. In a harrowing confrontation, Renaud corners protagonist Teonna Rainwater (Aminah Nieves) with a gun aimed at her head.
The Unrelenting Pursuit of Teonna Rainwater
Since the beginning of season one, Father Renaud has relentlessly pursued Teonna, a Native American girl who managed to escape his oppressive Indian assimilation boarding school—leaving a trail of dead nuns, including the character portrayed by Jennifer Ehle, in her wake. Throughout this season, Renaud has been on her trail alongside Marshall Kent (Jamie McShane). Their paths finally cross when he tracks her to a campfire, an encounter that becomes tragically violent after Renaud kills Kent in retaliation for the death of Teonna’s love, Pete Plenty Clouds (Jeremy Gauna). Renaud’s brutal tactics escalate when he shoots Teonna’s father, Runs His Horse (Michael Spears), demanding she repent for her “sins” before he takes her life.
Teonna’s Defiance and Father Renaud’s Fate
Teonna, steadfast in her resolve even in what she believes is her final moment, refuses to comply with Renaud’s demands. Having endured the horrific conditions of the boarding school, she rejects any notions of contrition. “I am trying to save your soul, and to free you from eternal perdition!” Renaud bellows. Teonna counters with conviction: “I renounce it!” In a twist of fate, when Renaud pulls the trigger only to discover his gun is empty, Teonna seizes the opportunity. The confrontation escalates into a violent struggle, culminating in Teonna inflicting severe injuries on Renaud, ultimately shooting him twice at close range.
Behind the Scenes: An “Extraordinary Demise” for Renaud
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Roché revealed that he anticipated a dramatic ending for his character, whose actions are drawn from the harrowing history of government-funded, often religious-operated Indian boarding schools in the U.S. “I was hoping it would happen later in the season, which is what happened,” he reflected on his character’s arc, praising the execution of the death scene as “savage” and deserving. The director, Ben Richardson, ensured Roché was equipped with body pads, allowing Nieves to act with intensity during their climactic scene. “If we were in a movie theater, people would be clapping,” Roché remarked, emphasizing the powerful impact of the moment.
Exploring Renaud’s Complex Character
As the season unfolds, viewers witness a deeper dimension to Father Renaud beyond his brutal persona from season one. His moral compass seems influenced by the harsh wilderness, altering his interactions, especially with Marshall Kent, who becomes an initial antagonist. “Wilderness changes you,” Roché observed, noting how Renaud’s obsession with Teonna drives him. His fixation is portrayed as both an admiration and a dark obsession toward her resilience against his cruel authority.
Roché elaborated on this obsession, suggesting it fuels Renaud’s actions: “Ego and extremism go hand in hand.” He added that Renaud’s perception of himself as a savior underscores his delusions. In the end, Teonna’s rejection of Renaud symbolizes a broader narrative about resistance and violence faced by women throughout history.
The Emotional Toll of Filming
Roché shared insights about the challenges of portraying such a deeply flawed character rooted in historical realities. Recalling his first season experiences, he acknowledged the emotional difficulty of enacting Renaud’s violent actions, especially given the context of the historical trauma associated with Indian boarding schools. He expressed satisfaction that the show brings awareness to these past injustices, sharing that recent documentaries have highlighted the institutional abuses suffered by Indigenous children.
What’s Next for 1923?
As the series heads toward its thrilling season finale, Roché hinted at Teonna’s potential growth following Renaud’s demise. “It’s going to be really interesting,” he said, affirming the unpredictable storytelling hallmark of Taylor Sheridan’s writing. “Episode seven is a remarkable episode…you’re in for a treat.”
The Legacy of Complex Characters
Reflecting on his role and future projects, Roché expressed his passion for portraying intricate characters that defy simplistic labels. “There’s something deep-seated inside of them,” he explained, emphasizing his preference for roles that are rich with backstory and emotional depth.
Stay tuned as the highly anticipated finale of 1923 airing on Paramount+ promises to resolve cliffhangers and redefine character arcs in dramatic fashion.