Warning! SPOILERS Ahead for 1923 Season 2, Episode 7, titled “A Dream And A Memory”
In a surprising turn of events, Brandon Sklenar and Julia Schlaepfer have hinted at the intriguing potential for Alex Dutton’s return in 1923. The emotional finale of Season 2 marks a tragic end for Alex, as she succumbs to the severe consequences of hypothermia after enduring frostbite while stranded. Although Spencer, her husband, miraculously saves her during a train passage, the treatment proves insufficient, leading Alex to choose comfort for her baby over medical intervention that would result in amputation.
This loss amplifies the series’ string of heart-wrenching Dutton family tragedies, with Alex’s story standing out as particularly poignant. With her departure seemingly closing the door on the passionate love story shared with Spencer, which was a central theme of Season 1, fans are left wondering about the couple’s future. Taylor Sheridan, the visionary behind the franchise, has teased a continuation of Yellowstone through a projected prequel set in 1944, amid the backdrop of World War II. While it is uncertain if Spencer will be played again by Sklenar, there’s speculation that Schlaepfer might reprise her role—an avenue Sklenar himself has actively promoted.
Brandon Sklenar & Julia Schlaepfer’s Concept for Alex Dutton’s Return in 1944
The Potential for Alex to Resurface as a Ghost in 1944
Although the idea of resurrecting Alex after her sobering conclusion in Season 2 might seem implausible, Sklenar’s vision adds a compelling twist to the narrative. In a discussion with ScreenRant, both actors articulated their desire for Alexandra to make an ethereal return—haunting Spencer in an evocative rather than eerie manner. Sklenar envisions a touching interaction, infused with humor and warmth:
Brandon Sklenar: Right now, I’m just trying to lobby for Jules [Julia Schlaepfer] to be a ghost.
Julia Schlaepfer: Yeah, that’s our goal right now.
Sklenar: She can haunt Spencer in the most beautiful way. Not like a spooky, scary kind of way, but in a kind of fun way.
Schlaepfer: She’ll play a lot of pranks.
Sklenar: Yeah, a lot of pranks. A lot of whisper banter. But, yeah, I’d do it. I’d do it, for sure. If there was a 1944 [series], Spencer’s definitely alive. He’d be in his fifties, so I could just spend the next four months outside, and that’d probably help.
Although it may be an optimistic endeavor, Sheridan has a history of resurrecting beloved characters post-mortem, as exemplified by the return of Spencer’s sister to narrate events following Elsa Dutton’s death in 1883. By mirroring Elsa’s narrative presence, Sheridan could effectively weave Alex into the fabric of the 1944 storyline. Moreover, the dramatic finish of Spencer and Alex echoes the iconic moments reminiscent of Titanic, suggesting that Alex’s character could resonate beyond the constraints of her original timeline.
Why Brandon Sklenar & Julia Schlaepfer Should Reprise Their Roles in 1944
Spencer and Alex’s Actors Should Return to Their Characters
Currently, the appeal of Alexandra and Spencer’s storyline remains alive in the hearts of viewers. The performances by Schlaepfer and Sklenar as the star-crossed loves were integral to the franchise’s momentum. Sklenar’s portrayal could evolve to capture Spencer in his 50s, perhaps adapting his physical appearance slightly. Though Sheridan may have plans for a more seasoned actor to take on Spencer’s role two decades later, Sklenar’s eagerness to continue suggests that flashbacks could narratively bridge the gap, illustrating Spencer’s growth into his position at the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.
Should the events of 1944 allow for Schlaepfer to return as Alexandra, the narrative could explore the backstory leading to their poignant epilogue in 1923. Alex’s untimely death at just 23 years old positions her character for a supernatural thematic exploration; her wisdom as a ghost could serve as a guiding light for Spencer through the tribulations of the Great Depression. While Alex and Spencer might not carve their own spinoff just yet, the potential for Alex to transcend her tragic fate in 1923 remains tantalizingly open.