Warning! SPOILERS Ahead for Season 2, Episode 6 of 1923, titled “The Mountain Teeth Of Monsters.”
The recent events in 1923 Season 2, Episode 6, have unveiled a staggering death that may finally clarify the family ties within the Dutton lineage, notably regarding the grandfather of John Dutton III (played by Kevin Costner). In previous episodes of Yellowstone, particularly Season 2, Episode 10, “Sins of the Father,”Taylor Sheridan introduced John Dutton’s father, John Dutton II (portrayed by Dabney Coleman). However, the connection between John Dutton III and his lineage remains ambiguous. Fans of the franchise gained insights into John’s ancestry through the prequel series, 1883 and 1923, yet the intricacies of John Dutton III’s family tree are still shrouded in some mystery.
Evidence hints that John Dutton II was born in the 1920s, suggesting that his father must be a character featured in 1923. As the storyline progresses, both Spencer (played by Brandon Sklenar) and Jack Dutton’s (Darren Mann) wives are expecting children prior to the events of Season 2, Episode 6. However, the latest plot developments have already ruled out one of them as Costner’s character’s grandfather.
Jack Dutton’s Fate: Implications for John Dutton III’s Heritage
Jack Dutton’s Death and Its Consequences
In this episode, Jack Dutton’s character meets a tragic end during a growing conflict with Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton) and Banner Creighton (Jerome Flynn). Tasked by his uncle Jacob (Harrison Ford) to secure the Dutton lodge while the family awaits Spencer’s return, the young Jack’s impulsiveness becomes his downfall when he neglects his duty, leading to his demise.
Previously, in Yellowstone Season 4, John Dutton revealed a critical detail about his grandfather: he lost his leg in some unforeseen circumstances, and John noted that the worst pain his grandfather ever endured was felt in his toes. Now, with Jack’s death confirmed in Episode 6, it becomes increasingly likely that Spencer will assume the role of John Dutton’s grandfather, as he is the only character fitting the necessary timeline and situation.
Unpacking the Legacy of John Dutton II
John Dutton II’s Role in Yellowstone’s Narrative
In flashbacks from Yellowstone Season 4, John Dutton II appears as an older man, showcasing a timeline after the late 1990s, as it features Kevin Costner portraying the character. Speculation surrounds John Dutton II’s birth year, hypothesized to be between 1924 and 1930, with his passing occurring sometime between 1999 and 2003 (source: yellowstone.fandom.com). This timeframe positions him around 80 years old at the time of his death, creating a convincing argument for Jack or Spencer being his father during the 1920s.
Should Spencer indeed be confirmed as John Dutton III’s grandfather, it raises eyebrows about a potential generational inconsistency within the narrative. However, alternate theories might offer a clearer picture.
Little is definitively known about John Dutton II, aside from the assumption that he represents the fourth generation of Duttons. Given that John Dutton III is established as a fifth-generation rancher, there exists a stark need for clarity regarding the lineage. Should Spencer indeed be the grandfather referenced by Kevin Costner, the existing generational structure seems uneven, potentially meriting further examination.
Establishing Spencer as John Dutton III’s Grandfather
The Absence of Other Suitable Candidates
With Jack and Spencer as the primary candidates to potentially be John Dutton II’s father, it becomes plausible to consider that Jack and Elizabeth’s child could ultimately become John Dutton II. Hypothetically, Elizabeth Strafford might seek to return to Boston after the Duttons’ tumultuous conflicts, sending her child to Spencer for a familial upbringing. This relationship could allow Spencer to foster a paternal bond with John Dutton II while simultaneously being a grandfather figure for John Dutton III. Hence, when he references his grandfather, he could indeed be implying Spencer, the character who encounters significant hardship, including leg injury, throughout the series.
In a separate thematic twist, Alexandra Dutton mentions in 1923 Season 2, Episode 2, “The Rapist Is Winter,” that their child will carry Spencer’s name, further complicating the assumption about John Dutton II’s lineage.
This proposed adoptive arrangement would position John Dutton II as a potential fourth-generation Dutton, given that Jack is recognized as John Dutton (James Badge Dale)’s son and James Dutton’s (Tim McGraw) grandson. From 1923 Season 2’s trailer, we learn of Elizabeth’s directive role to defend the ranch, inciting thoughts that she too may become another casualty in the ongoing battles, ultimately leading Spencer and Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) to take charge of raising John Dutton II. The theme of adoptive families has been significant throughout the narrative, especially since the deaths of James and Margaret (portrayed by Faith Hill), framing an alternative yet coherent understanding of John Dutton’s ancestral ties.
For more detailed information on John Dutton II, refer to yellowstone.fandom.com.