Warning: The following contains spoilers for the season 2 finale of 1923.
The popular series 1923, a prequel to the Yellowstone story, came to a heartbreaking climax in its second season finale, following the poignant romance between Spencer Dutton (played by Brandon Sklenar) and Alexandra (Julia Schlaepfer). The narrative, set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, took a dark turn with Alexandra’s tragic fate after her long journey to reunite with her husband. However, a flicker of hope remains with the birth of their son, John.
In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Sklenar and Schlaepfer discussed the potential revival of Alexandra’s character in the upcoming Yellowstone prequel, titled 1944. Sklenar shared an intriguing concept they are exploring: what if Alexandra returns as “a ghost”to offer spiritual guidance and affection to Spencer, who would be in his fifties by that time?
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.
Implications for the Upcoming Yellowstone Prequel
Spencer and Alex Actors Collaborate for 1944
As fans eagerly await more news about the Yellowstone franchise, the nuanced storytelling in the 1923 finale teases significant developments for 1944. While it’s confirmed that Spencer survives World War II, questions linger about his role in the new series and whether Sklenar will reprise his character. However, there’s a precedent for introducing characters back into the narrative, as seen with Elsa Dutton, who returned as the narrator in 1923 despite meeting her end in 1883.
Schlaepfer’s enthusiasm about potentially reprising her role indicates strong interest in continuing Alex’s journey in 1944. Sklenar’s comments about the ghostly antics that could ensue affirm his readiness to return as well. This synergy suggests that the showrunners might indeed find a way to weave Alexandra and Spencer back into the Yellowstone narrative, keeping audiences captivated by their story.
Our Perspective on Alexandra’s Return in 1944
The Case for Alex’s Involvement in 1944
Elsa Dutton’s role as the narrator in 1923 served a vital purpose, linking past events to the Dutton family’s legacy. As the character is instrumental in the Dutton’s motivation to settle in Montana, her narration emphasizes the importance of ancestral connections. Alexandra’s sacrifice—contributing to the lineage by bringing John Dutton II into the world—positions her as an equally significant figure deserving of recognition. Without Alexandra, the fate of the Dutton Ranch could unfold quite differently.
Given that 1944 occurs during John Dutton II’s early adulthood, the narrative advantages of bringing Alexandra back become evident. She could naturally take on the role of a narrator, marking her as a pivotal character in the series’ continuity, whose ghostly presence would enrich Spencer’s character arc. If their stories influence the developments in 1944, not incorporating them into the narrative would be a missed opportunity for storytelling depth.
All episodes of 1923 are currently available for streaming on Paramount+.
As we anticipate the exploration of 1944, aligning Alexandra and Spencer’s presence in the storyline could offer fans a compelling fusion of love, legacy, and supernatural elements.