Warning! SPOILERS for 1923 Season 2
This article discusses themes of sexual assault.
1923 introduces Alexandra Dutton, portrayed by Julia Schlaepfer, amidst a turbulent storyline filled with tragedies. Alexandra, who is set to become the Countess of Sussex, meets Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) during Season 1 and subsequently decides to leave her previous engagement upon encountering the famous hunter from the Protectorate of Kenya. What unfolds is a passionate yet doomed romance, fraught with peril, hinting that their shared life on the Dutton ranch with Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara (Helen Mirren) may not come to fruition.
The challenges for Alex intensify in Season 2 as she embarks on a solo expedition from London to Montana. Following a picturesque wedding in Season 1, the Earl of Sussex abruptly tears Alex and Spencer apart in the season finale, leading to a dramatic scene aboard an ocean liner where Spencer protects her by confronting her former fiancé. While Alex harbors hope, Spencer interprets their misfortunes as a sign from the universe that he must bring Alex back to safety.
Alex Enters a Loveless Engagement for British Nobility
1923 Season 1, Episode 2: “Nature’s Empty Throne”
Alex’s troubling circumstances are established even before the events of Season 1, particularly in the episode “Nature’s Empty Throne.”Initially, Alexandra of Sussex finds herself trapped in a loveless engagement with the Earl, Arthur (Rafe Soule), leading her to confide in her friend Jennifer (Jo Ellen Pellman) about the marriage being merely a transaction of land and status.
Though she makes a bold decision to follow Spencer to Africa, Alex’s quest for love is fraught with peril, as she has narrowly escaped death multiple times, underlining the dangers she continuously faces for love.
An Elephant Wrecks Alex & Spencer’s Truck in Tanganyika
1923 Season 1, Episode 3: “The War Has Come Home”
The couple’s first significant challenge in Africa occurs when an elephant attacks their truck while exploring the striking landscapes of Tanganyika. After a shared moment reflecting on childhood memories, the sweet serenity is shattered when the elephant charges at them, crippling their escape vehicle. Spencer’s bold action to neutralize the threat leaves them stranded in the vast savanna, highlighting both the dangers of their wilderness adventure and the depths of their bond.
Wild Lions Surround Alex & Spencer in the Savanna
1923 Season 1, Episode 3: “The War Has Come Home”
Now perched high in a tree for safety, Alex and Spencer contend with anxieties while wild lions roam below. Their refuge allows them to share intimate moments, complete with exchanged laughs and a flask of whiskey, yet they remain aware of the precarious nature of their situation as nighttime falls.
Alex & Spencer’s Tugboat Is Shipwrecked in International Waters
1923 Season 1, Episode 5: “Ghost of Zebrina”
Seeking joy away from their harsh realities, Alex and Spencer find brief respite on a beautiful shore. However, their pleasure is short-lived when they receive Cara’s urgent letters summoning Spencer back to the ranch. Choosing to return via tugboat, they face shipwreck after their captain succumbs to tragic circumstances, emphasizing their ongoing challenges as Alex’s ordeal intensifies.
Alex Encounters Her Ex-Fiancé in Marseilles, France
1923 Season 1, Episode 7: “The Rule of Five Hundred”
The aftermath of their marriage leads Alex and Spencer to Marseilles, where, unbeknownst to them, Alex’s ex-fiancé lurks nearby. An encounter at a cafe reveals the complexities of her past as her wedding party approaches, highlighting the tension between her past and present.
The Earl of Sussex Separates Alex & Spencer After Arthur’s Death
1923 Season 1, Episode 8: “Nothing Left to Lose”
Following their wedding celebrations, conflict erupts aboard the British liner when Arthur confronts Spencer, which escalates into a duel. In a moment of self-defense, Spencer defends Alex’s honor, but the tragic consequences result in Arthur’s fall. Subsequently, the Earl of Sussex takes action, leading to Alex and Spencer’s heartbreaking separation.
The Royals Blacklist Alexandra of Sussex & Her Family
1923 Season 2, Episode 1: “The Killing Season”
In the premiere of Season 2, where the events of Season 1 unfold repercussions, Alex and her family succumb to a royal blacklist, leaving them isolated and vulnerable. The narrative unfolds to show how Alex grapples with her diminishing autonomy despite the privileges she once enjoyed as a member of the aristocracy.
Alex Takes Tourist Class to New York City
1923 Season 2, Episode 2: “The Rapist Is Winter”
With limited funds after selling her prized jewels, Alex embarks for America in tourist class, enduring the tumultuous journey below deck. Despite the discomforts of her passage, the hope of being reunited with Spencer remains her guiding light.
Alex Is Violated at Ellis Island Immigration
1923 Season 2, Episode 3: “Wrap Thee in Terror”
Upon reaching Ellis Island, Alex confronts an arduous immigration process exacerbated by the lack of documentation. Her experience reflects the broader societal neglect of immigrant realities, highlighting her naivety and the brutal challenges faced by those legacy nobility in unfamiliar territories.
A Pickpocket Beats & Robs Alex at Grand Central Terminal
1923 Season 2, Episode 4: “Journey the Rivers of Iron”
After navigating the complex immigration system, Alex faces yet another setback at Grand Central Terminal when she is robbed. This incident underscores her vulnerability and the harsh realities of life as an immigrant, further compounding her ordeal.
Alex Works Food Service to Eat on the Train
1923 Season 2, Episode 5: “Only Gunshots to Guide Us”
Desperate after being robbed, Alex finds herself working in food service aboard the train to secure meals. This unexpected turn of events highlights the lengths she must go to ensure her survival and showcases her resilience.
A Wealthy Man Sexually Assaults Alex While She Works Food Service
1923 Season 2, Episode 5: “Only Gunshots to Guide Us”
In one of the season’s most harrowing moments, Alex faces sexual assault at the hands of a wealthy passenger while serving him. Her instinctive self-defense actions reveal the tenacity and courage she possesses but also serve as a stark reminder of her vulnerability in a patriarchal society.
The Train Conductor & The Police Detain Alex in Chicago
1923 Season 2, Episode 5: “Only Gunshots to Guide Us”
Following the traumatic encounter onboard, Alex is further victimized when the crew perpetuates her humiliation, treating her like a felon for defending herself. A dire incident prompts the police’s involvement, revealing the inadequacies of systemic support for victims and leading to temporary dehumanization.
Snow Delays Alex’s Train to Fargo
1923 Season 2, Episode 5: “Only Gunshots to Guide Us”
As Alex struggles to navigate her series of misfortunes, she learns that her train to Fargo has been delayed due to snow. Despite the ominous situation, a glimmer of hope emerges when two companions from the train, Paul and Hillary, step in to assist her, reflecting the complexities of her journey ahead.
The intricate narrative of 1923 continues to explore themes of survival, resilience, and the social challenges faced by women during this tumultuous era.