Winter Proves Deadly In Montana

After a dark season opener, the second episode of season two of 1923, “The Rapist is Winter,” did not hesitate to address the themes of the time.

In true Taylor Sheridan fashion, each character in the series has their own storyline, which ultimately converges at key moments in the plot. It’s as if every character is living in their own TV series or embarking on their own quest. This full recap shares where each character is throughout the episode.

Warning: Full spoilers ahead. This recap also deals with themes of sexual assault.

Where Is Spencer Dutton?

In the second episode of Season Two, Spencer Dutton, played by Brandon Sklenar, is still on his journey to reunite with his wife, Alexandra. He is determined to make it home to save his family in Montana.

In the first episode, he is working in the engine room of a ship as he travels across the ocean.

During that time, he befriended an Italian immigrant named Luca.

Luca was raped in the first episode, but Spencer found out and saved him.

This endeared Luca to Spencer, and once they arrived on land, Luca introduced Spencer to his family, which, unbeknownst to Spencer, turned out to be the Italian mob. Luca was a Mafia Don who roped Spencer into a precarious situation.

Spencer is still trying to get home, having refused hospitality from the mafia, which was clearly a recruitment tactic by their Mafia boss. The story is set during Prohibition, a theme that has been mentioned multiple times throughout the series. In this instance, Spencer expresses his desire to reach Montana.

However, after beating up a member of the Mafia, the only way they would allow him to leave was if he illegally transported whiskey across state lines.

This episode only briefly mentions Alexandra’s journey to reunite with Spencer. It shows her on a ship to America, pregnant with their child, in treacherous waters.

The couple’s reunion is anticipated to be a highlight for fans. However, it appears that their journeys are just beginning. See some highlights from the couple below.

What Is Happening In Montana?

The episode also addresses the theme of prohibition when Jacob Dutton, played by Harrison Ford, uses the local judge’s alcohol problem as leverage. One of Jacob’s men was illegally married to an Asian woman, which was frowned upon during this era. The family was arrested and separated.

To rectify the situation, Jacob approached the local judge with a proposal to take the family under his care, clearly a ruse to secure their release.

However, the judge refused unless the priest who presided over the marriage was identified. Jacob, unwilling to comply, threatened to expose the judge’s alcohol consumption to the authorities. This threat ultimately led to the family’s release.

Later, Jacob Dutton, along with Jack Dutton, encountered a perilous storm on their way back to the ranch. They had to huddle together for warmth, leaving the outcome of their survival uncertain until episode three.

Only Jack’s wife, Elizabeth, played by Michelle Randolph, and Jacob’s wife, Cara, played by Helen Mirren, are present at the Montana ranch during this episode.

Early on, Elizabeth is bitten by a wolf, which drives her to the brink and she threatens to leave Jack Dutton, played by Darren Mann, citing the harsh winter as overwhelming. Originally from the city, Elizabeth fell in love with Jack and moved to the ranch. This episode highlights the cruelty of winter through the experiences of those remaining at the Montana ranch.

Cara Dutton ends the episode by shooting the wolf that has entered their home and killed an overnight guest. The final shot captures the gun firing, leaving viewers uncertain of Cara’s fate.

Other Notable Moments During The Second Episode Of 1923

Another important storyline follows Teonna’s Rainwater as she camps with her father and her love interest on land that once belonged to the Cherokee but is now owned by a rancher. They remain cautious about whether they will be welcomed and actively try to evade the priest and the lawman who pursue them.

Donald Whitfield, portrayed by Timothy Dalton, and Banner Creighton, played by Jerome Flynn, are the series’ regular antagonists. In this episode, they encounter a group of immigrants skiing down a hill on their property. Donald Whitfield recognizes this as a potential opportunity to develop a profitable ski resort in Montana.

Watch the full recap as the characters from 1923 continue to navigate the harsh Montana wilderness during this historically transitional time.