1923 Recap: Death to the Lambs

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1. Is it possible to rephrase these statements in a more natural and easy-to-understand way:

* The rapist is like snow and worms: This suggests that the act of rape is as natural or commonplace as snowfall or earthworms, which is an offensive comparison. A better way to say this could be: “Rape has become a pervasive problem, much like snowfall or the presence of earthworms.”
* The rapist is progress and private equity: This implies that rape is an inevitable byproduct of economic development or investment in businesses. A more accurate statement might be: “Some people believe that rape is a consequence of societal change and economic growth, but this is not supported by evidence.”
* The rapist is mining: Mining refers to the extraction of valuable minerals from the earth. This comparison suggests that rape is a destructive and exploitative activity, much like mining. A more precise statement could be: “Rape is like mining in that it involves extracting something of value at great cost to others.”
* The rapist is skiing: Skiing is a popular winter sport that involves sliding down snow-covered slopes on skis. This comparison suggests that rape is a leisure activity or pastime, which is obviously false and offensive. A better way to say this might be: “Rape is not a harmless or enjoyable activity; it is a serious crime with devastating consequences.”
* The rapist is the telephone and the icebox and the motor car: This statement seems to suggest that rape is an essential or ubiquitous part of modern life, much like common household appliances. A more accurate statement might be: “Rape is not a necessary or inevitable aspect of modern technology; it is a crime that can and must be prevented.”
* The rapist is Donald Whitfield, an actual rapist: This statement is simply stating a fact about the individual in question. It does not attempt to make any broader comparisons or analogies.
2. Is the rapist ranching? While it is possible to make a case that rape could be compared to certain aspects of ranching (such as the exploitation of resources or the assertion of power and control), it is important to note that rape is not an inherent or necessary part of ranching. Rape is a crime that can occur in any context, including on ranches, but it is not an essential aspect of ranching itself.

In the second episode of “1923” season 2 titled “The Rapist is Winter,” we get a succinct insight into the Dutton family’s perspective. They view every challenging ideology, corrupted institution, destructive act of nature, and harmful human action that disrupts their lifestyle as an unwelcome intruder or oppressor – except for the Native Americans who they themselves have helped to disempower. The Duttons seem to be perpetual victims of a world in constant flux and unforgiving seasons.

Considering their situation in this manner, even as a hypothetical exercise, offers insight into why Jacob Dutton, a highly privileged and influential figure in the Mountain West (who serves as Montana’s livestock commissioner and owns vast amounts of land), consistently acts as though he’s merely treading water. His niece-in-law, Lizzie, explains to Cara that life at Yellowstone for the Duttons isn’t about thriving; it’s about enduring. They prefer it this way.

From a movie-loving perspective, it’s crucial to understand that the Dutton family is portrayed as survivors – they’re constantly under siege. They stand alone, the only ones who can be relied upon in their world. To them, the survival of their ranch and the fate of the world are one and the same, not just figuratively but morally speaking. It’s as if every other family striving for a future amidst the splendor of the purple mountains isn’t grappling with an equally demanding set of challenges.

After this pulse-pounding episode concludes in a chilling manner, snowfall covers the majestic Yellowstone lodge’s expansive interior; Cara’s slain wolf lies beside the couch on the rug. The danger isn’t just outside the walls now; it’s shattering the windows and making itself comfortable within. It brought to mind that profound quote by Isaiah Berlin: “Freedom for wolves means death for the lambs.” In the series 1923, telling apart wolves from lambs can be as challenging as distinguishing friend from foe. Even the Crow, who once claimed the Duttons’ land, struggles to identify the aggressors.

Initially in this episode, the Dutton family appears to be holding the upper hand. Jacob discovers in Bozeman that Zane and Alice will avoid a public trial for miscegenation due to strong evidence against them: They cohabited, have mixed-race children together, and possess a marriage license. With minimal effort, Jacob uses his influence on the judge to place his ranch foreman and family under his own supervision. Despite bigotry persisting in the Wild West, it seems less dominant than Jacob’s threat of exposing secrets during Prohibition.

Discussion about an impending snowstorm arises; Jacob decides to transport Zane and his relatives in the wagon despite the chill. He chooses to confront Mother Nature over encountering Donald Whitfield in Bozeman. However, in 1923, any journey “to town” carries a price. Men from the Dutton clan who taint themselves by leaving Paradise Valley do so at their own risk. This storm won’t be typical. (Although typically, the plot of every 1923 episode revolves around a less literal ‘no ordinary storm.’)

In a different phrasing: Instead of individual flakes, snow comes down in thick layers, and the Dutton group struggles to find their way home. “Hasten the horses!” Jacob shouts to nephew Jack. “Go against the wind!” I’m not entirely sure what that implies, but this feels like Taylor Sheridan at his peak: when the writing captures a sense of urgency and mastery, reminding us why those who took this land believe they deserve it. They abandon their expedition and overturn the wagon. While I don’t fully grasp their reasons, I trust it’s the right decision now, even though I know it was a mistake to depart from Bozeman. The episode concludes with large men and timid children sheltering together inside an upended wagon. I believe this is the harshest storm Jacob Dutton has ever experienced, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by his expressionless face.

If Whitfield’s plans come to fruition, this journey will be significantly less challenging by this time next year. The route from Bozeman to the valley could transform into a well-maintained highway featuring hotels and eateries along the way. Should Jacob encounter a storm a year from now, he can simply stop his wagon and spend a cozy night at a newly built hillside hotel with an attached hot spring. While heavy snowfall is generally harmful to livestock, 16 inches falling in just a few hours? That’s pure fortune for a ski resort!

Since Donald Whitfield claims to have glimpsed the future, which he describes as Big Sky, he and Banner find themselves engaged in their customary discussions while driving. In these conversations, Whitfield often criticizes Banner for no apparent reason other than to provide dialogue for a television program. This time, Banner informs Whitfield that his sheep herd has been destroyed by parasites. Despite this unfortunate news, Whitfield finds it amusing. He points out that gold is resistant to worms, drought, and cold, and its demand remains constant. Even if gold eventually runs out, Whitfield suggests, that’s not a problem because he has recently devised a new, inexhaustible method for exploiting the land.

Miners from Norway introduced downhill skiing to Montana, which was previously unknown as a national pastime there. (This information appears to be historically accurate based on my research.) In an era of growing economies and modernization, Whitfield proposes capitalizing on the thrill of danger by marketing it as a sport to wealthy individuals who lead safe lives. Once a mountain is mined out, it can still offer numerous rides down its slope. This idea seems sensible, but Banner’s fascination with greed stretches credibility, according to his later statement that he sees the greed in our hearts. However, one might question whether Banner truly perceives universal human greed or is simply projecting his own feelings onto others. For instance, Ellie, Banner’s wife, effortlessly rejects a gold miner with a cold heart.

I appreciate this storyline as it explores fresh ground in a series that’s often seen repeating similar conflicts. In Teonna’s play, there’s an air of development, not just advancement in the narrative. Instead of heading to Oklahoma to pursue the Comanche like usual, they ponder if it’s wise to do so, questioning the trade-off between their current life under white rule and a supposedly better one elsewhere. Teonna’s father isn’t immediately convinced but is open to the idea. He avoids putting his daughter in danger again by avoiding Father Renaud, unlike previous instances.

It’s becoming clear that the lifestyle of a Comanche in Oklahoma isn’t identical to the hardships endured by the Crow in Montana. When Kent and Renaud seek aid from the local U.S. marshal, they’re taken aback to encounter Mamie Fossett, portrayed by Jennifer Carpenter, who holds this position. Fossett consents to disseminate posters with a likeness of Teonna’s face – though some might forget she’s a fugitive accused of murder rather than simply truant – but Fossett also issues a caution to the newcomers. The Comanche and the Oklahoma residents have a mutual understanding and respect for each other.

Eagerly anticipating Kent’s punishment since he had transgressed this rule by trampling a young boy in the camp during episode one, I was ready for his retribution. However, that night, a group of Comanche who arrived on horses to avenge their fallen comrades with bows and arrows met an unfortunate end. Surprisingly, even Renaud opened fire on them. (The transgressor symbolizes unjust religious practices. The transgressor represents the gun.)

In my opinion, this episode fails to generate meaningful conflict for Spencer in the Free State of Galveston effectively. Luca, grateful for his maritime rescue, takes him to Maceo, his mafia boss cousin. Despite being in a rush to return home, Maceo imprisons Spencer at his luxury hotel. When Spencer attempts to escape by force, he assaults a soldier, which Maceo sees as an affront to his honor. In the end, instead of spending all his money on a train ticket, Spencer departs Galveston in a free truck, though unwillingly as a rumrunner. And, for the first time, he gets to taste pizza, which he seems to enjoy greatly. (It appears that the author of this passage was influenced by the movie ‘Goodfellas’.)

Alexandra, following a predictable narrative, remains in perilous maritime conditions. Her turbulent third-class passage to America – with its rough waters and frightened women – contrasts strangely with optimistic talk about her joy upon reaching the Yellowstone and starting a Dutton family dynasty.

As a passionate moviegoer, I find myself pondering: Will Lizzie, who once nurtured aspirations of nurturing a clan of Duttons at Yellowstone, still be present when Alex makes his arrival? En route to gather eggs from the coop, she encounters a rabid or perhaps storm-driven wolf that leaves her bitten. When Lizzie learns the remedy involves stomach injections, she chooses to take her fate into her hands. Yet, she’s left with no other option as the doctor and nurse forcefully hold her down for the shot. Perhaps Lizzie has been affected by rabies, the blizzard, or simply the bitter loneliness that comes with life on this ranch. The next time Lizzie suffers a miscarriage, if it occurs, I have no doubt she’ll reflect on this moment. One isn’t born an anti-vaxxer; they’re unwillingly vaccinated, with Western medicine serving as the uninvited assailant. (The rapist in question is the forceful application of medicine.)

Lizzie remarks at the start that it’s not suitable to be here during winter. While her point is valid, it’s crucial to remember that the Dutton family isn’t like other people. They are the last representatives of a dwindling lifestyle. These men can’t simply leave this place because it’s where they belong and who they are.

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2025-03-02 16:54