‘1923’ Stars Brandon Sklenar, Julia Schlaepfer on the Series Finale, That ‘Insane’ Death and If They’d Return For Next ‘Yellowstone’ Prequel ‘1944’

⚠️ CAUTION: The following discussion discloses key events from the final episode of “1923,” currently available on Paramount+. Proceed with care if you wish to avoid spoilers!

The narrative arc of “Yellowstone” spans multiple seasons and shows, emphasizing the powerful influence of the Dutton family’s ranch. However, the series finale of its recent prequel, “1923,” underscores that the true legacy of the Dutton family is a perpetual sequence of sorrow.

In the Season 2 finale lasting two hours, Alex (played by Julia Schlaepfer) and Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) were reunited following their separation during their mission to safeguard the Dutton ranch at the end of Season 1. However, their reunion was brief. Alex experienced numerous harrowing ordeals throughout her journey, such as being abused by a doctor at Ellis Island, sexually assaulted on a train, and beaten and robbed at Grand Central Station. She eventually made acquaintances in a kind British couple captivated by her love tale, who agreed to drive her to Spencer’s family ranch. Unfortunately, a blizzard ensnared them, claiming the lives of their drivers and leaving it seeming as though Alex would succumb to the cold.

Through an unexpected turn of events and skillful narrative by writer Taylor Sheridan, it happened that the protagonist’s vehicle broke down coincidentally near train tracks where a train carrying Spencer was passing. Upon meeting each other, pregnant Alex found herself in dire straits due to severe frostbite and hypothermia. If not treated promptly, these conditions would have led to amputations of her legs and hand, termination of her induced pregnancy, or even death. However, she refused to choose herself over her unborn child. As a result, she delivered the baby prematurely, holding it as her own body succumbed to the necropsy that took her life. Ironically, Alex never got to see the ranch despite all the turmoil she went through.

Schlaepfer shared with EbMaster that Alex has significantly transformed Julia in a permanent way. “I’m deeply thankful for this transformation, but let me tell you, it was a tough ride this season. Without a doubt, it was quite the test.

Throughout this period, an attempt has been made on Spencer’s life, who is next in line to inherit the ranch. Upon arriving at Bozeman by train, a shootout breaks out between Spencer’s uncle Jacob’s supporters (portrayed by Harrison Ford) and the henchmen of Whitfield (Timothy Dalton), a businessman planning to eliminate the Duttons so he can transform their ranch into Montana’s initial tourist attraction. Spencer successfully fends off the attack and even makes it back to the ranch to aid his shotgun-wielding aunt, Cara (Helen Mirren). However, he later returns to the hospital where Alex is dying.

In this rephrased version, I’ve tried to maintain the essence of the original while making the language more conversational and easy to understand.

The narrator shares that Spencer lives for another 45 years, where he and Alex raise their son, John Dutton II (similar to the character played by Kevin Costner in “Yellowstone”). Spencer never gets remarried, but he has another child with a woman who remains unnamed. Later, Spencer is shown lying down on Alex’s grave, preparing to die, as if he’s reuniting with her one last time at a heavenly 1920s-style party, much like the ending of “Titanic.

That wraps up “1923,” as confirmed by EbMaster, the series has come to an end and will make way for “1944,” the next installment in the “Yellowstone” prequel series from Paramount. Although details are scarce about what “1944” will entail beyond the effects of World War II on the Dutton family, the series finale provides some hints. The Whitfield threat is neutralized as Spencer takes out the sadist. Ford’s gruff 80-year-old character appears to retire with Spencer returning home, and given his toughness, it seems unlikely he would survive past his current wounds. The most plausible successor could be John, son of Spencer and Alex, who will have matured during the 20-year time leap. However, there’s speculation about whether Sklenar would want to narrate stories centered on Spencer without Alex present.

He mentions that there seems to be a project or plan involving the year “1944,” and it’s possible we might encounter Spencer in this time period. This idea piques his interest.

At the end of “1923”, EbMaster shared thoughts with Schlaepfer and Sklenar on their initial responses to the somber ending, preparing themselves for the fan responses and the emotionally charged final scene they filmed together.

This finale, for so many reasons, is wild. There is not really any other way to put it. What were your first reactions to the end of Spencer and Julia’s love story? Were you happy with the ending?

I wept profusely for quite some time afterwards. Throughout the entire storyline, it’s a non-stop tearjerker. The death of Alex is particularly heart-wrenching because we’ve spent three years alongside these characters. It feels like a piece of me has perished with her. Yet, it was an unparalleled privilege to breathe life into this character, and I adore her deeply. It’s incredibly poignant.

Brandon Sklenar: The final episode was exceptionally well-written, standing out even among Taylor Sheridan’s work this season. The intensity of the situation made it incredibly heavy, almost unbearable. I found it impossible to prepare for that episode; simply reading it would make me tear up and feel genuinely moved. Particularly the scenes in the hospital with my character and hers – just reading the lines left me wondering how such a powerful scene was conceived. Even rehearsing it still stirs emotions within me. The lines themselves are so impactful, especially the part about heaven where Elsa’s narration says “when old age robbed my brother of his memories, he created his own.” It’s mind-boggling! In fact, when we reach heaven in that scene, it feels like a total surprise. It’s just amazing!

Fans of “1923” have really zeroed in on Alex and Spencer’s love story. Are you bracing for what they will think of this tragic ending?

Schlaepfer: Yes, indeed, as they’ve already been upset with us for not being united earlier! I comprehend their feelings and they certainly understand mine. However, I am incredibly eager for them to witness it. It’s intriguing; when we filmed the reunion scene for Season 2, it was Brandon and my first time working together since the beginning of the season. I believe they deliberately saved it, not by accident. Prior to filming that scene, I was constantly meeting new people, so the dialogue felt more formal and professional, with a touch of tension because I wasn’t sure how people would treat me or interact with me. But as soon as Spencer and Alex reunited on screen, it felt like a language barrier had been lifted, and I could sense the rhythm they share. To put it simply, they breathe in sync, and I certainly picked up on that during filming. The entire crew felt it too. It was emotional for everyone. So I hope fans will be pleased to see them back together, but I know deep down they wish they had been reunited sooner.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I must say, there’s something extraordinary about the climactic scene in this series, particularly when she and I leap from the train into the snow in the finale. The atmosphere on that day just felt electrifying, as if we were all sensing something momentous was about to unfold. Just like Jules put it, that was our first collaboration in Season 2, charging towards each other as our characters, and it was undeniably a memorable experience.

If the big reunion scene was the first scene you shot together this season, what was the last?

Schlaepfer: Ah, yes, Brandon! You’re referring to that scene: When they gaze at one another on the train, and Elsa’s voiceover narrates her thinking she would never see him again. That was our final scene together as characters, symbolizing an emotional farewell. It was a fitting end to the entire production, marking the last day of filming altogether. It was truly captivating.

Sklenar: Yeah, that day was also a trip.

Alex’s death strikingly mirrors the finale of “1883,” which saw the death of yet another Dutton in Spencer’s sister, Elsa (Isabel May), who narrates this series. Did Taylor prepare you for how Alex’s story would reflect Elsa’s so tragically?

As a devoted film enthusiast, I must admit that I wasn’t entirely anticipating the turn of events, but Taylor had shared some ideas about his vision for my character. I had a gut feeling that Alex would meet his demise, though he never explicitly confirmed it with me. That is until one day, an email arrived containing all the scripts. He asked me to call him once I’d read them. Reading through those pages was a heartfelt journey, filled with stunning parallels and emotional depth. All I could muster up was a heartfelt “Thank you,” as it was an immense honor to contribute to Elsa’s legacy. She is cherished by many, and delving into her world felt truly unique and valuable to me.

While you’ve interacted over the years promoting the show, this is the first time either of you actually shared scenes or at least sets with Harrison and Helen. What was it like to finally get to play off them and their characters, who are really the counterweights to Spencer and Alex?

The scene with Harrison Ford was quite captivating. There were a few significant instances, especially when I shared a brief encounter with him on the train. In that scene, I had Banner’s wife and child, my hand on the door, and Harrison entered. It marked our first meeting in seven years. That fleeting moment was filled with tension, and he gave me a subtle, characteristic smirk of his, which I couldn’t help but notice. On that day, while filming his scenes, I found myself more as an observer, watching him intently instead of being part of the action. It was Brandon, not Harrison, who was in awe that day. The experience of sharing that moment and absorbing it was truly cool.

Alex never gets to meet Cara, so you didn’t work with Helen on screen, Julia. But you do have a few key moments with Harrison in the finale. What was it like to have Jacob there for Alex in her final moments?

As a Movie Reviewer Reflecting on Season 2: My most memorable moment on set undeniably occurred during the filming of the birth scene, which I consider my personal highlight from the production. This particular day happened to be near the end of my scenes, and I must admit, I was running low on energy and feeling quite emotional. However, the arrival of our leading man, Harrison, breathed a new sense of life into the set.

I confess that I approached the day with curiosity about how Harrison would work, given his role as a leader in this story. But instead of taking charge, he graciously handed me the reins. His actions spoke volumes about his respect and concern for me as an actor. In many ways, he embodied the character of Jacob, providing comfort and support when I least expected it. It wasn’t until that moment that I realized how much I needed a caring presence to help me through those tough scenes.

Harrison had a knack for knowing when to lighten the mood with a well-timed joke, helping us maintain our focus amidst the emotional intensity. After we completed our scene together, we found ourselves locked in a heartfelt embrace, sharing tears and silence for what felt like an eternity. It was a powerful bonding experience that I will carry with me throughout my career.

This story will continue with “1944” and could feasibly feature Spencer and his and Alex’s son, John. Brandon, is that a chapter of Spencer’s story you are interested in telling, even in those years without Alex?

Sklenar: Absolutely! We’re planning for 1933, ’43, ’53, and ’63. I’m particularly excited about ’63 as there’s a wealth of inspiration to be found. Then there’s Spencer at Woodstock in his older years, which I can’t wait to film. I believe he would have a strong affinity for Creedence Clearwater Revival during that time.

Schlaepfer: You are going to get yourself into trouble! I’m scared for you.

Sklenar: I get it, I get it. Let me explain, the idea of “1944” being explored here piques my interest, and perhaps we’ll catch a glimpse of Spencer in that era. Frankly, I’m smitten with this character, and I believe Jules shares the sentiment. However, I must confess, this is my first television venture, and spending three years immersed in this character has been quite an experience. He’s not just a role, he’s become a part of me. He’s left his mark on who I am, altering my essence. Therefore, if given the chance, I would relish the opportunity to continue working with him in any capacity possible.

Just as Brandon stated, Alex has transformed Julia in a way that will last forever, and I am incredibly thankful for it. However, this transformation proved to be quite difficult, especially during this season. Without a doubt, it was a significant challenge.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-04-06 22:19