The best Yellowstone moment isn’t from 1923

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1923 may have had its share of thrilling instances, yet none can compare to a single, uncomplicated moment from another Yellowstone offshoot that truly stands out.

As the Dutton family tree expands with numerous branches, it’s becoming more challenging to follow every epoch of this cattle-ranching dynasty. You’ve got Yellowstone, 1883, and 1923 already. Soon, we might be adding 1944, 6666, and The Madison to the mix (but we’ll need more information about how deeply these latter two will intertwine with the Dutton universe).

1923 brought about significant changes, involving the Duttons globally, introducing elements such as lion-hunting, Harrison Ford, and the creation of the refrigerator. The prequel also has its share of unforgettable instances (like Alex and Spencer finding themselves adrift on a sinking ship, which is not an experience one typically associates with Beth Dutton).

Instead, selecting the most emotionally impactful film within the series proves simple, as it’s the only one that managed to truly stir tears from me.

1883 is the jewel in Yellowstone’s crown

Should you align with the more significant events of history, you’d recognize that among all the spinoffs, 1883 stands out as the unrivaled best. It’s a grand narrative that unfolds the story behind how the Dutton family initially discovered Yellowstone.

1883, unlike the fiery operatic style reminiscent of the original series, delivers a compelling narrative that rivals the greatest Westerns ever produced. From the point of view of the eldest Dutton daughter, Elsa, 1883 combines elements of a coming-of-age drama, perilous adventure, and emotional origin story.

On their cross-country voyage, accompanied by puzzled Europeans and stubborn Shea Brennan, the Duttons face off against bandits, tumultuous rivers, and untamed wilderness. Decay and death seem to be everywhere they set their eyes, pushing their spirits to the very brink of endurance.

1883 stands out as Sheridan’s most exceptional television creation, and a single poignant scene featuring Elsa and Shea ranks among his finest written moments within the series.

1883’s best moment is simple and heartbreaking

Initially, Elsa’s optimistic adventure experiences a severe setback as her companion, Ennis, gets fatally wounded in a shootout and passes away before her eyes. This incident leaves a deep scar on Elsa’s spirit, causing her exuberance for discovering the world to wane. It takes her a considerable amount of time to heal from the shock of this sudden, painful loss.

In a compassionate manner, Shea, who has experienced similar sorrow himself, endeavors to connect with her on an emotional plane. He expresses empathy by saying, “I understand what you’re going through,” and adds, “Many people will tell you the same thing. Whether they truly do or not, I can’t say for certain… But when I say it, I mean it.

To begin with, we encounter Shea in the initial sequence of the series, where he’s compelled to torch his home, carrying the remains of his sick spouse and child within. This tragic event has made him well-acquainted with sorrow.

He mentions that he’s lost everyone who cares for him, and then explains his purpose for traveling to Oregon: it’s where he plans to bid farewell. He’s making his way towards the coast because he wants his wife’s spirit to view the ocean through his eyes – a dream she once had.

Watching Sam Elliott deliver this heartfelt monologue, with his white whiskers quivering as he struggles to hold back tears, is incredibly moving, even if Yellowstone isn’t typically associated with emotional depth.

1923, despite its thrilling gunfights and worldwide travels, doesn’t succeed in creating genuine, heartfelt bonds between its characters like the original does. In contrast, the strongest emotional bond we witness in 1923 is Alex reading a letter to Spencer about his brother’s passing, which only highlights the lack of deep connections in this series.

1883 marks a significant shift in Elsa’s life, as she begins to recover from her ordeals, offering us a deeper empathy for Shea and his simmering anger and self-loathing. This pivotal moment in the prequel series might even be considered one of the most crucial not just in its own universe, but across the entire Yellowstone saga.

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2025-03-11 15:21