1923 returns with a more focused episode than last week’s, and I quite liked how it played out. 1923 season 2, episode 2 once again followed Spencer Dutton’s journey home. Brandon Sklenar’s Western hero got caught up with the Italian mob, and by the end of the episode, he was forced to make a deal he did not really want to. That plot thread is explored towards the end of episode 3 and it presents a sad moment that is both shocking and feels like a turning point in Spencer’s journey.

The Duttons back in Montana faced quite a few complications, with Helen Mirren’s Cara possibly dead after a wolf attack, Harrison Ford’s Jacob stranded in a snowstorm, and more. However, I was disappointed by how one character did not really get her time to shine. Julia Schlaepfer’s Alexandra proved to be one of the show’s most exciting players in 1923 season 1. The second season of the Yellowstone spinoff gave her a major update, revealing that Alex is pregnant. I hoped episode 2 would showcase more of her story than brief moments, but my wishes came true in episode 3.

Alexandra Takes Center Stage In A Dark Story
Her Journey To Montana Finally Sees Major Developments

It was a welcome surprise to see such a huge portion of episode 3 devoted to Alex’s journey, which was not easy at all. I loved how the show made a point to explain that even though she had arrived in the United States did not mean the dangers were over. In fact, there was a very complicated triage she had to go through before even being allowed to step foot in the country proper. That is where 1923 really made things infuriating.

Alex did not only feel uncomfortable as she was forced to strip naked to be examined by three different doctors, but also afraid.

There were so many people in the same predicament as Alex: families waiting to be reunited or folks just trying to get a better chance at life. But while there is a process to these things, which is to be expected, the triage was certainly taken a step — or many steps — too far. Alex did not only feel uncomfortable as she was forced to strip naked to be examined by three different doctors, but also afraid. Watching her squirm through the whole process was seriously disheartening.

As mentioned, she was not the only one going through the ordeal, and seeing how some of the men in charge took advantage of the women trying to get entry to the U.S. was gross. Thankfully, Alex can stand on her own, and even though Spencer is not there to help her, she takes control of the situation. Although she failed to hide her pregnancy, which had previously disqualified other women from moving on, Alex gives an intense monologue about how the process was the least free she had felt in her life, and she’s then allowed to enter the country.

Despite being incredibly smart and light on her feet, Alex is pregnant, which leads to multiple characters telling her how America is really not that safe, especially for a woman traveling on her own. I think the show takes on some important topics and presents them in the correct light, so the rest of Alex’s journey should be interesting to follow. She still has a long way to go to get to Montana, but the kindness of strangers puts her closer to her final destiny.

Spencer’s Story Also Takes A Dark Turn
Another Dutton Makes A Major Decision

I’m excited about Spencer and Alex being in the U.S. Spencer was on his way to Texas to deliver the mob’s liquor. When he was handed a gun alongside the task, I knew danger would be in his way. However, I was both disappointed and somewhat happy about the death of his friend, Luca. Spencer had saved him in the premiere, and after an emotional scene, I expected their journey to lead Luca to Montana with Spencer. However, his mob aspirations and greed were annoying, leading to Luca’s death. While tragic, I’m glad we can move on.

I was intrigued by where Elizabeth’s storyline was going, as she had run-ins with two vicious animals in back-to-back episodes and was clearly not fond of Montana in the winter.

As for the rest of the Duttons, I was glad to see that Mirren’s Cara had killed the wolf. The same goes for Ford’s Jacob, who manages to return home safe and sound with the rest of the crew. That said, a major change does happen. I was intrigued by where Elizabeth’s storyline was going, as she had run-ins with two vicious animals in back-to-back episodes and was clearly not fond of Montana in the winter. With her adamant about moving out, there’s a chance Jack will go with her, which would be a major change.