1923 Season 2 Blu-ray Review
“1923” improves in the second and final season.
Set in Montana in 1923, the aptly named “Yellowstone” prequel series “1923” focuses on multiple storylines including that of the Dutton family. The family at this period in time includes husband and wife Cara and Jacob, Spencer (the son of James and Margaret from “1883”) and his new British wife Alexandra, and Jack (Jacob’s great-nephew) who is engaged to Elizabeth (a potential soon to be Dutton). In the 8 episode second season, Spencer and a now pregnant Alexandra remain separated. Both are desperately trying to make their way to Montana, but both of their travels are filled with much hardship. Elizabeth’s life on the ranch during a brutal winter turns into a nightmare and makes her question her marriage with Jack. Teonna is on the run and is being hunted down by Father Renaud and Marshal Kent. She finds some happiness with Runs His Horse and Pete, but it doesn’t last. Marshal Fossett is brought into this case as she investigates the massacre Renaud and Kent were responsible for.
Business magnate/sadist Donald Whitfield makes a move to take over Yellowstone to turn it into a resort with the help of Creighton (although Creighton may have a change of heart to save his family). Lastly, Dutton Ranch foreman Zane gets imprisoned, beaten, and is forced to undergo a scary surgery.
Despite a star studded cast, the debut season of “1923” was rather underwhelming. Taylor Sheridan’s series spent far too much time setting up characters and plot and focusing on soap opera romance. The second season features more of the same (so much time is devoted to Donald’s kinks and characters traveling), but there are payoffs here. Granted, the series takes its sweet times and saves mostly everything for the final few episodes, but the second season is still infinitely more eventful. We get closure to Alexandra and Spencer’s tragic separation, we get the big western showdown shootouts (at a train station and at the Dutton ranch), and Teonna finally gets to stop running. Of course, there’s more than just that, but those are the big pieces that were set up for countless episodes.
On the downside, many fans will undoubtedly be displeased by some of the questionable creative choices. It goes without saying that much like “1883″ (which is still Sheridan’s best series), “1923” is a very punishing series. Nearly all of the characters suffer or have a cruel fate. Yes, we all understand they are surviving in harsh conditions or circumstances, but it feels like the writing team goes a bit overboard in putting the characters through hell. Without delving into spoilers, let’s just say some characters don’t get happy endings and it feels like a bit of a cheat (especially considering how arduous some of these character journeys are).
Regardless of how one may feel about the outcome of season 2, the cast gives it their all. Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren make a great pairing. It’s a shame we don’t get to see more of their characters as it feels like there’s more to explore there. Julia Schlaepfer really turned out to steal the entire show. She really gets put through the ringer in season 2 and her performance is genuinely award worthy. Brandon Sklenar shines as Spencer, Aminah Nieves made waves as Teonna, and one of the acting legends (Timothy Dalton) clearly relishes his villainous role as Donald Whitfield.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.00:1 1080p. Grade: A-
Audio Track: Dolby TrueHD 5.1. Grade: A-
Extras:
* “Behind The Story”- Behind-the-scenes segments for all 7 episodes featuring interviews, set footage and character and story discussions.
* “Darkness Cannot Hide: 1923 Returns”- A general 38 minute featurette on season 2’s story. Interviews and behind-the-scenes footage is included.
* “The Shroud Of Winter: Production Design And Costumes” featurette
* “The Women Of 1923” is all about the lead female characters.
* “1923: Teonna’s Story”- The title says it all.
* “What Would You Bring Back From 1923”- The cast is asked the question.
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