‘1923’ Season 2 Reveals a Shocking Detail About the Dutton Ranch’s Fate Before Kevin Costner’s John Dutton

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for 1923 season 2, episode 1.

Taylor Sheridan’s 1923 season 2 revealed a shocking development in the Duttons’ ownership of the ranch years before Yellowstone takes place. The premiere of 1923 season 2 got the new season off to a great start, partially due to all the big revelations it made. From a startling visit from a mountain lion in 1923 season 2 to Alex Dutton’s (Julia Schlaepfer) pregnancy, there were plenty of surprises in store. One of the most unexpected revelations of the episode, however, was rather subtle, and it has huge implications on the entire Yellowstone saga and the Dutton family tree, not just 1923.

The story of the Duttons, told through Yellowstone and its many spinoff shows, has largely been about their fight to maintain control of the titular ranch. From the harrowing journey to secure the land originally in 1883 to the series finale of Yellowstone, which saw the land under new management, everything the Duttons have done has been to maintain their massive Montana ranch. That’s why it’s so surprising that 1923 season 2 revealed that the Duttons had very nearly lost everything an entire century before Kevin Costner’s John Dutton did.

1923 Season 2 Reveals Jake Has Lost Most Of The Yellowstone Dutton Ranch

Donald Whitfield’s Plan Has Been Partially Successful & The Duttons Have Lost Huge Swaths Of Land

As winter descended upon the Yellowstone, Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren) informed viewers of what happened after the ending of 1923 season 1. In her opening narration, Cara said that “trickery and laws drafted by loan sharks have stripped [the ranch] from us.”

Cara also mentioned that the Duttons had been confined to the lodge and the fields surrounding it, which seems to indicate that Donald Whitfield’s (Timothy Dalton) nefarious plan in 1923 season 1 has partially worked. Whitfield had paid the Duttons’ back taxes on the land, and since they couldn’t repay him, most of the Yellowstone went into his possession.

There is, however, a chance that Jacob (Harrison Ford) hasn’t actually lost the Yellowstone entirely. Cara’s opening narration may have been referring to how the Duttons had to sell off most of their heads of cattle to make ends meet, and how they’re scraping by to survive the brutal winter. Even if that is the case, however, the Duttons are in dire straits. With winter in full swing and no more cattle left to sell, it’s only a matter of time until Whitfield’s plan to seize the Yellowstone through tax law works entirely. As of now, the Duttons only have one hope left.

How The Duttons Can Win Their Entire Ranch Back In 1923 Season 2

Spencer Dutton Needs To Not Only Eliminate Whitfield But Also Find A Way To Legally Secure The Yellowstone

Since the beginning, 1923 has been setting Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) up as the savior of the Dutton family and their ranch. After the premiere of 1923 season 2, Spencer is the only chance the Duttons have of getting full control of their land back.

That likely means that Spencer will have to use his experience from fighting in World War I and hunting big game in Africa to eliminate Whitfield and Banner Creighton’s (Jerome Flynn) forces. That’s only half the battle, though, as Creighton will legally own the Yellowstone if the taxes aren’t paid, and no amount of bloodshed will be able to get it back.

The only way to truly save the Yellowstone is for Spencer to solve the Dutton family’s money troubles, but there are a few ways he could go about that. For example, once Spencer and Alexandra are reunited, he may have to turn to her wealthy family for financial support.

Spencer could also continue the plan he created with Luca (Andy Dispensa) and earn some cash by becoming a boxer. Alternatively, he could even try to ally with Creighton and use some of his funds to pay off the taxes. No matter what, Spencer will have to find some way to make money in 1923 season 2.