1923:
A Yellowstone Origin Story
Season Two
review by Bobby Blakey
When Yellowstone hit the airwaves in 2018 who would have known that it would have been the monster hit it is now. While the main show has ended it has spawned numerous spin-off series like 1883 and 1923 as well as more to come. Now the second season of 1923: A Yellowstone Origin Story is coming home starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren that continues the journey in the history of the Dutton family, but does it live up to the legacy of the Yellowstone franchise and the first season or will fail to survive the changing times?
1923 follows the unhindered passion and the shocking truths of the American West, from a whirlwind romance out of Africa to the rugged mountain frontier of Montana. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing post-war world, Western Expansion reveals the depths of human greed and the forced assimilation of Indigenous Peoples. In the second season, harsh winter conditions and adversaries threatening the Dutton’s and Spencer embark on a race against time to save his family.
As a fan of both the original series and 1883 I was eager to see what was next, especially with Mirren and Ford leading the charge. The first season took a bit to get going as you are introduced to a whole new group of characters and the changing timeline. It was laid out well and although convoluted at times ended strong and had me ready for more. This new season dives right in and has a much stronger pace now that all the players and situations are laid out.
This season adds a new element of the story to the mix with not only the ongoing fight at home but the separation of Spencer and Alexandra on the travel home. This gives the characters their own challenges of the times and
brings more impact on where they are heading and the ultimate return to the ranch that is a great moment. While I felt the weaker elements of the first season were that of Spencer’s international romance, the adventure of their return makes up for it and gets you invested deeply.
The cast are all great, but it’s Mirren and Ford that run the show. In the first season Mirren carried the heaviest load due to the events with Ford’s character, but this time around they even out their impact and both shine with great chemistry together. Both are rugged tough personas that are not only great for each other but hold up against everyone around them with the only soft moments really with them together which strengthens their bond. The rest of the cast get a bit more to do as well with it delving into the struggles of the weather, depravity and fight for family until the violent end of the season.
Where 1883 was pure western, 1923 continues to merge with the changing times of being both a modern era and western all at once. It really leans into the early stages of the ranch we all know from Yellowstone without the modern additions. The ongoing fight for the land and world changes brings a fresh threat to the family and seeing them fight for everything they have further cements the station they are in with Yellowstone.
In addition to all eight episodes of the second season this release offers up bonus content including numerous featurettes on bringing this series to life. Head back to the Dutton ranch and grab your copy of 1923: Season Two available now on Blu-ray and DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment.