How 1923 Ending Paves the Way for Taylor Sheridan’s Next Spinoff, Explained
Taylor Sheridan’s long-standing Western franchise isn’t going anywhere, despite major backlash it has received recently.
Even though 1923’s finale was just so atrociously bad some fans turned away from Taylor Sheridan ’s shows forever, that might have not changed a thing.
The director sticks to the plan no matter what, solid in his idea to recount the Dutton family’s origins from the very beginning to where Yellowstone picked it up. The latter’s second prequel is officially gone now, ceding its place to the next series, the events of which will unfold some 20 years later.
Many people are already tired of constantly hearing about Sheridan’s upcoming numerous spinoffs, but this one in particular might become the biggest use yet for Yellowstone’s fans, finally filling in the most annoying plot holes.
1944: What Do We Know About the Yellowstone Spinoff, Officially?
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For now, there is little official information on 1944, except for a teaser given by Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios, in 2023.
He described the upcoming spinoff as something that will “take audiences on a new and unexpected journey” in Taylor Sheridan’s universe.
But the 1923 finale gives some room for thought on 1944.
1944 Will Explain John Dutton II’s Missing Yellowstone Storyline
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In 1923’s finale, Alexandra met a gruesome ending which caused another turmoil in the show’s fandom, leaving behind her and Spencer’s son who she named John before dying.
Since Spencer’s older brother is the first John Dutton and Kevin Costner ’s Yellowstone character is John Dutton III, this is no other than John Dutton II, who in the flagship series is said to have died years before the first season’s events.
John Dutton II’s story was never told properly, which is a reason for Yellowstone’s fans to hope 1944 will bring it along, potentially following the character through his military service during World War II or seeing him clashing with yet another rich guy trying to take John’s ranch away from him.
Elizabeth Might Not Be Gone Forever After Jack’s Death in 1923
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Even though John Dutton II will potentially become the main focus of the next spinoff series, there’s more to it. In 1923, Elizabeth Dutton is seen leaving Montana after her husband is killed and she’s left with nothing else but an unborn baby.
By the time 1944 picks the story up Elizabeth and Jack’s child will already be an adult, probably seeking ways to reconnect to their father’s origins and eventually returning to the ranch.
It’s not something to be that sure about yet, but the character might even start a new family feud up, fighting for their right to inherit the land.
What Do Fans Think of 1944?
Right now, people are mostly pessimistic about the upcoming Yellowstone spinoff.
“If 1944 goes ahead there is no one apart from a random widow to fill the void of a strong female character. I understand Yellowstone didn’t have a strong female raising the family but that’s because they were all adults. In 1944 we are more or less post war, it’s an important time for survival and raising and looking after your family was more important than ever,” said Redditor dcCMPY.
Others feel even more radical about the Yellowstone universe.
“After the piss poor way this was written at the end, I want the franchise just to end unless Sheridan is willing to turn it over to other writers who are willing to carry it through with more thought to the characters and the modern Yellowstone franchise,” Redditor Beginning_Dog_6293 noted.
