Season 2 of 1923 continues the saga of the Dutton family as they face mounting challenges in the harsh Montana winter. Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren) struggle to protect their ranch from the relentless schemes of mining tycoon Donald Whitfield and his ally Banner Creighton, who aim to seize the land for profit. Meanwhile, Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) embarks on a perilous journey back to Montana from abroad, determined to reunite with his pregnant wife, Alexandra (Julia Schlaepfer), and aid his family against their enemies.

1923 Review (S2:E1-3)

Picking up days after the events of Season 1, this season of 1923 (at least so far) seems to be trying to build tension for an upcoming showdown between the Duttons and Timothy Dalton’s evil tycoon. Unfortunately, the journey there feels artificially slowed with a multitude of mini-adventures and trials added that will likely have little to no impact on the rest of the season.

Hollywood has indeed given us enumerable examples of journeys that were as or more interesting than the destination, and the distractions in 1923 benefit from the same excellent and economical dialogue, top-tier direction, and wonderful performances, which make them cinematically edible but empty calories nonetheless. It’s a testament to those working on both sides of the camera that such aimlessness is as entertaining as it is. Many viewers may not even notice that the main plot has come to a nigh complete stop.

Helen Mirren deserves special recognition for her portrayal of the Dutton matriarch, Cara. Mirren, a veteran of stage and screen with an award-winning career that stretches back almost 60 years, shines brightest as she effortlessly loses herself in the role, infusing Cara with traditional feminine qualities that complement that of her husbands without rancor.

Harrison Ford also continues to impress as the grizzled Jacob Dutton. However, for all his excellence, the showrunners persist in giving him far too little screen time, choosing to focus on

No one gives a bad performance, and even Julia Schlaepfer’s Alexandra has been toned down. Some may remember that Schlaepfer spent much of the latter half of season 1 becoming increasingly grating with a neverending deluge of reminders of her supposed charm. So far this season, her journey has been a humbling experience that has (for the most part) lowered her volume and helped to make her a more sympathetic character.

You may have noticed that thus far, the review has only focused on the Duttons. While the divisive Indian co-story from season 1 has gone unmentioned. That’s for two reasons: 1. As with the first season, Teonna Rainwater’s story is utterly forgettable the moment that her scenes come to an end. 2. They are considerably fewer in number now than they were then. Nothing against the performers, for their segment’s lack of appeal is in no way their fault. Each of them gives as good a performance as anyone else.

One problem that plagued 2022’s season remains-  no one cares, and the evil being portrayed against her is so over the top and persistent that it actually defies belief. Even if it is a shot-by-shot recreation of the horrors visited upon someone from the past, it comes across as a recrimination rather than an independent story. Regrettably, each new entry only arrests its respective episode’s momentum as the audience waits to return to a character about whom they care.

This season also suffers from the priest character’s inconsistency. In the last entry, he was portrayed as a vicious and remorseless man who had no problem beating and even murdering children. The problem isn’t that of hypocrisy. Countless people are blind to the true nature of their character, but He was shown as a man who enjoyed delivering cruelty upon those weaker than him, and now, he balks at violence and spends much of his screen time attempting to equivocate his past actions.

One can only hope that the showrunners have something brilliant up their sleeves for the remainder of the season.

1923 VIDEO Review (S2:E4-7)

WOKE REPORT

You're Only Getting Half the Picture.

This section is our site's secret sauce, and what truly separates us from the rest. If you don't read it, you haven't read our review.

Have the filmmakers chosenradical progressive messaging over story?

Unlock the insightsthat could change your viewing experience and protect your family.

Try it for just $1!Unlock nowAlready a member?Log in here →

Help us fight the Woke Mind Virus. Join today.