Previously on 1923, the Dutton family continued to face challenges as the ranch was at stake. Jacob and Cara Dutton struggle with the farm’s finances, fearing they may lose it. Their only hope is their nephew, Spencer Dutton, who makes haste to return to his family. His return becomes complicated as he is separated from his new wife, Alexandra. Meanwhile, Teonna Rainwater continues to seek refuge with her father as marshals seek them out. 

In episode two, Banner Creighton continues his partnership with Donald Whitfield, a wealthy and influential tycoon. The two come across a group skiing the mountains, baffled at the danger of it.  Despite this, Donald explains that they can make a profit off of this sport, possibly making them millionaires.

Spencer continues to make his return to the ranch, although he quickly gets involved with a bad crowd. Spencer’s previous crew member introduces him to an Italian mafioso named Salvatore Maceo. Maceo traps Spencer into owing him, forcing Spencer into a job that involves transporting illegal alcohol. 

In town, Jacob retrieves Zane, who was arrested under miscegenation laws. Jacob relays the news that Zane and his family are free to return home, although Zane admits he can no longer walk. Speechless, Jacob aims to hopefully have a doctor inspect him before their return.

Jacob continues to make his return back to the ranch, although the weather conditions worsen. This puts his men and horses at risk, of which they already have a  few numbers. Cara keeps charge of the ranch as her husband is away. The weather wreaks havoc on the ranch, leading to missing livestock and damage. Jacob’s niece-in-law, Elizabeth, suffers from a wolf attack and remains in Cara’s care as the doctor treats her for rabies. 

As Jacob is stuck in a blizzard in the middle of his return, the Dutton house faces an intruder. Cara is awoken in the night by a scream and crash. As she makes her way to the living room, she’s met with snow covering the first floor. Gripping her shotgun, she finds a crazed wolf and Elizabeth’s lifeless body. 

This episode showcased the Duttons as survivors, each grappling with their own situational hurdles. While Spencer aims to uphold morality, he is coerced into an illegal scheme for the mafia. As Jacob returns to the ranch, he is met with a blizzard, threatening his group’s lives. Cara also has to take charge of the ranch as it is surrounded by predators. Not only do the Duttons have to survive the harsh elements of nature, but also human nature, as they are in a battle of control against Donald. Tensions are high, leading audiences to anticipate intense confrontations. While this episode offered thrilling moments of the Dutton family battling outside forces, this episode seemed to drag on, lacking urgency. This has affected audience engagement, similarly to season one’s reputation. Hopefully, as the Duttons’ emotional struggles become more physical, the pace will quicken and offer more action to keep audiences engaged.

Rating: 7/10