1923 Must Dump This Disturbing Character

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  • Who Is ‘1923‘s Donald Whitfield?
  • Whitfield’s S&M Fetish in ‘1923’
  • How ‘1923’ Season 2, Episode 1 Takes Whitfield’s S&M Too Far

As Season 2 of “1923” is set to air on Paramount+ starting February 23, 2025, let’s hope that Taylor Sheridan will avoid featuring Donald Whitfield’s disturbing sexual preferences in the series. Notably, the renowned Timothy Dalton, known for his sophisticated portrayal of James Bond in the ’80s, seems to be delivering one of the most detestable characters on TV within the “Yellowstone” spin-off.

If Whitfield persists with his questionable behavior, 1923 stands to lose viewers instantaneously. While it’s acceptable to depict a character’s inappropriate sexual inclinations on screen, portraying such extreme and disturbing scenes of sadomasochistic humility as seen in Season 2, Episode 1, “The Killing Season,” crosses a line. This isn’t just one person’s viewpoint; the overwhelming reaction on Reddit suggests that Whitfield should be removed from the show.

Who Is ‘1923’s Donald Whitfield?

In 1923, during Season 1, Episode 4 titled “War and the Turquoise Tide,” Donald Whitfield, portrayed by Dalton, makes his debut. This character is a relentless tycoon with an overwhelming amount of power and sway. Being accustomed to having all his wishes granted, Whitfield may not possess strong morals or principles, but he compensates for it with unwavering self-assurance and pomposity. Whitfield crosses paths with Banner Creighton, a Scottish shepherd who stands against the Dutton Family Ranch.

As Banner and Whitfield team up against the Duttons, the Duttons show signs of growing eccentricity and abhorrent sexual deviations. They subject sex workers to degrading, humiliating, and sadomasochistic acts, which seem intended to validate their pleasure from controlling others. The scenes grow increasingly explicit and disturbing, reaching a point of excessive repetition that is hard to stomach. To put it bluntly, it’s becoming almost unbearable.

Whitfield’s S&M Fetish in ‘1923’

In Season 1, Episode 8 titled “Nothing Left to Lose,” the elderly character Whitfield is depicted twice in a disrespectful manner towards a young woman who works in the sex industry. This behavior was intended to highlight an unusual sexual preference. The episode sparked outrage among Reddit users after it aired, with many expressing that they skipped ahead during the disturbing and repetitive scenes involving sexual misconduct. A user humorously referred to Dalton’s character as “James BONDage.

In response to the strong reactions after the Season 1 finale, fans may anticipate that Taylor Sheridan will soften or reduce Whitfield’s reprehensible actions in Season 2. However, quite the opposite occurred as Sheridan launched Season 1 with a new episode titled “The Killing Season,” filled with even more explicit scenes of sadomasochism, featuring Whitfield inflicting torture on a woman within the initial 20 minutes. Unsurprisingly, these scenes have sparked intense criticism online.

How ‘1923’ Season 2, Episode 1 Takes Whitfield’s S&M Too Far

In simpler terms, Whitfield’s recent actions in the show can be compared to a form of sexual assault. He forcefully restrains a sex worker and commits an act that is extremely graphic and uncomfortable to watch. Many viewers have questioned the writers’ decision to portray such disturbing content, especially given Timothy Dalton’s compelling performance. A female viewer commented on how Whitfield’s character appears predatory.

As a woman in my mid-thirties, I’ve reached a stage where I find no pleasure or interest in viewing scenes of female abuse in movies or television shows. It seems unnecessary and only serves to disturb rather than enrich the narrative for me, leaving me to ponder over those who derive pleasure from creating such content.

On a different thread addressing the same topic, another Redditor added:

As a devoted fan, I found myself cringing at the unfolding events involving Tim Dalton’s character and those young women. It was inappropriate and unnecessary, to say the least. I quickly skipped past it, but if this continues, I may find myself reluctantly abandoning the series altogether. Despite my eagerness for Spencer to return and assist Cara, the uncomfortable scenes are becoming too much to bear.

Finally, an OP opens with:

If we continue to see scenes involving Whitfield mistreating young women, it seems likely that this theme will either play a significant role in the storyline later on (perhaps uncomfortably so), or it’s possible that the creator, Taylor Sheridan, is drawn to exploring such tragic and vulnerable characters.

1923’s frequent depictions of Whitfield’s brutal and disturbing sexual misconduct towards powerless victims in the series has grown wearying and concerning, prompting many to question its necessity. Don’t forget that you can watch 1923 on Paramount+.

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2025-03-02 01:02