Who Is to Blame for Alex Dutton’s Tragic Fate in 1923? All 7 Culprits Unveiled

Warning: SPOILERS for 1923 Season 2’s Finale – “A Dream and a Memory”

In the finale of “1923”, Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) accuses Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton) of being partly responsible for Alex Dutton’s (Julia Schlaepfer) tragic demise. However, Whitfield is merely one of several individuals who contributed to her misfortune. In the closing moments of “1923” season 2, Alexandra succumbs to complications from hypothermia and chooses not to undergo amputation of her frozen limbs that were suffering from necrosis. This incident, among other hardships she faced in “1923”, proves to be the final straw for Spencer, who ultimately takes Whitfield’s life in his dining room as a form of retribution for his loss and the hardship inflicted on his family.

In the course of our shared adventure, many elements conspired against Spencer’s partner, me – Whitfield, joining him at the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Our tale began in Nairobi, Kenya, where I was enjoying a holiday to mark my engagement to the Earl of Sussex, while Spencer was taking a breather between hunting trips. Love unexpectedly swept us off our feet when Alexandra ran away with me, and we found ourselves entwined in a whirlwind romance. We wed and chose to embark on this journey together. Regrettably, our love story did not have the fairytale ending we had hoped for. Yet, it’s important to clarify that I, Whitfield, am not solely responsible for these unfortunate circumstances.

7. Donald Whitfield

Donald Whitfield Funded The War Against Jacob Dutton’s Family

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my feelings about the climactic moment in season 2 of “1923”. In the final act of the Dutton family’s Prohibition-era battle, it was Spencer who ended Donald Whitfield’s life, delivering a fatal shot to his head. This act of vengeance by Spencer was not just a simple act, but a dramatic confrontation that unfolded at Whitfield’s dining table. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Brandon Skelnar, who portrays Spencer, shed light on this pivotal scene with Whitfield. He expressed his resentment towards Whitfield, blaming him for taking away his cherished life partner, Alex.

In that confrontation scene, there was a conversation I had originally included, but we chose to remove it. Spencer displayed extreme emotions during this dialogue, yet we’d previously shown an emotional exchange between him and Alex. Adding another emotional moment might have disrupted the balance. The team decided it would be more impactful to proceed directly with Whitfield’s part. They believed that viewers would grasp the reasoning behind it without needing explicit explanation.
To put it simply, Spencer’s words echo my thoughts: “Whitfield’s actions led me back home.” He elaborated on the chain of events that led him to believe Whitfield is responsible for the current situation. Essentially, if Whitfield hadn’t targeted the Dutton family, Alex wouldn’t have pursued Spencer, getting stranded in the snow wouldn’t have happened, and my family wouldn’t be in our present predicament. Moreover, I wouldn’t be standing here with a gun aimed at Whitfield, embarking on this relentless pursuit. Therefore, it all falls squarely on his shoulders.

As a passionate movie reviewer, I must express my confusion regarding the motive of Spencer (played by Jerome Flynn) in the gripping series 1923. In the third episode of season 1, we witness him initiating hostilities against the Dutton family, leading to John Dutton’s (James Badge Dale) untimely demise. However, it remains puzzling as to why Spencer bears responsibility for Alexandra’s death, despite the explanations provided by Sklenar, because it was Banner Creighton, not Whitfield, who targeted the Duttons.

An explanation I find plausible for Spencer accusing Donald Whitfield of Alex’s death is that he lacks any other information. In the finale, Spencer is mourning Alex Dutton’s death and seeks answers from his aunt, Cara (Helen Mirren), regarding who is responsible for the war against their family, which led indirectly to Alex’s demise. Since Spencer has had limited contact with his family, he hasn’t been informed that Banner was the initial aggressor in the conflict, causing Spencer to return home.

6. Banner Creighton

Banner Creighton Starts The War Against Jacob Dutton’s Family

In light of Spencer Dutton pointing fingers at the man who initiated the conflict, leading to his return home over Alex’s demise, it would be more accurate for him to direct his blame towards Banner Creighton instead. It was Banner who instigated hostilities against the Dutton family in season 1, episode 3 of 1923, causing Cara Dutton to send a desperate plea for Spencer to return home. It was Banner who shot John Dutton with a Tommy gun in the eye, ultimately resulting in Spencer’s brother’s death. Banner didn’t bring Whitfield into the picture until after his initial attack, which occurred in episode 4 of 1923, when he sought his help.

In 1923, Banner initially appeared as a foe towards the Dutton family. He harbored resentment against Jacob Dutton due to difficulties in sheep farming, alleging that the rancher was excessively grasping with the resources of the Dutton Ranch. However, it is Banner who creates problems, allowing his flock to graze on others’ lands and firing at Jack Dutton (played by Darren Mann) when he was actually the trespasser. Consequently, if Spencer aims to point fingers at the one responsible for instigating conflict with his family leading to Alex’s death, he should have pointed it towards Banner instead.

5. Spencer Dutton

Spencer Dutton’s Actions Caused His Separation From Alex

1923’s main character might be seeking someone to hold accountable as in truth, Spencer Dutton shares some blame for Alex’s demise. Following their union and romantic connection during the first season of 1923, Spencer and Alex settle in a hut on Zanzibar’s coast in Tanganyika. In this idyllic setting, with days filled with sunshine and nights spent together, Alex persuades Spencer to catch up on his aunt’s letters, revealing Cara’s request for Spencer’s return to Montana. This revelation spurs Alex and Spencer to embark on a voyage from Africa to America.

At the culmination of season 1 in 1923, Alex and Spencer’s trek to Montana is fraught with difficulties. However, they manage to conquer every challenge that comes their way until they set sail on a British ship bound for London. Upon arrival, they run into the rest of Alex’s wedding party returning home from their trip. When Alex’s ex-fiancé, Arthur (Rafe Soule), the Earl of Sussex, spots Spencer with his would-be wife, he challenges Spencer to a duel. The confrontation concludes when John Dutton (presumably) pushes the English nobleman overboard.

Consequently, it was due to Spencer’s fatal action – throwing Arthur overboard, resulting in his death – that provided the Earl of Sussex with sufficient reason to part the couple. Given this tragic outcome, the Earl had the leverage to send Spencer away, thereby preventing him from witnessing Alex’s safe arrival in Montana.

4. Alex Dutton

Alex Dutton Made Several Short-Sighted Calls In 1923

Just as anyone else might bear some responsibility for the tragic outcome, it cannot be solely attributed to Alex’s decision to travel to America without proper documents or sufficient funds. In fact, as hinted at in the second season premiere of “1923”, Alex was under threat from her family due to her pregnancy, since the Earl of Sussex had previously banished them from London. It was a common practice for women like Alexandra of Sussex to be exiled under such circumstances, and it’s plausible that she could not have raised her baby safely in those conditions.

Although it wasn’t Alex’s fault that she faced hardships during her journey, once she was traveling with friends from Chicago, Alex decided not to follow the advice of the local woman to take the train for the rest of the trip, as the roads were considered harsh. Despite the challenges she had previously endured, continuing in the car was not a required decision.

Subsequently, it can be said that Alex bears the greatest accountability for her own outcome since she decides against undergoing the amputation of her deteriorating limbs, a choice that could have extended her life. Initially, she decided not to undergo the medical procedure to deliver and care for John Dutton, a decision she later reinforced by refusing further medical treatment even after John’s birth. Although Alex justified her decision by stating that she couldn’t be an effective mother with “stumps for feet and clubs for hands,” Spencer and baby John would likely have preferred her presence in their lives.

3. Cara Dutton

Cara Dutton Prompted Alex And Spencer’s Journey Home

It was Cara’s decision, along with Jacob, to write a letter to Spencer asking him to return home and join their family’s struggle, which ultimately led Spencer on his journey. Although Cara’s letter was prompted by Banner Creighton’s assault on her family, the choice to call Spencer into their conflict was their own. Some have speculated that if the Dutton family had more men, they might have been able to win against Donald Whitfield and Banner Creighton, thereby sparing Spencer his trip home.

Despite understanding why he has kept his distance and recognizing his inner struggles, Cara strongly encourages Spencer to return home nonetheless. Given that they are both 80 years old and have no other heirs, Cara and Jacob see Spencer as crucial for the continuity of their ranch, a legacy passed down from James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill), Spencer’s parents. As such, Spencer’s homecoming was not only important but also part of the ranch’s succession plan. However, Cara and Jacob’s persistent wait for Spencer spans over six months, which disturbs his long-awaited rest period for the first time in years.

Due to similar circumstances as Banner or Whitfield, it can be inferred that Cara played a role in Alex’s demise because her letters encouraged Spencer’s return home. Instead of giving Spencer the chance to find solace after his war experiences, fragments from her correspondence made it impossible for him to find peace while she was still alive. While everyone else carried on with their lives at the ranch, Cara kept Spencer informed about their happiness, but she also shared her fears and anxieties with him. Spencer seemed to be content in Africa during season 1 of 1923, but Cara indirectly disrupted that tranquility.

2. Jacob Dutton

Jacob Dutton Puts His Family In Danger Fighting For The Yellowstone

It’s important to note that while Jacob Dutton isn’t entirely at fault, he does contribute to the events unfolding. Just like his father James Dutton and his grandson John Dutton III (played by Kevin Costner), Jacob Dutton jeopardizes his family’s safety by safeguarding the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Instead of giving up control over the land, Jacob decides to stand his ground, a choice that necessitates everyone in the family, including Cara and Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph), to take risks with their lives, and indirectly, Alex as well.

In the final episode of season 2 in 1923, Jacob Dutton played a significant part in Alex’s medical decisions. The doctor should have been swayed by the mother’s pleas alone, but it was only when Jacob pressed the medical staff to honor her wishes that they complied with Alex’s request to avoid amputation. Unfortunately, this act of compassion indirectly contributed to Alex’s tragic demise. Despite the unfortunate outcome, it was commendable that Jacob respected Alex’s wishes and encouraged her to fight for her life.

1. Paul & Hillary

Paul & Hillary Don’t Stop When The Going Gets Rough

In a more simplified version: Paul (Augustus Prew) and Hillary (Janet Montgomery), who were close friends with Alex, played a crucial part in her demise. Essentially, they were a compassionate couple looking to aid Alex. However, their actions were partly driven by self-interest, as the affluent Brits sought to experience Alex Dutton’s thrilling journey. Consequently, when they were advised at the gas station in Buffalo, Wyoming, not to proceed with their car journey any further, Paul and Hillary chose not to abandon their road trip.

In retrospect, Paul and Hillary were so captivated by the comforts of 1923 that they underestimated the perilous nature of our journey. Had we not received a warning from the locals, there would have come a moment when continuing was simply too risky, yet hand in hand, they forged ahead. At that critical juncture, it seems they decided to face the tempest and trust fortune would smile upon us. Alas, optimism didn’t carry us far. Regrettably, Paul, Hillary, and I were all responsible for Alex’s tragic demise, and in the end, we shared an equally unfortunate destiny.

2025-04-26 23:34