Unlocking the Untold Secrets: A Deep Dive into the Yellowstone Prequel Series through the Critic's Lens

The highly anticipated 1923, the second prequel series to the beloved Yellowstone franchise, made its debut in December 2022, and critics have wasted no time in voicing their opinions. Serving as both a sequel to 1883 and a prequel to Yellowstone, 1923 picks up the narrative of the iconic Yellowstone Dutton Ranch four decades after its establishment in 1883. This time around, the new generation of Duttons must confront the adversities of the era, including the Great Depression and Prohibition. With Yellowstone receiving an impressive 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 1883 earning an outstanding 89% on the same platform, expectations are undeniably high for the latest installment of the captivating Dutton family saga.

Just like Yellowstone, which saw Kevin Costner take the lead, and 1883, which showcased the talents of Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, 1923 is also fronted by esteemed actors. Academy Award winner Helen Mirren and the legendary Harrison Ford grace the screen as Cara and Jacob Dutton, respectively, anchoring a stellar ensemble cast that includes Jennifer Ehle and Timothy Dalton. With a combined total of five Academy Award nominations and one win, as well as an impressive thirteen Golden Globe nominations and two wins, Mirren and Ford not only bring their incredible talents to the table but also enhance the allure of 1923. Furthermore, the enthralling story, penned by Academy Award-nominated writer Taylor Sheridan, has made 1923 a highly anticipated endeavor for fans of the franchise, transitioning from a neo-Western to a traditional Western. Critics have eagerly taken to reviewing 1923, eager to share their thoughts on this long-awaited project.

Critics Thought 1923 Was A Solid, Gritty Yellowstone Followup With Great Performances

The 1923 series has garnered excellent reviews from critics, receiving a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes - the highest score in the franchise. Critics have warmly responded to the new timeline and characters. Unlike previous shows in the series, 1923 explores various lands instead of solely focusing on the Dutton Ranch. The story of Teonna has been universally praised, with many critics acknowledging its importance in revising the portrayal of Indigenous Americans in older Westerns. Clint Worthington's review in Roger Ebert states, "...these scenes are shot with an irresistibly potent tension."

The ensemble cast has also received much praise, particularly Helen Mirren for her layered and emotional performance. Max Gao of AV Club describes Mirren as tapping into the matriarch's quiet humanity and strength. While some criticize Harrison Ford's performance as stiff, Ben Travers from Indie Wire highlights how this inflexibility creates a disarmingly irritated version of a Dutton patriarch. Though some reviewers mention weariness in Taylor Sheridan's cinematography and repetitive storytelling, many appreciate the separated story elements of 1923, which add a welcome puzzle-box nature to the show and keep it feeling fresh.

1923 Is Getting A Season 2

In February 2023, the renewal of 1923 for season 2 was officially announced. Although no specific date has been disclosed, the production has experienced a delay due to the ongoing WGA strike. Nonetheless, the filming of season 2 remains on the horizon and cancellation is not in the cards. Actor Brandon Sklenar has confirmed that season 2 will serve as the final chapter of 1923, marking the conclusion of the saga for characters such as Teonna Rainwater and the Duttons of the Depression era. Rest assured, the story is far from over for these individuals, and season 2 will bring their journeys to an end.