Unraveling the Intriguing Conclusion of 1883 & Teasing the Exciting Future of Yellowstone Spin-Offs

Summary

The 1883 ending of the Yellowstone prequel series provides important insight into the difficulties the Dutton family faced in establishing their ranch.

Elsa's demise in the concluding events of 1883 signified the closure of a significant chapter for the Dutton family, while also foreshadowing the ensuing tensions between Indigenous American communities and the present-day Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

The culmination of the 1883 storyline not only establishes a foundation for upcoming installments in the Yellowstone franchise, such as the spinoff 1923, but also delves into the deep-seated conflicts that serve as driving forces within the Yellowstone universe.

The 1883 finale successfully concluded the 10-episode prequel series to Taylor Sheridan's popular neo-Western show, Yellowstone, while also setting the stage for future installments in the franchise. 1883 chronicles the Dutton family's journey to acquiring the land in Montana that eventually becomes the iconic Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. The series primarily follows James Dillard Dutton (Tim McGraw), his wife Margaret (Faith Hill), their eldest daughter and narrator Elsa (Isabel May), and Shea Brennan (Sam Elliott), the leader of the wagon train accompanying the Duttons to the American West. Taking place 135 years before the events of Yellowstone, 1883 sheds light on the challenging process the Duttons endured to establish their ranch. From the very beginning, the family encounters danger, tragedy, and the loss of loved ones on their westward journey. Safeguarding the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch becomes a paramount mission for every generation of the family, and witnessing the struggles faced by its founders offers valuable perspective on the future ranchers' dedication. As characters perish and alliances are forged, the conclusion of 1883 leaves an indelible impact, influencing the direction of the forthcoming series.

1883 Tells The Story Of The Dutton Ranch

The conclusion of 1883 depicts the survival, love, and death experienced by those involved in the Westward Expansion. Tragically, Elsa, who was severely injured, selected Paradise Valley as her final resting place, where she wanted James to bury her. Following the loss of his wife and the amputation of his leg, Josef removed his wedding ring and began to rebuild his home. Thomas and Noemi's family settled in Oregon, finding a suitable spot to call home. However, Shea, upon finally reaching the beach, chose to end his own life. The ending of 1883 portrays a blend of sorrowful death and hopeful optimism in regards to the formation of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. The location Elsa chose to be buried, named "Paradise," would eventually become the site of the ranch. Although the Duttons successfully reached their future homestead, James and Margaret suffered the devastating loss of their beloved daughter Elsa. The violence and hardships leading to the establishment of the ranch in 1883 would have long-lasting consequences for future generations of the Dutton family.

Why Elsa Dutton Had To Die In The 1883 Ending

Elsa's death marked the conclusion of the initial chapter in the Duttons of Yellowstone's story. She played a pivotal role as not only the narrator but also the very essence of 1883. In essence, the timing was right for Elsa's passing, as it signified the start of a completely new chapter for the Duttons.

It is crucial to recall the circumstances surrounding Elsa's death: she sustained severe injuries during a tragic misunderstanding between the group of white settlers and the Lakota warriors of 1883. As James and Margaret agreed to settle the land wherever Elsa breathed her last, her demise foreshadowed the ongoing tensions between the Indigenous American communities and the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch in the present day. Despite Indigenous Americans having occupied Paradise Valley for thousands of years prior to the arrival of the 1883 settlers in Montana, Elsa's death shed light on the sacrifices made by the Duttons to claim their property – offering an intimate glimpse into the roots of the conflicts that shape the Yellowstone universe.

What The Hummingbird That Joins Shea In The 1883 Ending Means

Shea Brennan's personal quest to witness the ocean before his demise was ultimately realized. Amidst the resounding crash of the waves, Shea marveled at the vast expanse of the ocean, his thoughts consumed by his departed wife, who had succumbed to smallpox during the inaugural episode of 1883. Similar to Elsa, Shea belonged to the faction of characters from 1883 who were unable to join the 1923 cast since he too met his demise in the finale. As Shea stood there, a hummingbird materialized, lingering around him before taking flight — a subtle indication that his wife was present in spirit, relishing the serenity of the beach alongside him. With this reassurance, Shea resolved to follow through with his plan to end his own life.

While Shea's demise is laden with tragedy, it stands as a rare instance of genuine peace and fulfillment in 1883, a testament to the tortured character finally attaining his heart's desire. In Indigenous American customs, the hummingbird holds significance as a symbol of good fortune, which likely inundated Shea with emotions as it made its appearance during his final moments on Earth. Although Shea will not require any fortuitousness, the presence of the hummingbird could foreshadow favorable outcomes for the remaining members of the caravan, who have each discovered their own parcels of land to settle in Oregon and Montana.

What Happens To The Dutton Family Ranch After The End of 1883

How The 1883 Ending Spoiled The Finale Of Yellowstone Season 5

After the tragic ending in 1883 which left the Dutton family in mourning, their determination led them to establish what would eventually become the largest ranch in the United States. However, the devastating loss of their daughter, sister, and niece may have hindered James and Margaret from effectively managing the ranch. Unfortunately, after just a few years, James was fatally shot, and Margaret tragically perished due to freezing conditions. By 1894, their surviving children, John and Spencer, were on the brink of death. It was at this desperate moment that Jacob Dutton (Harrison Ford) answered Margaret's plea to save both the family and the ranch.

The man who helped Elsa, an Indigenous individual, also informed James about Paradise Valley. Their conversation in Yellowstone season 5 potentially hinted at future events. The man guided James to the future location of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, but added, "but remember this: in seven generations, my people will reclaim it from you." James retorted, "In seven generations, it's yours." Governor Lynelle Perry refers to the Dutton Ranch as a seven-generation ranch, suggesting that John Dutton's children, and even Tate Dutton, Kayce and Monica's son of mixed heritage, might give back the land to the Broken Rock Indian Reservation in Yellowstone season 5.

How 1883's Ending Set Up Yellowstone Spinoff 1923

Paramount's Yellowstone spinoff 1923 premiered with explosive episodes that unveiled the fates of James and Margaret following the events of 1883. Although they were the founders of the ranch, their attempts to make it a prosperous business ended in failure, resulting in their unfortunate deaths. James fell victim to gunshot wounds inflicted by horse thieves, while Margaret tragically froze to death. However, there was a glimmer of hope as Margaret reached out to James' family for assistance, narrated by Elsa in 1923. This plea led to the arrival of James' brother, Jacob Dutton, who transformed the ranch into a thriving enterprise and raised their children as his own. Through the lens of the beginning of 1923, the conclusion of 1883 serves as a crucial bridge spanning the first 40 years of Yellowstone Ranch's history.

The finale of 1883 sheds light on the origins of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch and its transformation into the largest continuous cattle ranch in America in 1923, under the stewardship of Jacob and Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren). Furthermore, drawing inspiration from real-life events, 1923 delves into the dark chapters of American history. This gripping narrative explores the inner workings of Indigenous American boarding schools and portrays the struggles faced by white pioneers as they fought for survival in the unforgiving landscapes of early-century Montana.

A New 1883 Spinoff Will Tell The Real-Life Story Of Bass Reeves

Lawmen: Bass Reeves, an official spinoff set before the 1883 conclusion, delves into the life of the legendary Bass Reeves, one of the first Black deputy U.S. Marshals. Born into slavery in Arkansas in 1838, Reeves grew up in Texas. According to his family, around 1860, Reeves stood up to his owner during a poker game and subsequently escaped to Indigenous territories in present-day Kansas and Oklahoma. In 1875, Bass Reeves became a U.S. Deputy Marshal after being deputized by Federal Judge Isaac Parker, famously known as the "hanging judge" of the Western District of Arkansas due to the large number of death sentences issued in his court.

During his time among the Cherokee people, Reeves became proficient in tracking, riding, shooting, and speaking five Indigenous American languages. These exceptional skills transformed him into a legendary lawman, responsible for eliminating 14 outlaws during the line of duty and successfully apprehending over 3,000 individuals, including his own son, one of his ten children. After a long career of capturing criminals, accompanying government officials through Indigenous territories, and surviving numerous solo ambushes, Bass Reeves retired in Oklahoma. He continued serving in the local police department until his passing in 1910.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves will present Taylor Sheridan with a fresh challenge as he adapts the remarkable true story of Bass Reeves. Although 1883 season 1 took a slightly loose approach to historical accuracy, which added depth to the narrative without stirring controversy, Sheridan must adopt a different strategy for Lawmen: Bass Reeves. Bass Reeves holds immense significance in Black American history. In fact, the character of the Lone Ranger drew inspiration from the real-life Reeves, who in turn influenced the hero-cowboys depicted in early American cinema, radio, and written works. With the talented actor David Oyelowo by his side, Sheridan has an opportunity to honor this legendary lawman, just as he did for the pseudo-historical figures in 1883.

Every Other Yellowstone Spinoff (& If They Connect To The 1883 Ending)

The consequences of the 1883 ending extend far beyond the miniseries, as seen in the upcoming seasons. In 1923, Elsa's ghostly narration continues to intertwine with the events of the season. Additionally, Yellowstone season 4 presents flashback sequences that involve some of the characters from 1883. While there are three other spinoffs set in the Yellowstone universe, none of them appear to directly connect to 1883.

One of the spinoffs, called 6666, will revolve around the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas, where Jimmy Hurdstrom (played by Jefferson White) was trained in Yellowstone. Another planned spinoff, 1944, will serve as a sequel to 1923, taking place in the titular year. In addition, there is an unnamed Yellowstone sequel planned to occur after the events of season 5, with talks of Matthew McConaughey potentially playing the lead role.