1923 Has Officially Become Better Than Yellowstone Already
Yellowstone may not want to look over its back as 1923 is quickly emerging as the better of the two Taylor Sheridan series.
Yes, 1923 is based on the TV series that catapulted it all – Yellowstone – however, many critics argue that its debut is already remarkably more engaging and compelling. Yellowstone continues to draw the biggest audiences, but 1923 generates better reviews.
For starters, it's impossible to resist the impact Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren have on 1923. Both of these actors are among the best in the industry, so it would take a buffoon to butcher this opportunity.
Fortunately, Sheridan has managed to handle 1923 with more common sense compared to Yellowstone, which is dragging severely in season five and reportedly may call it quits before too long.
Nevertheless, those that cannot get enough of the Sheridanverse are thrilled that 1923 has been a surprise success. The spin-off has managed to connect some of the questions and mysteries related to Yellowstone without falling for the same pitfalls. 1923 not only shines with Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford at the helm but is accented by a terrific bunch of side characters.
Recently, Cara (Mirren) has transformed into the head of the household as her husband (Jacob) is recovering from injuries. It's engaging to watch a strong matriarch that doesn't suffer from the same ingredients that make Beth Dutton insufferable in Yellowstone. Cara, rather, is a refreshing detour from the traditional role female characters play in westerns, past or present.
Moreover, 1923 is highlighted by the need for Cara's son, Spencer Dutton, to return home. He's been in Africa seeking big game contracts to support his thrill-seeking lifestyle with his fiancée Alexandra. However, Cara could use Spencer's help back at the ranch, which is now in jeopardy (spoilers!) following the couple's recent shipwreck attempting to return back to the States.
It's anticipated that Spencer and Alexandra will eventually make it back home. There, they will meet plenty of conflict regarding the land. Notwithstanding, what is refreshing about 1923 is it doesn't fall into the same stereotypes and controversial portrayal of indigenous people compared to Yellowstone. Rather, Sheridan takes the bold, correct step in 1923 by featuring a Native American character that is more significant (and likable) compared to Monica Dutton.
Thus, Aminah Nieves has brought a fresh perspective with her character Teonna Rainwater. 1923 approaches an extremely delicate yet rarely mentioned tragedy that occurred in the early days of the country when many indigenous children were forced into boarding schools.
There, the students were condemned and pressured into accepting Western values and religion. Rainwater represents a travesty rarely acknowledged in history and presents the show with a character audiences want to succeed.
1923 is no Yellowstone; it's better. The cast and characters are more intriguing, and the story doesn't devolve into a western soap opera. As a result, we're excited Paramount recently announced 1923 was picked up for a second season.