Timothy Dalton plays a major villain in the Yellowstone prequel, 1923, and season 2’s most recent episode offered a glimpse at his inevitable downfall. Dalton’s Donald Whitfield is an integral part of 1923’s cast, representing the first in a long line of antagonists who will target the Dutton ranch through legal and financial means, aside from just violence. Banner Creighton (Jerome Flynn) represents the old-fashioned sort of villain who would have killed Jacob Dutton and everyone else out of hatred, even if it meant ending up in jail.

1923’s season 2 story is essentially just a continuation of everything that transpired in season 1, with the situation more dire than ever for the Duttons. With limited influence and numbers to defend the ranch, Donald Whitfield looks to have a clear-cut path to victory. Spencer Dutton is making his way to Montana to bring aid to his family, but he still has a long journey ahead of him. Meanwhile, the Duttons are struggling to survive against the harsh winter and predator animals, meaning they could need help from a surprising ally.

1923 Season 2 Sets Up Banner Creighton Turning On Donald Whitfield
Banner Creighton Has Expressed Concerns About His New Boss

For the most part, in season 1, Banner Creighton seemed to be all-in on supporting Donald Whitfield, as it offered him a surefire path to his revenge. However, it looks like he believed that it would be a temporary arrangement, and he’s now involved with a man he doesn’t necessarily trust or understand. Season 2 has already shown him having second thoughts about Whitfield, particularly in a scene in the season’s second episode where he speaks with his wife, a new character on the show.

1923 season 2 appears to be laying the foundation for a betrayal, with Banner Creighton realizing what he’s unleashed upon the valley. The scenes with the escorts in season 1 are indicative of the differences between these men, and even Banner won’t want to be Whitfield’s goon for the rest of his life. Banner has harbored reservations for Whitfield, and now he’s admitted that he’s scared of the man. It will be interesting to see what his breaking point is that turns that fear into desperation, causing him to backstab his ally.

Will Banner Creighton Survive 1923 Season 2?
Banner Probably Won’t Go Down Easily

Banner Creighton hates the Dutton family, and even if he helps them by killing Donald Whitfield, he won’t become their buddy. He and Jacob Dutton have a blood feud that’s bound to end in one of their deaths, so it feels unlikely that Banner Creighton will end up surviving the show. He’ll likely do some serious damage before he’s killed, but we obviously know from Yellowstone that the Duttons still own the ranch a century later, meaning they’ll defeat their enemies in 1923.