Fans of 1923 have criticized the Season 2 finale saying the show “wasted two seasons of storytelling” for “about three minutes of action on screen.”
The final episode of the Paramount+ has drawn the past two seasons to a close, marking the end of another chapter in Taylor Sheridan’s epic Western multiverse. It followed flagship show Yellowstone’s conclusion back in December and since it aired on April 6, viewers have been sharing their thoughts online.
Many fans said they were left “heartbroken” by the finale, with some complaining about the bleakness of it all, while others deemed it to be a masterpiece, with one even referring to it as “the best single episode in TV history.” Some viewers claimed there wasn’t enough action on screen despite the build-up to a “long, drawn-out battle.”
One wrote on Reddit, “The 1923 ending is one of the most stupid series finales put to the screen in a long time. You spend two seasons building up this long, drawn-out battle that’s coming, and it’s about three minutes of action on screen. Honestly, Spencer wasn’t needed… a few more men on Dutton’s payroll and they would’ve won that. And why the fuck didn’t he just shoot the dude like a season ago? They just shot dozens of people on a train platform with zero people being charged, lol, so why not just have shot Whitfield in season 1?
“And Taylor Sheridan literally tortured Alex to death… there is no overachieved plot goal of killing her off. They could’ve easily let her live… it’s dumb… Like, probably close to 60 people are dead and no one seems to bat an eye – not the courts, the press, or anyone. Just like, ‘Nah, it’s fine hahaha lol.’”
The disappointed viewer added, “It just wasted two seasons of storytelling.” Another viewer agreed, saying, “Season 2 is a masterclass in contrivance, convenience, and unrealism, not to mention certain characters making some insanely stupid decisions.”
A third person commented, “1923 S1 was quite good but I was specifically waiting until this season was over and I saw the general reviews from this sub so that I could avoid wasting my time. Taking it off my watch list for sure.”
Fans were devastated by multiple character deaths, and it is now clear that Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) and Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) will not be getting their happy ending. In tragic scenes, we see the pair reunite when Alex is suffering from frostbite, with her later dying from her injuries after giving birth to their son. We also learn that their baby is John Dutton II, making them the grandparents of John Dutton III (Kevin Costner).
Some viewers who enjoyed the finale took to X to share their reactions. One wrote, “OMG! 1923!! Last episode made up for the last few dull ones! Cried my eyes out! Very well done!” A second fan agreed, “Season 2 of 1923 was a slow burn and frustrating to watch at times, but the 2 hour series Finale nailed it. Hell of an ending!”
Another fan tweeted, “I just watched the season finale of 1923…. It was better than the Houston/Duke game and it wasn’t close. Probably the best single episode in television history, and I’ve watched a lot of tv.” One more said, “So many things I enjoy about the Yellowstone franchise, and 1923 specifically… But for an old romantic like me, the Spencer & Alex love story is one of the greats of all time… in my opinion. Magnificent series finale. Bravo Bosque Ranch Productions & to Taylor Sheridan.”
