1923 Season 2 marks the end of the Yellowstone prequel series, charting yet another chapter in the Dutton family saga as they fight to defend their beloved ranch from outside forces seeking to steal it away. Halfway through the season, Taylor Sheridan and his team are still teasing viewers with numerous mysteries that have yet to unfold. With only a few episodes left, fans are left to put together various clues dropped throughout the show’s two seasons to come to their conclusions.
One of the biggest mysteries surrounding 1923 is how exactly it connects to Yellowstone, the original series in Sheridan’s television universe. The prequel features several branches of the Dutton family, though it isn’t clear how they are related to the characters from Yellowstone. For years, fans have theorized as to which character from 1923’s main cast is the grandfather of Kevin Costner’s John Dutton III. The series is expected to reveal this individual’s identity by its finale, dropping several clues along the way that leave fans with a few key options.
Is Jack Dutton John’s Grandfather?
Jack Dutton Is the Most Obvious Choice
The most likely candidate to bridge the Dutton family tree from 1923 to Yellowstone is Jack Dutton. Portrayed by Darren Mann, Jack is the only child of John Dutton Sr. and the grandson of James Dutton, who first settled the Yellowstone Ranch in 1883. Jack is married to Elizabeth Strafford, a socialite girl from Boston who has since struggled with the harsh winter conditions in rural Montana. Jack has struggled since the death of his father, John, but finally seems to be getting his bearings as one of the new leading members of the Dutton family.
Several clues are hinting that Jack and Elizabeth could be John Dutton III’s grandparents. Most notably, it would make sense if the name “John” was passed down through a single line in the Dutton family tree. If this theory proves true, then John Dutton III would share a name with his father and great-grandfather. If someone else were to be revealed as John’s grandfather, it would disconnect him from the other Johns in the Dutton family, which wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world but would leave the family tree a bit messier. Moreover, Jack seems to be the most likely successor to the ranch once Jacob dies. He has spent most of his life on the ranch, in contrast to Spencer, who left years ago. It makes the most sense for Jack to become the Dutton Ranch’s new caretaker after the events of 1923, later passing the land down to his son and grandson. Finally, episode 4 of 1923’s second season revealed that Michelle Randolph’s Elizabeth Strafford is pregnant with Jack’s first baby. Barring any more traumatic tragedies, John Dutton Jr. could already be on the way.
Is Spencer Dutton John’s Grandfather?
Spencer Dutton is the More Popular Character
Spencer Dutton is another likely option for John’s grandfather. Portrayed by Brendan Skelnar, Spencer is the last living child of James Dutton and the younger brother of the late John Sr. and Elsa. In Season 1 of 1923, Spencer married Julia Schlaepfer’s Alexandra Dutton, a British duchess seeking an escape from her droll life in England. Like her sister-in-law, Alex is also expecting a child and vehemently claims that it will be a boy, though she has no way of proving this for sure. The series seems to be building up to the birth of two new Duttons, with one being John Dutton Jr.
There are several major reasons that Spencer Dutton makes the most sense as the grandfather of Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone character. While he does not share the rest of his family’s attachment to the Yellowstone Ranch, Spencer still most resembles John Dutton. His fiery resolve and propensity for picking a fight are highly reminiscent of Costner’s iconic character. Moreover, Spencer is a much more popular character than his nephew Jack, largely because 1923 has spent more time fleshing out his character. The attention the prequel series has given Spencer could indicate his prominence in the Dutton family tree. Moreover, it has been confirmed that Spencer and Alex Dutton will return in 1944, a follow-up to 1923 that will bridge the gap between the prequel series and Yellowstone. The very existence of this upcoming spinoff suggests that Spencer and Alex are the Dutton to follow, with their lineage leading down to John Dutton III and his children.
1923 Could Pull Off a Major Twist With Jacob Dutton
Harrison Ford’s Character Could Be John Dutton’s Real Grandfather
While it seems most likely that either Jack or Spencer will be revealed as John Dutton’s grandfather, 1923’s second season could have some tricks in store that will catch audiences off-guard. It is possible, though not particularly likely, that someone else entirely could be revealed as John’s grandfather in a massive twist that will shake the very core of the Yellowstone franchise forever. The next best candidate would be Harrison Ford’s Jacob Dutton, the current proprietor of the Yellowstone Ranch and the brother of the late James Dutton, who originally took over the land several decades earlier.
1923 has made it a point to showcase Jacob’s loving relationship with his wife Cara, but this could all just be to throw viewers off the scent of the truth. If it was revealed that Jacob had an affair, he could find himself a new father by the end of the series. This child could be none other than John Dutton Jr, making Jacob the grandfather of Kevin Costner’s character. John would inherit the Yellowstone ranch after his father’s death, eventually passing it on to his own son before the events of Yellowstone. This would certainly be an upsetting revelation for 1923 fans, but it would be just the kind of trick that Taylor Sheridan would pull to surprise viewers.