Brandon Sklenar on Spencer Dutton’s Fight for Family and Redemption in 1923

Spencer Dutton’s journey in 1923 has been nothing short of epic.

From the battlefields of World War I to the untamed wilderness of Africa and now, a desperate race back home, his story has captivated fans.

And according to Brandon Sklenar, the stakes have never been higher.

The Weight of the Journey

After spending all of 1923 Season 1 learning to love again, Spencer was violently separated from Alexandra, leaving him in an emotional freefall. So, where is his head as he fights to get home?

“He’s carrying a lot of weight on his shoulders,” Sklenar admitted. “He feels an immense responsibility to get home, to defend his family, to hopefully have a family to get home to, and to find his wife and build a life with her.”

That overwhelming sense of duty is what fuels Spencer’s every move.

“There’s a tremendous amount on his conscience and on his heart motivating him,” Sklenar continued.

“The guilt of not having been there for six years, feeling responsible for his brother’s death, and now responsible for losing his wife potentially… there’s no greater motivating factor than the love of your family.”

Facing the Villains of 1923

Spencer has encountered more than his fair share of enemies, but as he heads back to Montana, he’s up against the most dangerous adversaries yet — Banner Creighton and Donald Whitfield.

do they compare to the threats Spencer has faced before?

“There is no comparison,” Sklenar stated bluntly. “I don’t think there’s anything that guy [Spencer] can’t do and overcome. He’s the most equipped person for the job, that’s for sure.”

Spencer is one of the most formidable characters in the Yellowstone universe, so stepping into his shoes has been a dream come true for Sklenar.

“It’s the coolest thing in the world,” he said.

“When have you seen a character like this? He’s like an amalgamation of all those iconic characters from back in the day — Clint Eastwood, Humphrey Bogart, Steve McQueen. But with the emotional depth and intelligence that he has, it just makes him sort of contemporary.”

Sklenar promises that this season will take Spencer to even deeper emotional places.

“This season really rounds out the yin and yang of him as a human in such a powerful way,” he teased.

The Light in the Darkness

Spencer and Alexandra’s love story was the bright spot in 1923’s intense first season, providing hope amid all the chaos. With them separated, does Season 2 have any light left?

“It’s definitely dark,” Sklenar admitted. “But the light is born in the dark, so we can expect to see some light too.”

That balance of love and hardship will drive Spencer’s story forward, and according to Sklenar, fans won’t be disappointed in the payoff.

“The season finale of this one is special,” he hinted. “And they will not be disappointed.”

While the road ahead is full of danger, heartbreak, and uncertainty, one thing is clear — nothing will stop Spencer Dutton from fighting his way home.

Don’t miss 1923’s return on Sunday, February 23, only on Paramount+. Then, return to TV Fanatic for a review of the premiere on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET!

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