1923 Stars Discuss [Spoiler’s] Stunning Demise

The finale of 1923 season 2 concluded with a devastating loss — but not before two estranged lovers found each other once again.

Note: This article contains spoilers for the season 2 finale of 1923.

On Sunday, April 6, in the season 2 finale of 1923, Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) and his pregnant partner Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) finally reunite after facing numerous challenges. Yet, their moment of happiness is fleeting as Spencer rushes back to assist at the ranch while Alex heads to a hospital for her frostbite.

At the hospital, Alex gives birth to their son, John, who is born prematurely and is not expected to survive. Meanwhile, Alex learns that several of her limbs must be amputated, but she refuses the procedure. When Spencer returns to the hospital, the family of three is together for a brief moment, but tragedy strikes the following morning when Spencer awakens to find Alex has died beside him.

“They sleep together, and she slips away,” Schlaepfer, 30, recounted to USA Today, adding that their co-stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren supported them during that emotional scene. “It’s hard to express; filming this was painful.”

As Spencer mourns for his wife in the episode, he seeks revenge against Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton), which Sklenar, 34, emphasized was driven by his character’s deep sorrow.

“Men during that time weren’t exactly adept at expressing their emotions. There weren’t resources like podcasts to help process grief back then,” Sklenar commented. “His anguish is expressed through his demeanor, and his act of vengeance is a way to reclaim power. It’s a mix of Spencer’s strength, the depth of love, and the finality of his actions.”

Meanwhile, the Dutton family holds a funeral for Alex and Jack (Darren Mann), who perished in episode 6 of season 2 of 1923. Alex is honored with a grave at the family ranch.

“It’s a privilege,” Schlaepfer expressed. “I understand that fans will be saddened by Alex’s inclusion in the Dutton family cemetery.”

As the finale draws to a close, a voiceover reflects, “Spencer never remarried. He found solace as a widower and had another son, but declined to marry again, and one day, the widow was gone.” Spencer lives for another 45 years following Alex’s death. Ultimately, the couple reunites on a ballroom floor, where they share a dance. Alex playfully remarks, “Took you long enough.”

“We aimed to capture this couple’s journey authentically and honor their impact on Dutton history,” Sklenar shared. “It was genuinely a privilege.”