Taylor Sheridan delivers a Titanic-style afterlife reunion that rewrites the emotional legacy of Yellowstone

A Romance That Transcended Life—and Death

After a brutal journey filled with heartbreak, separation, and sacrifice, 1923 ended not with a gunfight or tragedy—but with one of the most emotionally powerful moments in the Yellowstone universe.

In the series’ final moments, Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) is reunited with Alexandra (Julia Schlaepfer) not in Montana, but in the afterlife. The twist? Alex had already died from complications of frostbite and hypothermia shortly after giving birth to their son, John Dutton II.

Spencer’s final act in life was vengeance against Donald Whitfield, but his reward in death was peace: a romantic, ethereal reunion with the woman he lost too soon.

A Second Glimpse of Heaven in the Yellowstone Saga

1923’s closing scene places Spencer and Alex back on the British ocean liner from their Season 1 farewell. They’re young again, glowing with life, and surrounded by joy. As Spencer approaches her, Alex teases him with one heartbreaking, perfect line:

“What took you so long?”

The moment echoes the spiritual finale of 1883, where Elsa Dutton found her version of Heaven with her love Sam—riding the endless plains, free from pain and sorrow. Now, 1923 offers its own vision: a Titanic-style ball, lost time reclaimed in eternity.

Taylor Sheridan has made it clear: Heaven in this universe is personal, unique to each character’s soul. For Spencer and Alex, it wasn’t about war, land, or legacy. It was about love.

Could Alex Return in 1944?

With 1923 complete, Sheridan’s next prequel, 1944, is already in development. Likely centered on John Dutton II—Spencer and Alex’s son—the question now is whether Alex might return, not physically, but as a spiritual presence.

Just as Elsa narrated 1923, could Alex become the omniscient voice of 1944? Cast members Brandon Sklenar and Julia Schlaepfer have hinted at the possibility, perhaps through visions or as a ghostly guide to Spencer during the later years of his life.

Yellowstone’s Heaven—Or Lack Thereof

Interestingly, the flagship Yellowstone series hasn’t embraced this spiritual storytelling. Characters like John Dutton III (Kevin Costner) died without afterlife scenes or emotional closure. Some speculate that Sheridan deliberately draws a line between the “purer” past and the morally complex present-day Duttons—suggesting not all Duttons earn their Heaven.

Had Costner stayed, John’s death might have looked different. Instead, the contrast is clear: 1883 and 1923 offer reward through suffering, while Yellowstone stays grounded in modern-day realism.