The world of Yellowstone has become a cornerstone of modern television. Its creator, Taylor Sheridan, has expertly crafted a universe around the Dutton family that embodies power, tradition, and relentless conflict. But while the flagship series may have captured the attention of millions, it’s the prequels 1883 and 1923 that have elevated the Dutton saga to a new level, weaving a narrative that is rich in emotional depth and cinematic quality.

Though Yellowstone is often considered the heart of this television empire, it’s the two prequels that truly explore the complexities of the Dutton family’s origins. The addition of 1883 and 1923 to the Yellowstone franchise isn’t just a chronological expansion—it’s an artistic one. These series deepen the emotional stakes, enhance the visual grandeur, and introduce a new wave of storytelling, with female protagonists at the center of their narratives. These women aren’t just side characters—they’re the driving forces of their respective stories.

1883: A Brutal Journey Told Through the Eyes of a Young Woman

The first prequel, 1883, takes us back to the late 19th century, chronicling the Dutton family’s journey westward from Texas in search of a new home. This is a story of migration, loss, violence, and discovery. However, what sets 1883apart is its unique narrative structure. The entire series is told through the perspective of Elsa Dutton, a young woman played by Isabel May, whose voice shapes the rhythm and tone of the show.

Elsa isn’t merely an observer of the events around her—she’s an active participant, experiencing love, loss, fear, and the joy of freedom. As the show unfolds, the audience is drawn into her emotional journey. May’s portrayal of Elsa is nothing short of remarkable, as she effortlessly carries the weight of the story on her shoulders. Even in scenes where she doesn’t speak, Elsa’s presence lingers, and the camera lingers with her. This quiet strength, juxtaposed against the violence and chaos around her, makes Elsa one of the most compelling characters in the Yellowstone universe.

1883 also serves as a deconstruction of the American mythos. Rather than presenting a heroic epic, the show portrays a chaotic, brutal reality—one in which Elsa, despite her desire to live life to the fullest, is constantly thwarted by the environment she inhabits. Her tragic end encapsulates the bitter truth that, sometimes, dreams are formed but not realized. In a sense, Elsa creates the Dutton legacy, even if she cannot live to see it flourish.

1923: A Clash Between Old and New Worlds

Fast forward 40 years to 1923, the second prequel in the Yellowstone universe. The Dutton family has established roots in Montana, but the fight for control over the land has only intensified. Set in the aftermath of World War I, the show explores the transformation of rural America, highlighting the rise of capitalism, class conflicts, and the push for modernization.

1923 introduces two key characters: Jacob and Cara Dutton, played by Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, respectively. They are the leaders of the Dutton family, facing off against mining tycoons and real estate developers who seek to take their land. While their storyline is central to the show, it’s a secondary plot that stands out—the story of Alexandra, a young English noblewoman who abandons her privileged life to follow Spencer Dutton, Jacob’s grandson, on a perilous journey across Africa.

Alexandra, portrayed by Julia Schlaepfer, is a far cry from the traditional female character who waits for a man to rescue her. Instead, she makes the bold decision to leave everything behind and pursue Spencer, a man she barely knows. This active pursuit of her own destiny is what sets Alexandra apart from other women in traditional Western narratives. Schlaepfer’s performance is captivating, as she brings to life a character who is brave, observant, and far from idealizing love and adventure. Through Alexandra’s eyes, the audience sees a new type of strength—one rooted in agency and determination.

The chemistry between Schlaepfer and Brandon Sklenar, who plays Spencer, is palpable, but it’s Alexandra’s emotional and intellectual depth that makes her storyline so compelling. She doesn’t simply react to events as they unfold—she takes control, making decisions that propel the narrative forward. This is not a woman defined by the men around her, but one who actively shapes her own path. Her survival story is one of resilience, wit, and unwavering resolve.

Much like Elsa in 1883, Alexandra represents a break from the traditional roles women have played in Westerns. She is a woman who refuses to accept the passive role society has assigned her. Instead, she takes the reins of her own fate, facing every challenge head-on with clarity and purpose.

Why 1883 and 1923 Are More Than Just Prequels

While Yellowstone often centers around the authoritative, silent figure of John Dutton (Kevin Costner), 1883 and 1923shift the focus to a different type of power: the inner strength of women who challenge the norms and break free from the constraints imposed upon them. These prequels are not simply extensions of the main series—they are self-contained narratives that stand on their own merit, offering rich, layered stories that are both unique and deeply connected to the legacy of the Dutton family.

In both 1883 and 1923, the women at the center of the stories redefine what it means to be a part of the Dutton dynasty. Elsa and Alexandra are not mere footnotes in the family history—they are the catalysts for the family’s survival and legacy. Through their eyes, we witness the growth of a mythic legacy, one that is defined not by brute strength or violent revenge, but by the quiet determination and inner resolve of two extraordinary women.

In a world that often glorifies male-dominated narratives, 1883 and 1923 boldly place women at the forefront. These two prequels demonstrate that Westerns, and family sagas in particular, can thrive by embracing complex female characters who are active agents in their own stories. They show that the heart of the American frontier is not just in the men who conquer it, but in the women who challenge it and ultimately help to shape its future.