“Like nails on a chalkboard”: ‘1923’ Season 2 Will Repeat the Worst Trend of the Best Yellowstone Spinoff but Who’s Going to Tell Taylor Sheridan?

Well, you can’t make everyone happy. You’re not a jar of Nutella. While that might be true, it feels like 1923—the latest addition to Taylor Sheridan’s sprawling Yellowstone universe—has become that jar no one can quite agree on. Sure, the Western world of TV might be his playground, but even the most seasoned cowboys can’t ride a broken-down horse for too long. Right?

One moment 1923 has got fans swept up in its windswept romance and gripping narrative, but just as quickly, it throws in a few clunky accents and dull tropes that leave the viewers feeling as if they’ve bitten into a stale sandwich. As the clock ticks toward Season 2, there’s this gut feeling: Is 1923 just going to repeat the mistakes of 1883, the spinoff that set the bar high but left a bad taste in some mouths with its own floundering moments? 

Will 1923 season 2 fall into the same pitfalls as 1883?

Let’s be clear, the Yellowstone universe is a majestic beast, and 1883—for many—was the epitome of storytelling. From the jump, it was a ride that felt like you were saddled up and taken straight into the American wilderness, and the result? 1883 became one of those rare shows that didn’t just find an audience, but created an entire following. One fan put it perfectly: 

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There’s no denying that it delivered that visceral, raw energy that any great Western promises. But then came 1923. It was like taking a step from a picturesque landscape into a foggy swamp. Not terrible by any stretch, but definitely murky. As the viewer aptly pointed out:

And they weren’t wrong! The slow, lackluster chemistry between Spencer and Alex is like a soggy toast—bland and uninspiring. 

Yet, despite these growing pains, the show kept a hold on some viewers, as another fan confessed:

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That’s the beauty of Taylor Sheridan’s universe—there’s room for different opinions. But when the love story drags on with zero heat, it’s hard not to look back at 1883 and wonder: “Why can’t we get back to the magic?”

Here’s where the real nail in the coffin seems to lie: the accents. One of the biggest pet peeves fans have voiced is how the show botched some of its southern accents. A fan described it: 

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Well, if you can’t do it well, don’t do it at all. The film world is all about immersion, and when an accent is that off-key, it pulls you right out of the experience. The fan continued:

And honestly, this wasn’t just limited to 1923; it was a hiccup in 1883 too. 1883 had a stunning cast, but the accents? That’s a different story. It’s frustrating for fans to invest in a show that’s beautifully shot and wonderfully acted, only for something as minor as a botched accent to ruin the whole vibe. 1923, you’re treading on thin ice if you don’t fix this in Season 2.

Where is 1923 headed in season 2?

If you’ve stuck with 1923 like the fans mentioned above, you know the journey is a mixed bag. The show started with a burst of promise, but it got bogged down by bloated romance and accents that shouldn’t have passed the audition. So, will Season 2 address the pacing issues, the accents, and the romance that just won’t quit? Some fans are holding out hope.

As much as 1923 tried to ride the coattails of its predecessor, 1883, it still felt like a sibling who was desperately trying to live up to the big brother’s reputation. The fans want to believe in 1923, they really do. But if Season 2 can’t step up its game—narrative-wise and acting-wise—1923 might find itself stuck in the “eh” zone. 

So, does 1923 have room to grow in Season 2? The jury’s still out. Fans have stuck by, with some feeling it’s been pretty good, and others finding themselves frustrated by its inconsistency. But if Taylor Sheridan and crew can fix the accents, refine the romance, and give the pacing a much-needed jolt, maybe they’ll hit the bullseye in Season 2.

1923 season 2 will premiere on Feb. 23 on Paramount+, where all of season 1 can be streamed.

Yellowstone is available to watch on Peacock.

This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire