* Warning this article contains spoilers
Taylor Sheridan's prequel 1883 sets the stage for the Dutton's fight to claim and keep their land in the subsequent shows 1923 and Yellowstone, in more ways than one. While it is the the only show within the Dutton-verse to end after the first season, it gives viewers all the context needed to understand family's fight to sustain their way of life and ranch.
From Elsa's tragic death to James' agreement with the Crow Tribe, many of the initial decisions made by the early Dutton family members intrinsically shape the future of their descendants as well as their views on familial legacy, their responsibility to one another and the land itself. Below, we detail how the ending of season one shapes the subsequent series.
James Dutton's Agreement With The Crow Tribe
One of the most pivotal moments in 1883 comes when James and the Dutton family reach the valley that is now known as the Yellowstone ranch, and he forms an agreement with the Crow Tribe. It is decided that the Dutton's can settle on the land in Paradise Valley, but after 7 generations, it must be returned to the Crow. James agrees, understanding the responsibility that is about to be passed down to his descendants. This agreement is at the core of the Dutton legacy, who are essentially stewards of the land, and why the family fight so hard to keep the land from industrialists in 1923, and in Yellowstone.
Read Next
Many fans believe that Kayce and Monica's child Tate, John's grandson and half-Crow, represents the seventh generation, which marks the return of the land to the tribe at the end of Yellowstone when Kayce sells it back to them for a small percentage of what it is worth.
Elsa Death
While defending the wagon train, Elsa is fatally struck by an poisoned arrow, which wounds her chest. Her tragic end is one of the initial signifiers that the Dutton's will have to sacrafice e a lot in the search and defence of 'home'. Elsa's death may have been the first to indicate the price that the Dutton's have to pay to keep their land, and that many others will face the same fate in years and decades to come.
In 1923, Jack Dutton, another young member of the family is killed while attempting to assist Jacob in defending the ranch, as is John Dutton Sr while fighting rival cattle ranchers. In Yellowstone, John's death also underscores the harsh reality that the Dutton's have been facing for over 100 years.
Shea's Suicide
Early on in 1883, we learn that Shea's wife, Helen died from smallpox. Hardened by the loss, Shea acknowledges that besides assisting the Dutton's and many European immigrants to Montana, he doesn't have much else to live for. He tells Elsa that after the group's journey is complete, he will fulfil his wife's wish on her behalf by visiting the Pacific Ocean. Overcome with grief and loneliness, he commits suicide whilst onlooking the horizon by himself.
In 1923, Emma Dutton also commits suicide after the loss of her husband, John Dutton Sr. While all the series feature sweeping love stories, Sheridan does not shy away from showing that for some characters, they cannot live without their significant other, amid the hardships of a changing world.
The same occurs in Yellowstone when Samantha Long (Monica's sister-in-law) also commits suicide after Casey kills her husband.
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
