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1923 Season 2 Episode 5 Ending Explained: Pete’s fate, Alex’s Struggles & Spencer’s Mission
1923 season 2 episode 5 ends with a major cliffhanger as multiple storylines reach their breaking points. The episode primarily follows Teonna Rainwater, Spencer Dutton, and Alex as they continue their respective journeys, all facing life-threatening challenges along the way. With just three episodes left in the season—and possibly the series—everything is heading toward an explosive conclusion.
Did Marshal Kent kill Pete?
One of the most intense moments in episode five comes when Pete Plenty Clouds parts ways with Teonna’s group to find water, only to be ambushed by Marshal Kent and Father Renaud. As Pete’s horse trips, he finds himself face-to-face with Kent, leading to a standoff.
The screen fades to black just before shots ring out—suggesting Pete might not have survived. Given Kent’s history of violence and superior marksmanship, it seems likely that he killed Pete, pushing Teonna further toward seeking revenge.
Alex’s Struggles Continue in 1923 Season 2 Episode 5
Alex’s journey to Montana only becomes more harrowing. After being robbed in New York, she boards a train to Chicago but soon finds herself in danger once again. She takes on work as a waitress in exchange for food, only to be assaulted by a wealthy passenger. In self-defense, she retaliates by hitting him with a teapot, but instead of being believed, she is locked in a cage.
Fortunately, an English couple vouches for her, leading to her attacker’s arrest. However, Alex’s troubles are far from over—the train to Fargo is canceled due to snowdrifts, leaving her stranded. With nowhere else to go, the English couple invites her to stay with them in Winnetka until she can resume her journey.
Sheriff McDowell Tries to Stop Spencer
Meanwhile, Spencer Dutton finally finds himself on a train back home, but not without complications. Marshal Mamie Fossett initially detains him, suspecting his connection to Teonna, but ultimately releases him after confirming his identity.
However, Sheriff William McDowell warns Spencer that his return could trigger an all-out war for the Dutton ranch. Spencer makes it clear that he’s coming back for revenge, refusing to back down. Realizing he can't stop him, McDowell asks Marshal Fossett to delay Spencer’s journey, but she refuses to arrest him without cause. With Spencer determined to settle the fight once and for all, the stage is set for a violent showdown.
With winter ending and the battle for the Dutton ranch on the horizon, 1923 is building toward an explosive climax. As Spencer makes his way home, Teonna prepares for revenge, and Alex fights for survival, the next episodes will bring all these characters together for a dramatic final confrontation.
Where can you Watch 1923 Season 2?
New episodes of 1923 season two are available to stream every Sunday on Paramount+. The sixth episode titled, “The Mountain Teeth of Monsters” will air on March 30, 2025.
If you want to refresh your memory, we have recaps of Episode 1 and Episode 2, 3, & 4 below.
Episode 2: “The Rapist Is Winter”
Winter’s grip tightens on the Duttons in 1923 season two, episode two, bringing deadly blizzards, violent animal attacks, and dangerous shifts in power. Elizabeth survives a wolf bite but must endure painful rabies treatment, while Cara fends off another attack that kills a nurse instead.
Meanwhile, Spencer's journey home takes a criminal detour as he is forced to smuggle whiskey for the mafia, and Alexandra’s perilous sea voyage foreshadows even greater hardships ahead. Elsewhere, Banner Creighton’s growing fear of Donald Whitfield hints at a possible betrayal, and tensions rise between Father Renaud and Marshal Kent after a brutal confrontation with Comanche children.
As the storm rages, survival becomes even more uncertain. Spencer inches closer to Montana, but new threats may delay him further. Elizabeth questions her future on the ranch, adding to the Duttons’ struggles. The wolf attack, coupled with Elsa Dutton’s haunting narration, serves as a chilling metaphor for the dangers ahead—both from nature and the ruthless forces vying for control of Yellowstone.
Episode 3: “Wrap Thee in Terror”
1923 season two, episode three, delivers intense developments as the Duttons and their allies face new struggles. Alex arrives in New York and endures the harsh immigration process, only to be cornered by a pickpocket just before her train to Montana.
Meanwhile, Spencer's mission with Luca takes a deadly turn when Luca is killed at a roadblock, possibly foreshadowing a tragic fate for Spencer. Back at the ranch, Elizabeth, exhausted by the brutal lifestyle, decides to leave Jack, while Zane suffers a life-threatening injury requiring painful surgery without anesthesia.
Elsewhere, Teonna Rainwater continues her escape, pursued by Renaud and Marshal Kent, with tensions rising between them. Her journey brings her close to Spencer, hinting at a future alliance between the Rainwaters and the Duttons.
Episode 4: “Journey the Rivers of Iron”
1923 season two, episode four delivered a mix of intense hardships and rare moments of relief for the Duttons and their allies. Zane Davis’ brutal, anesthesia-free brain surgery was a surprising success, and his rapid recovery suggests he’ll soon be back in the fight against Banner Creighton and Donald Whitfield.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth’s pregnancy announcement sparked hope, possibly answering the long-standing mystery of John Dutton II’s lineage—though another miscarriage remains a looming threat.
On the other hand, Spencer Dutton’s journey back to Montana only became more perilous after being double-crossed by the police and forced to flee on a train, where he killed two men trying to rob him. Elsewhere, Teonna Rainwater and her group enjoyed a brief respite with the cowboys, but her wanted status means she’ll have to keep running.
The episode also hinted at a potential shift in Banner Creighton’s loyalty. While he remains aligned with Whitfield, his growing discomfort—especially after being forced to dump Christy’s body—suggests he may reconsider. With Spencer and Teonna both on the run in the same area, their paths seem destined to cross, potentially forming an alliance against their common enemies.
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