Unresolved Dutton Mystery in Yellowstone: What to Expect in 1923 Season 2

The intricate narrative of the Dutton family lies at the heart of the Yellowstone series, yet a significant question about their lineage lingers. As the Yellowstone finale approaches, concluding the modern saga of the Dutton Ranch, viewers anticipate a predictable turn of events—hinted by Kayce in Episode 13. He alluded that selling the ranch to Thomas Rainwater may be the only viable route to securing its future while simultaneously negotiating the land’s return.

This plan echoes a vision from the earlier spinoff, 1883, which introduced a compelling prophecy involving James Dutton, who made a crucial agreement ensuring that the land would revert to Native Americans after seven generations. While this central theme has mostly remained unaddressed in the primary series, the latest episodes indicate that a resolution may finally arrive. However, the resolution hinges on a pivotal aspect of the Dutton family tree that remains unclear.

The Ongoing Debate Over John Dutton’s Ancestry

Fans of Yellowstone largely concur that Tate, John Dutton’s grandson, represents the seventh generation. This interpretation suggests he could be the final Dutton to manage the ranch, potentially returning it to its original inhabitants or selling it outright. Kayce’s proposed strategy aims to retain parts of the ranch under Dutton ownership while ensuring it ultimately passes to Tate.

However, the precise identification of the seventh generation hinges on the revelation of John Dutton’s grandparents in the forthcoming Season 2 of 1923. Two couples emerge as candidates for this lineage—Jack and Elizabeth, or Spencer and Alexandra—who would likely have birthed John Dutton II, thus being the parents of Kevin Costner’s character, John.

Brecken Merrill as Tate and Kevin Costner as John Dutton in Yellowstone — Paramount

Tate and John Dutton

The prequel has yet to confirm which couple carries the Dutton legacy forward. If it turns out to be Jack and Elizabeth, Tate indeed becomes the seventh generation. Conversely, if Spencer and Alexandra are chosen, then Tate would be reclassified as the sixth generation, complicating longstanding speculation.

Darren Mann and Michelle Randolph as Jack and Liz in Yellowstone 1923 — Paramount

Jack and Elizabeth in 1923

As fans gear up for the Yellowstone Season 5 conclusion, discussions about this critical family history intensify. One Reddit user expressed skepticism regarding the connection between Jack and Liz and John II, while another highlighted the implications of John’s generational status. “In 5×01, it’s point blank said that John is the 5th generation. Given the timeline, for John’s father, who died at 90 and served in WWII, to fit, Jack and Elizabeth must be his parents,” they pointed out.

Participants in the debate further analyzed the generational timeline. “For John to be labeled as the 5th generation and Tate as the 7th, Jack and Elizabeth must be the connecting lineage,”one user stated, adding that “the prophecy indicates seven generations from James Dutton—suggesting Tate’s grandchildren are the true seventh generation referenced in the foreshadowing.”

Until the debut of 1923 Season 2 on February 23, viewers will be left in suspense regarding this crucial element of the Dutton family’s legacy.

For those eager to stay updated, information about the Yellowstone finale dates can be found as well as a recap of some of the series’ most shocking moments.

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