1883 is a one-of-a-kind production. 1883 is a western drama in the style of Red Dead Redemption 2 and Yellowstone, with a splash of tension, romance, and drama thrown in for good measure. Sure, the program has its flaws, most notably a dubious teen romance midway through, but 1883 manages to represent a very specific, gloomy moment of history in a manner that few other series have.
If there’s anything noteworthy about 1883, Sheridan’s latest Paramount+ drama, it’s not that it’s a Yellowstone precursor; aside from numerous individuals sharing the surname “Dutton,” the only ties are of the Easter egg sort. The series is a simple period Western, not one of the revisionist sort.
The pilot opens with a bunch of stereotypical Native Americans savagely attacking a waggon train, an in-the-moment sequence so dense with clichés that viewers are hoping for an unexpected surprise before the main plot catches up.
Will there be season 2 of 1883?
The Yellowstone spinoff series 1883 season 2 has been officially renewed and will centre on Bass Reeves, according to Deadline. The show began as an unrelated Sheridan project, with Selma star David Oyelowo intended to play the eponymous part.
With the new announcement, the title of 1883 season 2 has been changed to 1883: The Bass Reeves Story. It is unclear whether any of the original cast members will return for the future season.
It remains to be known if Reeves will contact with the Duttons in 1883 season 2. Although it is possible that the two parties will cross paths, it is doubtful because 1883:
The Bass Reeves Story began production as a solo project. Although no concrete information about the next series’ ties with the franchise have been published, the mythical lawman might join the cast of the previous season.
Relation with the season one
Dutton swore at the end of Season 1 of 1883 to settle his family and build a home where his daughter Elsa Dutton (Isabel May) died. The region was originally home to numerous indigenous peoples, as revealed in the series as well as the original Yellowstone series, which shows Dutton’s ancestors still living on the land.
Although Reeves mostly worked as a deputy U.S. Marshal in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, it is probable that the future episode may involve an outlaw fugitive who takes the lawman up to Montana and the Duttons’ family property. Only time will tell if Reeves’ narrative will intersect with James Dutton’s in 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, as the series has yet to be released.
Plot of the season one
The plot revolves around a caravan travelling over the Great Plains, with its occupants yearning to reach Oregon and establish a new home.
Shea and Thomas, two veteran cowboys who know how the world works and enforce a strong “our way or the highway” policy, lead the caravan. They lead a swarm of immigrants across the country — but they are not alone.
James Dutton, together with his wife Margaret, daughter Elsa, and son John, is accompanying them on their expedition. This family gradually becomes increasingly immersed in the caravan and its misadventure as they navigate natural calamities, robbers, and hazardous wildlife.
Synopsis
While the pacing may be too sluggish for some, the manner 1883 conveys its tale is purposeful. This is a program that isn’t afraid to take its time, gradually building suspense over several episodes before erupting into a rush of gunfire or action. There’s one episode where the caravan tries to cross a river, and the entire show builds up to this point so nicely.
This is less about the narrative and more about the numerous individuals who occupy this planet. Every main character has depth and a motive for their actions. Shea’s motivation derives from wanting to respect the memories of his late wife.
Meanwhile, the immigrants are yearning for a free nation to call their own. Elsa is on a voyage of discovery, whilst James and Margaret simply want to keep their children safe.
Everyone has a reason for being on this voyage, and by the end of the season, most people’ arcs have come to a logical conclusion — one way or another. What’s intriguing is that each of these journeymen represents a different subject that this drama addresses throughout time.
