The following contains mentions of s*xual ab*se.
The Western drama 1923, which is a spinoff sequel to 1883, and a prequel to Yellowstone, has received critical acclaim for its stories, cast, and performances. However, the drama doesn’t fear tackling more serious subjects.
At the end of Season 1, Timothy Dalton’s Donald Whitfield, a powerful business tycoon, showed exactly who he was with how he treated the two escorts, Lindy and Christy. His violent and demeaning self was further explored in the recently released Season 2, and things have gotten even worse than the violent acts they were made to perform in the series finale. However, when speaking with ScreenRant, Madison Elise Rogers, who plays Lindy, discussed the dynamics between Lindy and Donald and defended the storyline.
In the new season, Rogers’ Lindy gained some sense of control over Cailyn Rice’s Christy, indicating that she and Donald are still abusing her. However, she also explained that while the storyline has led to some controversy, she believes there’s something realistic about a businessman like Donald using his power to get what he wants. Although she acknowledges the situation is bad for Lindy, she also highlights that she was “brainwashed” by Donald.
“For one, I think a lot of women can see themselves in a similar position or maybe have experience, to a smaller degree, of being in a situation with a man that’s powerful and dangerous. I think that is scary, and I think there’s something realistic about it,” she explained about why this was a storyline worth telling, despite the pushback.
“I feel like, if Whitfield existed, this would be something that actually happens. But I get it. I know it feels brutal, but I think it’s showing this very real side of a dangerous man and how he abuses his power. These women are just collateral in his scheme.”
Addressing her character, Rogers continued that her character has been doing whatever she can to survivive, “I took it as she is in this house with this very wealthy, very powerful, and obviously very dangerous man. I think he’s given her this acceptance, or something along those lines, so I think she’s feeling favored by him. I think it’s also that she needs to survive. She is leaning into it, but I think she’s completely been brainwashed. She’s doing what she has to do, as gruesome as it is, and she’s trying to get through what she’s going through.”
The Controversial Storyline Is Vital to the Story
Although abuse on TV is difficult to watch, 1923 also tries to portray the time period accurately. Although abuse of power is still a problem today, it also further highlights how men like Donald Whitfield acted. The series also touched upon issues of racism and interracial relationships.
At the same time, the series’ creator, Taylor Sheridan, received praise from stars like Helen Mirren and Jennifer Carpenter for the way he wrote female characters. “Taylor Sheridan can write a really strong woman,” Carpenter shared. “The soil is just so rich, not only on the pages but on the sets and the quality of the work that the crew was putting forth.”
1923 Season 2 releases new episodes every Sunday on Paramount+.
