The emotional rollercoaster that was 1923 season 2 has left its stars, Brandon Sklenar and Julia Schlaepfer, still reeling from the devastating conclusion to Spencer and Alex’s tumultuous journey. In an exclusive conversation with Entertainment Weekly, the two actors opened up about their emotional experiences filming the heart-wrenching finale, which saw their characters’ epic love story take an unexpected and tragic turn.
A Reunion Full of Hope — And Tragedy
When viewers were introduced to Spencer and Alex in 1923‘s second season, they watched as the couple fought against the odds, each facing their own relentless challenges. Spencer journeyed back to Montana to help defend the Dutton family homestead from the villainous Whitfield, while Alex braved the Atlantic to reunite with her husband after being forcibly separated at the end of season 1.
The season culminated in a powerful and emotional reunion between Spencer and Alex, with the couple finally finding each other after a perilous journey. In a memorable scene, Alex, stranded after a blizzard, resorts to setting a car on fire to signal a passing train. Spencer, spotting his wife in distress, jumps from the train’s caboose to rescue her, leading to a tearful, romantic moment.
For Schlaepfer, this scene marked more than just a reunion for Alex and Spencer — it also served as a reunion for her and Sklenar. “That was the first scene that Brandon and I shot together in season 2,” Schlaepfer shared. “It was our reunion as actors as well. After such a grueling season, at least for me personally, I think everyone was super teary-eyed that day.” The emotions were palpable, with the cast and crew sharing in the bittersweet joy of seeing the couple reunited.
A Tragic Turn: Alex’s Fate
Just when it seemed like the couple would finally have their happily-ever-after, tragedy struck. After Alex revealed she was pregnant, the joyful moment quickly descended into despair when it was revealed that she had developed severe hypothermia, causing her arms and legs to go necrotic. Despite being informed that her pregnancy had to be terminated and that her limbs needed to be amputated, Alex chose to carry the child to term and, in her final moments, embraced the life she and Spencer had created.
Schlaepfer recalled the intensity of filming Alex’s final scene, where her character, bandaged and lying in a hospital bed, shared a fleeting but poignant moment with Spencer. “I was laying in a hospital bed all bandaged up, Spencer’s at my bedside, Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford are there [in the waiting room], and I have this fake baby in my arms, and you feel everything that you have ever felt in the span of these two-and-a-half years with these characters at once,” Schlaepfer said, her voice filled with emotion. “It’s so heartbreaking and so surreal. I’m certainly still processing everything that I went through.”
For Sklenar, Spencer’s final moments were equally profound. “It’s a lot to process. I still very much feel it,” he said. “His memories are my memories because of how we shot season 1 and everything. I’ll be processing it for a long time, and I’m always going to be Spencer Dutton for the rest of my life.” Schlaepfer echoed her co-star’s sentiments, adding, “It’s just like Alex is a part of me.”
A Love Story for the Ages
Despite the sadness surrounding the finale, both Sklenar and Schlaepfer are grateful for the opportunity to portray such a powerful love story. “They’re a love story for the ages, and it was just such an honor to get to tell it,” Schlaepfer said. Sklenar, who has been deeply affected by the experience, added, “It’s such a special thing to be a part of something that’s culturally significant like that. It’s such a unique experience, and I’m forever grateful.”
The love between Spencer and Alex was short-lived, but its impact was far-reaching. In the aftermath of Alex’s death, Spencer is shown mourning her loss at her gravesite, living out the rest of his life as a Dutton ranch overseer. In a poetic twist, the couple’s love story is given one final, beautiful moment as they are reunited in the afterlife. Sklenar reflected on the bittersweet nature of their reunion: “[It’s] just kind of perfect, the way that the tragedy morphs into this beautiful moment when they find each other again in heaven.”
Still Processing the Heartbreak
The duo is still coming to terms with the emotional toll their characters’ fates have taken on them. “It’s super f—ing sad to not be able to do it again,” Sklenar admitted. “And, yeah, it’s a lot to process.” Schlaepfer shared similar feelings, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such an epic and unforgettable story. “It’s so emotional, but also I’m so grateful to have been given the gift of such a [big] story,” she said.
While the fans may still be reeling from the emotional finale, the actors are too, forever changed by the love story they told.
A Legacy of Love and Tragedy
Spencer and Alex’s love story may have ended in heartbreak, but the emotional depth of their relationship will remain a defining element of 1923. The powerful performances of Sklenar and Schlaepfer, coupled with the unforgettable writing by Taylor Sheridan, have left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers.
For now, fans can continue to stream 1923 on Paramount+ and reflect on the rollercoaster journey of Spencer and Alex. While the final chapter of their story may have been tragic, it also served as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love — even when it’s fleeting.