1883

In Episode 1 of 1883, the Dutton family is struggling to survive in the Great Plains. The harsh environment and scarce resources are taking their toll on the family, and they are barely holding on. However, they are determined to make it through this difficult time. ..

Elsa’s rampage begins as she watches the Indians swarm around her carriage, reduced to ashes by their own actions. She comes at them with a gun in hand, ready to take down any who cross her path.

The smallpox pandemic has claimed the lives of many in Shea Brennon’s community, leaving him with no other choice but to burn down his home in an effort to prevent the disease from spreading. ..

Captain Shea and his partner Thomas are on their way to a big job when they notice bandits trying to take out a carriage. The farmer aboard (whom we soon find out is James Dutton) holds his own and fends them off.

James is in for a long, difficult journey as he tries to make sense of the Lone Star State. He’ll have to be careful about who he trusts and how he interacts with the people around him, but he’s excited to finally be able to call home.

James quickly establishes himself as the hero of the story, shooting the pickpocket in the back and taking his wallet back. The townsfolk are enraged and immediately string him up for this crime.

Shea and Thomas watch as all of the other travelers head into the danger zone. They find Josef, a translator, and warn the group about the dangers ahead. ..

Shea encourages him to sell their oxen and exchange them for horses. Shea is shocked at their lack of preparation – and even more so when he finds out they don’t have any guns either. This job we heard about comes from moving these guys 2000 miles and after seeing how ill-prepared they are, Shea wants to renegotiate a new fee. It’s going to be more than 200 per family – and they need extra protection for the journey. They certainly won’t be ready in the morning.

James’s family includes Elsa, the woman we saw from the opening of the chapter. James has another son, John, and they’re riding along with James’s sister Claire and his niece Mary. They arrive in town on a train, but Claire is certainly disapproving of Elsa’s “disobedience” and heading off to a different carriage and naively walking into an unnerving encounter with a businessman who talks sweetly to her.

James tells Shea and Thomas about his plan to head north. He’s going to continue heading up North, but Shea and Thomas decide they should collaborate and ride together. Now, Shea is haunted by the memories of his past involving his wife Helen. One of the whores talks a big game, understanding Shea’s troubles and deciding he should call her Helen instead. Well, she gets a shove and a threat for her troubles.

Back at the motel, a drunk man arrives and breaks into Elsa’s room. He immediately notices Elsa and tries to rape her. Thankfully, James arrives and immediately shoots the man dead.

James decides to ride with Shea and the others, deciding that it is the best decision for him. They check every single traveler for smallpox before they go though, but one of the men and his family have the pox and he needs to leave town. If he doesn’t, it could spread everywhere.

With the confusion cleared up, at least for now, Shea, Thomas and James make plans for camp as they prepare to leave. ..

The Episode Review

The opening chapter of Yellowstone’s prequel, 1883, is an absolutely enthralling western drama. The visuals are gorgeous, the score beautifully composed, and the narration works so well to break up this slow burn. ..

The dual focus, shifting between Shea and James, works nicely to showcase how these two opposing forces come together, with some great acting and a solid story line.

With another episode released today, we thankfully don’t have to wait too long before finding out what happens next! ..