Yellowstone is easily one of the biggest TV series out there right now. But with such a massive following, there are bound to be controversies. The same goes for the beloved spin-off series.
While three spin-offs are still in the making, two popular spin-offs include 1883 and 1923, the latter of which is still going. And, of course, some episodes and storylines have shocked viewers. Just like the most recent 1923 controversial storyline in season two.
Please note that this story discusses sensitive topics, such as sexual abuse.
The prequel series follows a generation of the Dutton family in 1923, during a time of various hardships, including Prohibition, drought, and the early stages of the Great Depression, which affected Montana long before the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
But with the second season released on February 23, 2025, the 1923 controversial storyline is back once more and is causing fans to shy away from the series. However, 1923 star Madison Elise Rogers has come to its defense.
Please note that this story discusses sensitive topics, such as sexual abuse.
At the end of the first season, Donald Whitfield, played by Timothy Dalton, hires escorts and makes them violently strike each other for his pleasure. Madison Elise Rogers plays Lindy in the series, one of the escorts hired by Donald, who returns in the second season.
However, in the newest episodes, it’s revealed that Donald has kept the escorts around, and both are still abused. The difference in season two is that Lindy seems to gain control of Christy, and Christy is being abused by both Lindy and Donald now. This creates a weird and traumatic relationship between Lindy and Donald, which has shocked fans.
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During an interview with ScreenRant, Madison Elise Rogers defends the relationship between Lindy and Donald, explaining that some women might have a similar dynamic as them, even though it’s “obviously very dangerous”. She explains that there’s something realistic about the scenario of a man holding so much power over Lindy’s character.
Still, viewers are shocked to see the change in Lindy. In the first season, Lindy is fearful of Donald and his cruelty. However, in the second season, Lindy is taking charge in the abuse more and more, as if being “brainwashed” by Donald’s power.
While this 1923 controversial storyline is explicit and cruel, Madison Elise Rogers points out that similar situations have occurred and are still happening. While Lindy’s actions are revolting in season two, there’s some truth behind it that “she’s doing what she has to do”, even if it’s brutal, and Lindy is “trying to get through what’s going through.”
Abuse on TV is difficult to watch no matter the show, but in order to capture a time period accurately, it can be beneficial. While abuse of power is still a problem today, the relationship between Donald and his escorts further accentuates who Donald is as a person in the show. The 1923 controversial storylines are brutal, but there is some importance to including them.
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