Warning! SPOILERS For 1923 Season 2, Episode 4, “Journey The Rivers Of Iron”Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) and Alex Dutton (Julia Schlaepfer) are the perfect duo to run the ranch at the end of 1923 season 2, and episode 4, “Journey the Rivers of Iron” proves that in a small yet significant way.

Spencer and his wife both journey to Montana by train, albeit on two very different yet harrowing experiences. After she is robbed in the bathroom at Grand Central Terminal, Alex chases after her train, making it at the last moment by throwing her bag and leaping onto the train’s caboose deck. Alex’s actions showed bravery, proving her dedication.

Meanwhile, on the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, terrible things have happened to Elizabeth Strafford (Michelle Randolph), causing Jack Dutton’s (Darren Mann) sweetheart to have a difficult winter.

Elizabeth is threatened by a mountain lion in the premiere, and a rabid wolf bites her in 1923 season 2, episode 2. After receiving rabies shots in her stomach, held down against her will, Elizabeth vows to leave the ranch lifestyle behind her for good. While Jack’s wife gets good news in 1923 season 2, episode 4, possibly changing her trajectory, the chapter confirms the Yellowstone Ranch’s best path forward after 1923 season 2.

Alexandra & Elizabeth Both Want To Get To Boston In 1923 Season 2, Episode 4

Alex And Elizabeth Are Focused On Boston In “Journey The Rivers Of Iron”

Despite their contrasting experiences, Alex and Elizabeth both have it rough in 1923 season 2. Therefore, for very different reasons, Alexandra and Elizabeth are both desperate to make it to Boston in 1923 season 2, episode 4.

For Alexandra, Boston is where she will arrive at a connecting train station, making an interchange to board a train heading west to Billings, Montana. Despite being beaten and robbed in the restroom, Alex’s dedication to reuniting with Spencer propels her forward through yet another dehumanizing experience, finding her will to continue in the memory of her husband and their intimate connection.

Jack’s wife treats her commitment to her life partner as a choice, whereas Alex sees it as her destiny.

In contrast, Elizabeth is desperate to leave the Duttons’ ranch, and thereby her husband, in 1923 season 2. Jacob Dutton (Harrison Ford) tells Elizabeth that she can come back if she does leave, saying he doesn’t blame her for wanting to escape the snow. However, as far as we know, Elizabeth plans to board a train to Boston to flee the ranch in eight days.

While no one could blame her after all the terrible things that happened to Elizabeth in 1923, Jack’s wife treats her commitment to her life partner as a choice, whereas Alex sees it as her destiny.

The Dutton Women’s Contrasting Journeys Prove Alex Is The Yellowstone’s Best Steward

Alexandra Of Sussex Embodies The Dutton Family’s Defining Qualities

As Jacob and Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren) explain, life on the ranch is a challenging yet rewarding life. So far, in 1923, Elizabeth’s experience suggests that she was hardwired for ranch life. In contrast, Alex proves that she is willing to do whatever it takes to be with her husband and fight for his family, especially in 1923 season 2, episode 4. As with every generation that occupies the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, Jacob and Cara will eventually pass the ranch down to the next generation, leaving me to wonder who will succeed them, possibly starring in Yellowstone‘s 1944 prequel.