Taylor Sheridan knows how to craft intense, gritty Westerns, but 1923 Season 2 is proving that even he can fumble a great character. One standout figure is getting completely sidelined thanks to clunky storytelling and frustrating creative choices.
With all the potential 1923 had to build on its epic first season, it’s pretty baffling to see Sheridan drop the ball like this.
Taylor Sheridan is failing Elizabeth Strafford in 1923 season 2 with weak writing
Taylor Sheridan’s handling of female characters is under fire again. 1923 season 2 just pushed Elizabeth Strafford (Michelle Randolph) toward the exit, and fans are calling it wasted potential. Sheridan’s been accused of struggling to write strong female leads — something evident in Yellowstone, Landman, and now 1923.
Elizabeth had plenty of room for character growth. Instead, she spent two episodes screaming helplessly. Between dodging mountain lions, rabid wolves, and brutal winters, her storyline turned into survival horror.
Fans expected her to develop resilience, especially under Cara Dutton’s (Helen Mirren) mentorship. But, she got rabies shots and existential dread.
One Redditor pointed out how much potential Elizabeth had to evolve under Cara’s guidance. Instead, she’s stuck in a cycle of trauma. “If he doesn’t write her character to become more resilient and adaptive, it would really be disappointing,” they said.
Elizabeth’s struggles mirrored Monica’s (Kelsey Asbille) in Yellowstone. Both women clashed with ranch life, but Monica never found a way out. Elizabeth, on the other hand, seems ready to leave — and no one can blame her. From postponed weddings to near-fatal wounds, the Dutton lifestyle has taken everything from her.
Sheridan has a habit of writing female characters as victims rather than active participants. With Landman already facing criticism for weak female leads, 1923 isn’t helping his case. Fans hoped Elizabeth would evolve, but instead, she remains a damsel in distress.
If Elizabeth leaves 1923, it won’t be a shock. It’ll just be another example of Sheridan failing to give his female characters the depth they deserve.
Fans furious: Taylor Sheridan is wasting Elizabeth’s Character in 1923 Season 2
Sheridan did it again. Fans hoped 1923 Season 2 would redeem Elizabeth’s character, but instead, she remained stuck in the same one-dimensional role — constantly suffering, constantly sidelined.
The writing took a nosedive. What started as a gripping story spiraled into slow, tedious plotlines with no real cohesion. Elizabeth’s character felt like an afterthought, serving no real purpose beyond being in distress.
Meanwhile, Spencer and Alex carried the emotional weight of the show, making Elizabeth’s presence feel even more disconnected.
Even her place in the Dutton legacy felt weak. If she and Jack were supposed to be important, why was so much focus on another couple? With too much filler and not enough payoff, 1923 left fans frustrated and wondering what Sheridan was even trying to accomplish.
Watch 1923 on Paramount Plus & Apple TV.
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