1923 star Julia Schlaepfer teases what’s next for Alex after season 2, episode 3’s horrifying events and shocking cliffhanger. Her epic journey to reunite with Spencer saw her finally arriving in New York, but this happy event quickly gave way to darkness, as a visa-less Alex was ferried to Ellis Island to undergo a horrifying experience at the hands of immigration authorities, including a brutally violating physical exam. 1923 season 2, episode 3 then set up more drama, with a cliffhanger ending that put Alex in danger of being attacked in a bathroom by an apparent robber.
Alex has experienced a lot of trauma during her long quest to reach Montana, and things aren’t going to get any easier for her in the near-term, as 1923 star Schlaepfer has teased, previewing what comes next after her character disappeared into that Grand Central Station restroom, unwittingly drawing the attentions of a skulking, desperate-looking character (via TVInsider):
Alex was violated and assaulted in that examination. She wasn’t able to fight back in any way that she probably would have wanted to because she had to get through immigration, and she had to be smart about it. She’s alone and not in a position of power. I think with this next man we see follow her into the bathroom, she gets to fight back in a different way, and I think unleash some of the anger that she’s been feeling about what she’s already been put through because it’s just blow after blow. I think she kind of thinks she’s on the other side of it, and every time she fights for herself this season, it’s in a new way. As an actor, it’s really exciting because you get to uncover all these layers. She continues to find different ways to fight back.
What Schlaepfer’s Tease Means For 1923 Season 2
Alex Has Already Been Through A Lot
Taylor Sheridan is known for putting his characters through a lot of drama, but 1923 has taken things to another level altogether. Already in season 2, Elizabeth has been attacked by a rabid wolf, Cara has had to shoot both that wolf and a cougar, Jacob and Zane have become stranded in a blizzard, and Zane has been told he’s suffering from a potentially fatal hematoma. Having suffered the most in season 1, Teonna has arguably had the easiest time thus far in season 2, though trouble may soon be arriving for her as well.
But all that pales in comparison to what befell Alex in 1923 season 2, episode 3. Having survived all the hardships nature could throw at her on her way out of Africa, and endured having to part with Spencer, she suffered arguably her greatest trauma of all at the hands of Ellis Island doctors, and may be about to get robbed – or worse – after the episode’s cliffhanger ending. Schlaepfer at least teases that Alex gets to fight back this time, after being utterly powerless during her Ellis Island ordeal, so perhaps she’ll prevail over her attacker.
Schlaepfer did try to prepare viewers for Alex’s increasingly grueling journey, telling ScreenRant back in February that there would be a “darker quality” to season 2, adding:
Everyone’s really in survival mode, so the adventures that she finds herself on are less romantic and less about this love story, and they’re more about fighting to return to that love. It is a tough season, but it is an epic one, for sure.
Our Take On Alex’s Traumatizing Journey
Her Love For Spencer Is Not In Doubt
Schlaepfer may have understated things when she teased a “darker” adventure for Alex in 1923 season 2. The possibility she might not make it to Montana can’t be ruled out, though that would be a very tragic turn of events. What can’t be doubted is that Alex truly loves Spencer, and is determined to make it back to him, so they can begin their life together, with the child she’s carrying.
If Alex does survive her journey, she will have proven she has the determination and grit to be a rancher’s wife in the wilds of the American plains, contrasting her with the defeated Elizabeth, who is intent on going back home to Boston.
1923 season 2, episode 4 premieres on Paramount+ on March 16.
Source: TV Insider