Duttons face threats from modernity and rival schemes

In the latest episode of "1923," titled “Journey the Rivers of Iron,” Spencer Dutton reflects on the changes in America after the Great War. He notes that the country is now divided by wealth and social issues, as he journeys through Texas. Spencer finds himself in trouble with the law while escaping with illegal booze. He manages to avoid capture while helping a woman who has been mistreated by a local temperance group. As he leaves Texas on a train, he faces the harsh realities of a society marked by class struggles. Meanwhile, in New York City, another Dutton, Alexandra, endures a theft at Grand Central Terminal but remains determined to continue her journey. Pregnant and resilient, she sets off for Boston. In Montana, wealthy men discuss plans for a resort on land owned by the Dutton family. Donald Whitfield, a rich and ruthless figure, aims to gather a group to confront the Duttons. Whitfield's motives are ruthless, as he seeks to drive the Duttons off their land through manipulation and violence. The episode also highlights a medical emergency for Zane, a wagon boss, who undergoes surgery without anesthesia. Despite the pain, he survives and is joyful about his wife’s pregnancy. The tension heightens as Zane expresses a desire for revenge against those who threaten their way of life. The struggles between the Dutton family and those who want to take their land are central to the story. It reflects on the clash between their traditional lifestyle and the forces of modernity, setting the stage for ongoing conflict as Spencer continues his journey home.