'1923' Plot Hole: Did Yellowstone's Creator Spread Too Thin?

A glaring 1923 plot hole is causing fans to question whether the creator of the Yellowstone universe, Taylor Sheridan, might be spreading himself too thin across multiple television projects, leading to continuity issues within his expanding franchise.

The Yellowstone saga, with its numerous spin-offs and prequels, has become a sprawling empire. Coupled with other TV endeavors helmed by Taylor Sheridan, it appears the filmmaker's plate is overflowing. Has this overextension led to noticeable discrepancies, such as the 1923 plot hole we're about to discuss?

It's been suggested that Sheridan should perhaps refocus his efforts on crafting compelling neo-Westerns for the big screen. The concern is that the sheer volume of content he's producing might be contributing to plot holes and inconsistencies, particularly evident in his Yellowstone prequel, 1923.

Yellowstone's Reference vs. 1923's Omission: The Leg That Wasn't

Comparing details presented in 1923 with established narratives from Yellowstone reveals a significant disconnect. This 1923 plot hole begs the question: did Sheridan simply overlook a crucial detail, or was he too preoccupied to ensure continuity?

In the Yellowstone Season 4 episode "Phantom Pain," John Dutton (Kevin Costner) recounts a story about his grandfather, Spencer (Brandon Sklenar), to Jimmy Hurdstrom (Jefferson White). John mentions that his grandfather "lost a leg" and suffered from phantom pain.

John's intention was to caution Jimmy about the potential consequences of rodeo injuries. While John could have fabricated the story, it seems unlikely given his deep respect for his family's history. This detail about Spencer losing a leg seemed destined for exploration in a future prequel.

However, 1923 completely ignores this detail. Throughout the series, including Spencer's wartime experiences and the climactic battle in the finale, there's no indication of him ever losing a leg. Even the final flashforward doesn't suggest any such amputation.

While the older Spencer in the flashforward walks with a slight limp, it could easily be attributed to old age. Given that Yellowstone explicitly mentions Spencer losing a leg, the fact that 1923 never addresses it creates a noticeable 1923 plot hole.

Why was this crucial detail overlooked? Is it a sign of a larger problem within the Yellowstone universe?

Other Abandoned Storylines in the Yellowstone Universe

The 1923 plot hole regarding Spencer's leg isn't an isolated incident. Yellowstone itself has a history of introducing storylines and characters that are subsequently abandoned without explanation.

Remember the dinosaur bones Kayce and his family discovered on their land in the second episode? That promising plotline, with potential conflicts between excavators and the Broken Rock reservation, simply vanished.

What about Monica's grandfather, Felix Long? Despite Kayce and Monica moving to the Dutton Ranch, it seems unlikely that Monica and Tate would completely cut Felix out of their lives. While he reappeared briefly, he never became a recurring character.

Then there's the bomb on the Beck Brothers' airplane. Kayce plants it, but nothing ever happens. Was it dismantled? Did everyone just forget about it?

And let's not forget Jamie's murder of the reporter. How was that swept under the rug so easily? In today's true-crime obsessed culture, wouldn't someone have connected the dots?

Bad Writing or Overextension?

The recurring pattern of abandoned storylines and unresolved plot points suggests a lack of attention to detail. Is this simply bad writing, or is it a consequence of Sheridan's overcommitment to multiple projects?

Can Sheridan Grip the Reins?

Given the significance of the "lost leg" detail in Yellowstone, its omission in 1923 is particularly glaring. With numerous shows in production, including spin-offs like Landman, Lioness, Tulsa King, and Mayor of Kingstown, it's understandable that continuity might suffer.

While Sheridan's work is generally well-received, some shows (and seasons) appear to suffer in quality due to the sheer volume of content being produced. With plans for even more Yellowstone sequel spin-offs and prequels, the hope is that Sheridan can maintain control of his expanding universe and remain faithful to the established world.

The 1923 plot hole serves as a cautionary tale. As the Yellowstone universe expands, maintaining continuity and attention to detail becomes increasingly crucial. Can Sheridan manage to grip the reins and ensure that future installments remain true to the established narrative?