If you’re like most fans, you’re probably still reeling from the heartbreak and chaos that 1923 delivered in its second season. Between shocking deaths and soul-crushing separations, Taylor Sheridan didn’t hold back — and Season 3 promises even more twists, heartbreak, and hope. So what can we expect in the opening episode? Let’s break it all down, from Elizabeth’s uncertain future to the long-awaited reveal of Spencer’s son.

First up, Elizabeth. While she wasn’t always a fan favorite — some viewers found her a bit whiny or immature at times — her tragic journey has made her a deeply sympathetic character. After losing Jack, the love of her life, and with very little emotional support (even from Cara, who seemed more focused on the family legacy than Elizabeth’s grief), Elizabeth has been left to pick up the shattered pieces of her life. By the end of Season 2, we learn that Elizabeth, still pregnant with Jack’s child, leaves Montana to live with her mother in Boston.

Season 3 is expected to pick up her story there, possibly after a time jump that allows her to have her baby — likely a boy. The first episode might show Elizabeth adjusting to life as a single, grieving mother in the 1920s, a time when being an unwed mother was socially frowned upon. We might see Elizabeth’s mother struggling with her own health issues, giving Elizabeth a compelling reason to eventually return to Montana — and to the Dutton ranch.

Given the fragile state of the Dutton family and the advancing ages of Jacob and Cara, Elizabeth and her child could play crucial roles in continuing the family legacy. It seems almost inevitable that she’ll eventually come back to the ranch, stepping into a more matriarchal role as the family faces an uncertain future.

Then there’s Tiona, another character who has endured unimaginable suffering but finally caught a glimpse of freedom. After surviving abuse and loss, Tiona has a second chance at life. Fans are hopeful that Season 3 (or possibly 1944, if it ends up being a direct continuation) will give Tiona the peace and happiness she so desperately deserves. There’s speculation that she might be pregnant with Pete’s child — a development that would secure her family’s legacy and tie her story even deeper into the Yellowstone universe.

Episode 1 could show Tiona settling into a new life, building a community, and possibly finding love again. Whatever happens, fans are united on one thing: Tiona deserves a future filled with hope, stability, and family — and we can’t wait to see her smile again after so much pain.

Now, onto one of the most discussed characters: Spencer. Our once-fearless Dutton hero broke a lot of hearts with how passively he let Alex slip away. Many fans feel he should have fought harder, declared his love more loudly, and refused to let circumstances separate them. Instead, after losing Alex, Spencer moves on with his life — but not without carrying deep emotional scars.

By the end of Season 2, it’s revealed that Spencer eventually has a son with a widow he never marries — and that he dies in 1968 at Alex’s grave. This revelation raises a lot of questions. Why didn’t he marry the widow? Was it lingering loyalty to Alex’s memory, or were there societal obstacles — possibly even laws against interracial marriage (miscegenation laws) — that complicated things?

While some fans speculate that Spencer’s new partner could be Elizabeth or even Tiona, that theory doesn’t hold up. The age gap, familial ties, and Spencer’s loyalty to his family make it highly unlikely. Instead, it’s more plausible that Spencer’s widow is someone entirely new — possibly a woman of color, fleeing danger or hardship, which would align with themes previously explored in 1923.

Season 3 Episode 1 might introduce this new love interest, showing the beginning of their bond. It could also reveal the first glimpses of Spencer as a father — perhaps even touching, bittersweet scenes of him telling his son about Alex, preserving her memory across generations. Fans are especially hopeful that Spencer’s son will survive, carrying the Dutton bloodline forward through even the most tumultuous times.

As for when we’ll see all this unfold? If 1923 gets a traditional Season 3, the most realistic premiere date would be around spring 2026, depending on production timelines. However, if Sheridan decides to transition directly into the new series 1944 as a spiritual sequel to 1923, the wait could stretch into late 2026 or early 2027. Either way, fans are in for a long wait — but if the storytelling remains strong, it’ll be worth every second.

With so many open threads — Elizabeth’s baby, Tiona’s future, Spencer’s new family — Season 3 is shaping up to be one of the most emotional and pivotal chapters yet. Whether we follow these characters into new beginnings or witness more devastating losses, one thing is certain: the Dutton saga isn’t over yet.

Will you be tuning in to see how it all unfolds? Let’s hope for more love, resilience, and maybe — just maybe — a little less heartbreak this time around.