Perhaps the most emotionally charged storyline in 1923 centers around Spencer Dutton—Jacob and Cara’s other nephew—whose journey is nothing short of epic. Haunted by the memories of World War I, Spencer escapes to Africa, where he lives as a big-game hunter, attempting to numb the emotional scars of war. However, fate doesn’t allow him to stay hidden forever.

Spencer’s return to Montana is not just a physical journey—it’s a spiritual homecoming. He comes back to defend the land, protect his family, and reclaim the dignity the Dutton name demands. This journey mirrors many of the themes seen in Yellowstone: wounded men trying to find meaning through duty, loyalty, and family.

The Spiritual Thread: Cole Brings Plenty’s Silent Legacy

While Cole Brings Plenty was best known for his roles in the Yellowstone universe, his unexpected and tragic passing left a profound impact on fans and cast alike. Though he wasn’t a primary character in 1923, many viewers feel his presence still lingers within the show’s themes—especially in the storylines focused on heritage, trauma, and redemption.

In many ways, 1923 becomes a quiet memorial to Cole Brings Plenty—not through direct references, but through the spirit of the characters and the cultural depth they carry. His contributions to the franchise were significant, and even in his absence, the essence of his work—especially as it related to Native American identity and generational trauma—remains etched into the show’s DNA.

The Haunting Symbolism: Echoes of the Past

1923 doesn’t shy away from dark and complex storylines. From brutal boarding schools to battles over land and identity, the series gives a haunting portrayal of early 20th-century America. It’s in these painful narratives—particularly those involving Indigenous characters—that the spirit of Cole Brings Plenty feels most present.

Whether intentional or not, the show often feels like it’s calling back to his memory, especially in its quiet moments of reflection and grief. The haunting visuals, the emphasis on ancestral pain, and the resilience of the characters who survive it—these are all motifs that seem to echo his influence.

From Pain to Power: The Duttons’ Unyielding Spirit

Both Yellowstone and 1923 explore how families endure through generations of hardship. The Duttons, while far from perfect, represent a kind of rugged endurance. From Jacob and Cara holding the ranch together in 1923, to John Dutton III fighting for it in the modern day, the message is clear: legacy isn’t just about land. It’s about spirit.

That spirit—the willingness to suffer for what you love, to fight for your name, and to carry forward the memory of those lost—resonates deeply in both shows. And it’s here that Cole Brings Plenty’s lasting impact finds its most poignant expression. He may be gone, but his spirit seems to linger in the very soil of 1923.

Conclusion: He’s Still Here

The title says it all—“He’s Still Here.” In every whispered memory, every solemn prayer, and every act of defiance against those who seek to erase history, the spirit of Cole Brings Plenty lives on. His legacy is not defined by tragedy, but by the emotional depth he brought to the screen and the cultural awareness he helped spotlight.

Through the enduring themes of 1923, and its deep ties to Yellowstone, we are reminded that no one is ever truly gone when their spirit continues to shape the stories we tell. The Dutton saga is far from over, and neither is the legacy of those who helped bring it to life.