Every Episode Of '1883,' Ranked By 'Yellowstone' Fanatics
Vote up the 1883 episodes that bring the frontier drama.
Yellowstone fans have several spin-offs to look forward. But it's 1883 that kickstarts the whole narrative. The prequel depicts the original Dutton family and the events that led them to Montana. Unlike Yellowstone, this is a miniseries designed to tell a defined story from start to finish.
With 10 episodes, there are arcs dedicated to protagonists like Elsa Dutton and others like the conflict between the Native Americans and the settlers. Fans have their pick of which episodes have the best impact, based on quality, payoff, and memorable dialogue.
It's worth looking into each episode's strength, and Yellowstone fans have the power to vote on which ones they feel represent the best that 1883 has to offer. So, saddle on up, head back to the 19th century, and cast your votes for the best episodes in the bunch.
- 113 VOTES
This Is Not Your Heaven
Photo: Paramount+The Plot: The long, arduous journey finally ends in ways that no one could have predicted. With their original destination beyond their reach, the Dutton family decides to settle in Montana. Before looking forward, they have to deal with Elsa's impending demise. The latter gets to have a last moment of peace, realizing her search for meaning is complete even if she's about to breathe her last. Elsewhere, after completing his promise, Shea prepares for the end of his life as well.
What Makes It A Great Episode: Yellowstone fans know how this story ends even before it begins since 1883 is a prequel. And yet, it hits as hard as it can since the characters we've come to care about sign off for good. The episode is a thought-provoking turn from the show, complete with heartbreaking goodbyes and devastating reality checks. The music, cinematography, and storytelling are all top-notch, bringing the curtain down on an overarching story of survival and sacrifice.
Standout Quote: “I know death now, I've seen it. It had no fangs, it smiled at me, and it was beautiful.” - Elsa Dutton
- 211 VOTES
The Fangs of Freedom
Photo: Paramount+The Plot: After crossing the river, the group realizes the worst of their troubles is still to come. Now in uncharted territory, they realize they're being targeted by bandits. Shortage of food adds to their list of woes, as group members once again butt heads when accusations are thrown around. Elsa and Ennis's romance heats up, only to meet a tragic conclusion.
What Makes It A Great Episode: The duality present in this episode is very well done. On the one hand, fans see how Ennis and Elsa's relationship blossoms, while the other end has the group's antagonism heating up. Even better is how the show combines both plot points, as Elsa and Ennis's courtship hits the brakes when bandits come calling and cause unbearable casualties. It's an exciting episode in more ways than one.
Standout Quote: “I'd known death since I was a child, it's everywhere, but it had never touched me, it had never placed its rotten finger on my heart, until today.” - Elsa Dutton
- 311 VOTES
Racing Clouds
Photo: Paramount+The Plot: When the group settles in Lakota territory, they find themselves in deeper trouble than they could have imagined. After a massacre in the natives' ranks, the group is blamed for inciting violence. Despite their best efforts, they end up in a conflict that directly costs the lives of important characters. For all the courage she displays, Elsa ends up injured beyond recovery.
What Makes It A Great Episode: The show finally returns to the flash-forward from the opening episode. We get the full context of how the situation escalated to the point where everyone is shooting to kill. The show's pace picks up big time, culminating in a thrilling encounter where Elsa's hero's journey comes to a close. It also ties into 1883's overall theme of injustice, as none of the characters get the fate they deserve.
Standout Quote: “I looked at my father, looked past his smile. Saw his worry. Saw something deeper, as if he were already in mourning, as if I were already gone.” - Elsa Dutton
- 416 VOTES
Behind Us, A Cliff
Photo: Paramount+The Plot: The caravan takes off on their journey, but instantly runs into trouble. As they struggle to come to terms with the harsh conditions they have to deal with, tensions rise within the group. Things get worse when a group of riders become foes, as the members of the party find their numbers dwindling out of their control.
What Makes It A Great Episode: The sophomore episode chooses to go for a slow-burn atmosphere. We get to see the issues the characters will be facing without many big fight scenes. However, it's masterful in delivering tension through intense confrontations and sharp dialogue. The episode also builds the platform for Elsa to take the reins as the main character, as her unique personality shines through.
Standout Quote:
Margaret Dutton: How am I supposed to make her a lady when you keep treating her like a man?
James Dutton: Plenty of ladies in this world. Pretty short on decent men, though.
- 54 VOTES
1883
Photo: Paramount+The Plot: The Dutton family faces trouble in Tennessee and decide to leave to search for a new place to call home. Meanwhile, former Union Army captain Shea Brennan is recruited to accompany the party to their new location, delaying his attempt to end his existence after the passing of his wife and daughter. The Duttons' eldest daughter, Elsa, narrates how this is the beginning of what will eventually become a sprawling dynasty at the Yellowstone ranch.
What Makes It A Great Episode: The first episode takes things slow to introduce its characters. Rather than handwaving over the protagonists' strengths and flaws, it familiarizes them to the audience. Because of this, each member of the family, as well as their associates, connects with viewers for us to root for them in their journey. The opening in medias res sets up an intriguing hook that will have viewers watching until the end.
Standout Quote: “But if this is hell and I'm in it, then I must be a demon too and I'm already dead.” - Elsa Dutton
- 67 VOTES
Lightning Yellow Hair
Photo: Paramount+The Plot: After entering the natives' land, Elsa befriends a man named Sam. The pair instantly hits it off after engaging in a race. As quickly as their friendship begins, Elsa and Sam feel a mutual attraction. Their dynamic isn't met with a positive reception from Elsa's party. Meanwhile, a tornado is on the horizon, threatening what little the group has been able to salvage so far.
What Makes It A Great Episode: Elsa's development from losing Ennis continues, as she gets the chance to move on once she meets Sam. The episode offers a romantic turn that the show embraces, providing a worthy break from the usual disaster. Of course, there's still the tornado to worry about, although the characters find it within them to do something about it. After being helpless several times, it's nice to see the protagonists take charge this time around.
Standout Quote: “There's horror to every killing. Even when it's justified. Even when I killed, I was horrified. But watching Sam kill was like watching a lion hurl itself into a deer. His fury was so magnificent, there was no time for horror.” - Elsa Dutton
- 73 VOTES
Boring The Devil
Photo: Paramount+The Plot: Reeling from the loss of her lover, Elsa finds solace in Shea's advice. The latter spends the episode relating to her by recalling the loss of his own family. As she slowly regains her spirit, Elsa is empowered to fight for herself to ensure she never has to suffer a similar heartbreak. When further troubles arrive at the caravan, Elsa uses her newfound boldness and puts it to good use.
What Makes It A Great Episode: This episode brings together the two leads for a heart-to-heart, as Elsa and Shea bring out a different side from one another. Shea, in particular, is humanized to a greater extent, with his grief explored in detail after previously scratching the surface of it. It's equal parts heartwarming and thrilling, as the action continues late in the episode. With the group entering the natives' territory, a new chapter opens up that fans will find intriguing.
Standout Quote: “I have sat right where you're sitting, thinking the same thing. Thinking I don't want to live without them. Don't see the point. Still do most days. But here I am living without them.” - Shea Brennan
- 86 VOTES
The Weep Of Surrender
Photo: Paramount+The Plot: After losing most of their supplies to the tornado, the group is split between cutting their losses and continuing their journey. Shea and James clash as they come up with different solutions. Elsa and Sam's new romance is threatened when she has to choose between staying with her family or fully committing to Sam.
What Makes It A Great Episode: The primary story of the group's journey comes to a head in this episode. It's a payoff of following them all this time, with several plot points coming to an end. The differences in philosophies is fascinating since neither side is completely right or wrong. The strength of Elsa and Sam's bond is inspiring, and best shows how a positive relationship can bring the best out of a person.
Standout Quote: “Lightning with the Yellow Hair. Know this is your home. Know I am waiting. Know you fill my heart. Know you are the wife of a warrior. Know you are a warrior!” - Sam
- 91 VOTES
River
Photo: Paramount+The Plot: Desperation in the camp kicks in when several members meet their demise in grisly ways. Things don't get better when Shea learns that food is being stolen from within the camp. This accusation leads to heightened drama among the characters, as pointing fingers leads to conflict that threatens to break apart the fragile connection of the caravan.
What Makes It A Great Episode: It might not seem that way, but this episode is the calm before the storm. It gives a taste of greater problems to come, although the ill-fated incidents here have their own quality. Watching characters bite it in various and even gruesome ways can take viewers by surprise. But it also gears fans up for harsher moments in store. The episode is another great example of how tension is used to elevate its material, as everything hinges on the slightest outburst.
Standout Quote: “With every death, our father moved camp a little farther away... as if death was not the result of accidents and disease, but death was its own disease and carelessness was contagious.” - Elsa Dutton
- 101 VOTES
The Crossing
Photo: Paramount+The Plot: After much deliberation, the group finally decides to cross the dreaded river. However, even with all their planning, the trek is more dangerous than they thought. Despite their best efforts, further loss of life hits the caravan, devastating many and breaking apart families. Meanwhile, romances brew among the remaining survivors, although these relationships seem to have a quick expiration date.
What Makes It A Great Episode: Around this time, viewers know enough about the characters to become attached to them. As a result, watching their lives hang in the balance carries a real sense of anxiety. 1883's production values do the trick in making the crossing seem extremely realistic, as the characters that perish seem too true-to-life for comfort. Romance aficionados get their taste of this aspect, as the setup for love stories is established here.
Standout Quote: “It seems the further we get from civilization, the more of its rules we leave behind.” - Elsa Dutton
