A recent revelation from Kevin Costner regarding the nature of the Dutton family in Yellowstone provides a stark and insightful lens through which to view the distinct characters of Alexandra (Alex) and Spencer Dutton in the prequel series 1923. Costner’s candid admission that the Duttons are essentially a “felony-packed” family and that “we all should be in prison” for their actions offers a powerful contrast to Alex’s initial romanticized view of Spencer’s world versus the brutal reality Spencer himself embodies.

Here’s how Costner’s perspective highlights a big difference between Alex and Spencer:

Kevin Costner’s Revelation: The Duttons as “Glorified Outlaws”

Kevin Costner, who played the patriarch John Dutton for five seasons, recently stated that Yellowstone was “a bit of a soap opera” and that the Duttons were essentially a family of criminals. “I mean, we all should be in prison,” he quipped, referencing the land wars, train station murders, political manipulations, and various violent acts committed by the family to protect their ranch. This revelation strips away some of the heroic sheen and points to the raw, often unlawful, means by which the Duttons maintain power.

The Contrast in 1923: Alex’s Romantic Idealism vs. Spencer’s Brutal Reality

1. Alexandra’s Romantic Idealism:

   • The Allure of the Wild West: Alex, a wealthy English socialite, is initially drawn to Spencer’s ruggedness, his adventurous spirit, and the untamed wildness he represents. She abandons her arranged marriage and privileged life for the allure of a grand, romantic adventure with a dashing, dangerous man.
   • The Veil of Ignorance: Her initial understanding of the Dutton world is one of freedom, passion, and defying societal norms. She sees Spencer as a heroic figure, a lion-hunter, a man fighting for survival, but she doesn’t fully grasp the inherent lawlessness, the systemic violence, and the moral compromises that define the Dutton fight for land. She’s falling in love with a romanticized version of the Western hero, not fully comprehending the “felony-packed” reality that Costner so bluntly describes. Her world was one of etiquette and societal rules, far removed from the brutal justice of the Duttons.
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2. Spencer Dutton’s Embodiment of the Dutton Code:

   • The Burden of Inheritance: Unlike Alex, Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) deeply understands the Dutton legacy, not just as a birthright but as a burden. He has lived the trauma of the previous generation (1883), experienced the horrors of World War I, and carries the innate Dutton predisposition for violence. He understands that protecting the ranch and their way of life requires brutal, often extralegal, actions.
   • The “Jail Time” Justification: Spencer frequently finds himself in situations where he must kill or gravely injure others to survive or protect himself and Alex. His actions, while self-preservation, mirror the “train station” mentality of future Duttons. He embodies the very “felony-packed” nature that Costner attributes to the family. His decision to return to Montana isn’t for romance or adventure, but a grim duty to engage in a fight that demands morally ambiguous choices. He is the instrument of that violent protection.

The Core Difference Illuminated:

Costner’s revelation highlights that the Duttons are not just homesteaders defending their land; they are fundamentally a family that operates outside (or above) the law when necessary, using violence, intimidation, and morally questionable means to achieve their ends.

• Alex begins her journey oblivious to this harsh reality, viewing Spencer and his world through a romanticized lens. Her challenge will be to reconcile her love for Spencer with the dark, criminal side of his family’s legacy. Will she be able to live with the “jail time” mentality?
• Spencer, on the other hand, is the “jail time” mentality personified. He doesn’t shy away from the brutality; he embraces it as a necessary evil for survival. He knows the cost of being a Dutton, and his love for Alex is constantly weighed against the demands of his violent heritage.

Thus, Costner’s blunt assessment of the Yellowstone Duttons perfectly sets up the inevitable clash between Alex’s idealized vision and Spencer’s grim reality, revealing a fundamental difference in their understanding of the very world they are about to inhabit.