1923 star Brian Geraghty explains how Zane made his bond with the Duttons. The second Yellowstone prequel created by Taylor Sheridan premiered on Paramount+ on December 18 and follows a different generation of the Dutton family during a period of extensive hardships brought on by the turn of the century. Early in the series debut, audiences were reminded of the family portrayed in 1883 and introduced to Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren), as well as growing concerns over droughts, locust infestations, and Prohibition. Geraghty plays Zane Davis, 1923‘s version of Rip Wheeler, a ranch hand who appears loyal to the Duttons and accompanies Jacob and others on a cattle drive in the first episode.
1923 presents a number of new characters, and while audiences can assume more of Zane will be explored as the series progresses, Geraghty is sharing some insight regarding his close relationship with the Duttons. In an interview with TV Insider, the actor revealed that Zane was considered as a version of Rip. He also explained that Zane is ready to do whatever is asked of him and that Jacob and Cara can be seen as parental figures in his character’s life. He added that being a cowboy is something Zane enjoys, and it was Jacob who really provided that opportunity. Read Geraghty’s comments about Zane’s relationship with the Duttons below:
“They’re like parents to him. They’ve been great to him. Jacob helped him afford this life that he loves, which is being a cowboy. The thing about cowboys is they need to work. They love their jobs, and they love showing up to work every day. So I think that’s it. He is always doing something in action for them.”
Everything To Expect On This Season Of 1923
The Yellowstone prequel has had fans eagerly anticipating the arrival of its new cast, spearheaded by Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford. Zane does not play a big part in 1923’s premiere, but it is clear that the Duttons trust him, as Cara enlisted his help in locating her husband early on, and he was tasked by Jacob to gather the herd after they returned to the ranch. Geraghty said that he feels like “a big brother” to Jacob’s great-nephew, Jack (Darren Mann), and audiences get a glimpse of that particular relationship as well. Moving forward, as fans learn more about the Duttons’ past, Zane’s dynamic with them will likely become more apparent. Other storylines surrounding the family and the ranch include Jacob’s conflict with the sheepherders and Jack’s imminent wedding with Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph).
1923 began with Cara firing a shot at a man, and a voiceover by Elsa (Isabel May) that told viewers about what happened to her family. Elsewhere, the episode cut to Africa, where Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) was hunting wildlife, and as it continued, the question surrounding why he is there was established. Cara wrote to him, asking why he is reticent to return home, and along with his flashbacks to World War I, it’s likely more of his character will be explored. There was also the Catholic school and Teonna Rainwater’s devastating experience, where she was abused by those in charge. Her desire to leave is made clear, prompting viewers to wonder when and how that action will take place.
After its first episode, audiences have a lot to look forward to as season 1 of the prequel series progresses. The cast has teased an exciting story in 1923, and with so many intriguing characters and conflicts already put in place, it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. For Zane, it seems likely that more of his character will be developed along the way, and it is worth considering what lengths he will go to for the Duttons and their ranch.
