From the Permian Basin in West Texas to Paradise Valley in Montana, Landman star Michelle Randolph feels at home on a Taylor Sheridan set. In Season 2 of 1923, Randolph returns to the role that established her in the SheridanVerse as Elizabeth Dutton neé Stafford, the naive, lovestruck woman who marries Jack Dutton (Darren Mann) and inherits the family’s mess of trouble. After suffering a tragic miscarriage in the Season 1 finale, Elizabeth begins to question everything.
In Season 2, Elizabeth is struggling during the unforgiving Montana winter feeling isolated, hungry, and depressed.Things go from bad to worse when Elizabeth is attacked by a rabid wolf as she attempts to collect eggs from the Dutton’s chicken coop. Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren) immediately calls the doctor so that Elizabeth can receive rabies vaccinations—a series of painful injections to the stomach—out of an abundance of caution. Randolph recalls her initial reaction to reading the first 3 episodes scripts. “During the first read, I’m thinking, ‘my gosh, I can’t believe I have to do this,’” said Randolph. “Then after the second read I said, ‘okay, this is such a beautiful story.’”
Without her dutiful husband, Jack (who encounters a blizzard on the way back to the ranch from Bozeman), Elizabeth is left with only Cara who offers little comfort. “Elizabeth is expected to act like a woman,” notes Randolph. “Though, in those first three episodes, she really is treated like a child.” Randolph observes that it is no wonder that Elizabeth is struggling to accept her new lot in life: “There’s so much expected of her, but she’s not allowed to act on her own.”
Randolph spoke to DECIDER about Elizabeth’s journey, whether her marriage to Jack can survive, and what series creator Sheridan told her about her character at the beginning of this season.
DECIDER: Michelle, I feel so badly for Elizabeth! What is going through your mind while reading these scripts?
MICHELLE RANDOLPH: During the first read, I’m thinking, “my gosh, I can’t believe I have to do this.” [Laughs] Then after the second read I said, “okay, this is such a beautiful story.” But it was tough! I mean, there are a lot of tears in the first three episodes.
I loved the pep talk Cara gave Elizabeth, telling her,”you’re a woman now and it’s time to act like it.” Can you talk about filming that scene?
It was very powerful. There was such high energy in that scene. Elizabeth is expected to act like a woman. Though, in those first three episodes, she really is treated like a child. She loses all sense of agency and is told what to do. There is so much expected of her, but she’s not allowed to act on her own. It’s very confusing. That was interesting to play with Helen.
Does Cara’s speech change things for Elizabeth?
Cara’s putting her foot down in this scene hardens Elizabeth a bit. In the past, Elizabeth had been so hopeful, but Cara makes her see reality.
We’ve seen Elizabeth make countless sacrifices for Jack. Is Jack prepared to do what it takes to make her happy?
I think Elizabeth is wondering the same thing. She has done so much for this relationship and to be a part of his family. Now, she needs to know that he is willing to put in just as much work as her. That’s where they are at in their relationship.
Should fans have hope that Jack’s and Elizabeth’s marriage can survive the Montana winter?
I think so. I mean, their marriage has survived a lot [laughs]. They are very trauma- bonded at this point. More importantly, they genuinely love other.
What can you tease about their love story?
They are really growing up quickly this season. They are realizing that this is what they have chosen—to live together in Montana, on the ranch, and to maintain the Dutton name. They need each other.
I know Taylor is just a phone call or text away for his cast. What did he tell you about Elizabeth’s story arc this season, if anything?
Honestly, he told me: “I’m putting you through it this season. Buckle up.” [Laughs] I think that he really puts every character through something this season. It’s so hard not to give things away, but Elizabeth, if anything, is resilient.
The post ‘1923’ Star Michelle Randolph Reveals What Taylor Sheridan Told Her About Elizabeth’s Arc: “I’m Putting You Through It This Season” appeared first on Decider.
