Warning! SPOILERS For 1923 Season 2, Episode 7, “A Dream And A Memory”

Alex’s death adds to the list of shocking Dutton family deaths, and hers is one of the saddest. Alex’s ending in 1923 pretty much effectively rules out more of Spencer and Alex’s romance, which was a highlight of 1923 season 1. Taylor Sheridan has teased a continuation of Yellowstone titled 1944, which would presumably pick up amid World War II. Spencer Dutton will most likely helm the prequel, though it’s unclear if Sklenar will be considered to reprise the role. It’s more likely that Schlaepfer joins the show, and Brandon Sklenar knows just how to include Alex in 1944.

Brandon Sklenar & Julia Schlaepfer’s Alex Dutton Comeback Idea Is Crazy – But It Could Actually Work

Alex Could Come Back To Haunt Spencer In 1944

The prospect of including Alex in Sheridan’s next Yellowstone prequel might seem far-fetched after her 1923 season 2 fate, but the idea could actually work, especially as Sklenar pitched it. In an interview with ScreenRant, talking about the future of the franchise, Sklenar and Schlaepfer revealed their idea for Alex to come back as a ghost in 1944. Sklenar revealed they wanted Alex to come back and haunt Spencer. He envisioned Alexandra interacting with Spencer in “the most beautiful way,” rather than in a spooky manner. Schlaepfer was mostly on board, noting Alex would have a few pranks for Spencer:

While it may seem idealistic to bring Alex back, Sheridan has incorporated beloved Yellowstone characters after their deaths. For instance, Spencer’s sister returns to narrate 1923 after Elsa Dutton died in 1883. The screenwriter could similarly bring Alex back, emulating Elsa’s omniscient presence. Furthermore, Spencer’s wife returns in Spencer and Alex’s Titanic-style ending, proving that Alex is not confined to her 1923 timeline in the Yellowstone universe. It would be wise to bring Alex back since, similarly to Elsa, Spencer’s wife endeared herself to fans, and they didn’t want to see her story end.

Brandon Sklenar & Julia Schlaepfer Should Return In Taylor Sheridan’s 1944

Spencer And Alex’s Actors Should Return To Their Roles

If 1944 opts to include Schlaepfer as Alexandra in some way, the story could preempt Alex and Spencer’s 1923 epilogue, setting up their ethereal connection. Alex died young, at age 23, and including her in 1944 could lean into her timelessness. The supernatural element, introducing Alex as a ghost or spirit, or memory, could even be a factor in Spencer successfully running the ranch through the Great Depression, leaning on his late wife’s memory for strength. While Alex and Spencer can’t star in their own Yellowstone spinoff now, at least Alex has the possibility of transcending her awful 1923 fate.