Yellowstone: Margaret & James Dutton's Death Explained! 

Were you a fan of Margaret and James? Or don’t you care about their deaths at all? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

We need closure from 1883. I watched it 3 times and have questions. How did Sam find out Elsa died? Did he find James and Margaret? What about Little John? Why was there no character development for him in 1923? No mention of anything he experienced. We need an 1884. We want to see how they built up the ranch. Heck just start from Elsa's funeral forward. You got some great writing to be had.

I wish they would of kept going with James and Margaret at least 1 more season instead of jumping 40 years they were wonderful in 1883 was great.

I think 1923 aught to do a flashback on John Dutton Sr's life. We see so very little of him yet he's so important in the Dutton family chronology.

I enjoyed this video very much. You expressed my feelings to a tee regarding elza and her parents. I was devastated when she died and was hoping there would be a second season showing her parents settling in their new place. Faith hill and Tim McGraw were amazing, but elza stole the show and I miss the character. Was thrilled to see her doing the intro into 1923.

I absolutely love all of the stories 1883, 1933 and Yellowstone Can hardly wait for the 1940 era

The tragedy at the end of 1883 with Elsa was a disappointment to say the least. The flashback to the death of James brings closure to his life but it also sets a prelude for the death of Margaret. A death that was entirely possible considering the time and location of the ranch. Yes I am a big fan of James, Margaret, & Elsa in 1883, which was a spectacular beginning series.

You hit the nail on its head. We needed closure…I didn’t want to hear about it like they were friends of friends of friends, I don’t care or know nothing about!! I feel slighted and believe we should’ve gotten 2 more seasons out of 1883.

Ok am I the only one wondering what characteristics about Elsa that people are criticizing her for. I think she’s such a cool character and I don’t know what anyone would be against her.

Totally agree. I wish we could have seen more. Ugh left us hanging. Loved Margaret and James. Hated the ending.

Actually I appreciate all these postings regarding these things we may have missed on the actual programs. I have actually rewatched a few episodes because I definitely had missed some of those explanations that were done if I really had paid attention. These postings have definitely made the history sequence easier to understand and follow along for the future episodes.

I felt like I would have preferred to see Margaret’s ending because she was a fighter.

The only proper death for Margaret was fighting a Grizzly to defend her children. Nah...that doesn't seem plausible. Make it two Grizzlies.

I would have loved to see another season of 1883. Such powerful lives. But the conditions in making the series were very hard on the actors.

That's what I love about the Yellowstone Universe is it's gritty, grounded, and gut wrenching reality.

I really loved the entire story line of 1883. I loved knowing how the Duttons came to settle in Montana Yelliwstone. James died as result of a lethal gunshot wound not sure how Margaret passed. The brilliance of Tyler Sheridan's ability to take his audience in another place in another time is captivating. 1923 is just as amazing and Yellowstone well that just tells all of what he put so flawlessly together... I love the Prequels to Yellowstone 1883 and 1923 and I love Yellowstone as fiercely as I would like to have the Duttons prevail as they always do... the fight and the struggle they have everyday to make that happen. It reminds me how everyone no matter their station in life is all about surviving in the midst of their struggles. Tyler Sheridan makes those stories with interesting with twists and dialogues and that magic is introduced to the screen. ❤❤❤

I love the entire series behind Yellowstone. James and Margaret were my two favorite Duttons. I would have loved to have seen more, but once tpb red about Elsa's death, they decided there would be no S2. I'm actually anxious to find out just who is John Dutton III's grandfather. 😆

Huge fan of Yellowstone series..wished though 1923 explained more clearly but this video helped me understand and understand the family line ..Thanks

I feel the demise of James and Margaret were in theme with the show and realism. In life we don't get answers, we get a phone call and bad news. That's what the first few minutes of 1923 felt like; a family member calling and telling us that James succumbed to his wounds, and Margaret froze to death. It is sad, but it was a great way to start this show. We end up caring about Jacob before we even meet him because we know he traveled across the country, found his 2 nephews starving and cold with his sister-in-law dead, and raised them as his own. I can't wait for 1944, season 6 of Yellowstone, and 2024.

The longer you watch 1923 and Yellowstone things are explained and connected. Just be patient it's coming. I love all the series.

That would have been great to have an 1883 part 2.

For me 1883 was more on the edge of your seat exciting . The characters more powerful with more going on . 1923 seems dragging on and not nearly as gripping . Would’ve enjoyed to see the show continue with Margaret and John … I was saddened and shocked at Elsa’s death … what a great character.

I wanted more from them!!!! Strong and determined...

The actor who plays Spencer even favors Tim McGraw

I’m glad I’m not the only one that has some narrative struggles with 1923. My only connection is to Spencer and his girl. I do not feel anything for the ranch problems. 1883 the bad guy (so to speak) was the journey. The harsh terrain. The trail. It was spiritual in so many ways. This feels like a bad guy that is not near as threatening. And since was such a large time jump and new characters, with no conclusion, it’s challenging to connect. For me. I know many like it. But I preferred the struggle against the land and fight for dreams. And we didn’t get to see that move forward.

For me their deaths were shocking. I agree their deaths were realistic, the frontier life was extremely hard and very unforgiving. Starving to death was a real possibility especially in a place like Montana.

The way they died is my least favorite part about the story. Surviving everything that happened in 1883 and to die like they did was ridiculous

1883 is, in the words of Sam Elliott "...strong enough to stand on it's own."

1883 could certainly have had a 2nd season and then ended.. That 40 year gap will leave TONS of questions other than just the family tree....

Well so nice to know you concluded they are all up in heaven with Obi Wan, Anakin and Mufasa.

I love 1923 but it was a mistake to kill off James and Margaret Dutton. They were the two connections to 1883, and it would have benefitted this sequel series if Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren were cast as the elderly couple instead of a separate branch of the family that we never knew about.

I loved 1883. Have now watched it three times. It's good to have some questions answered but what about the two boys who survived the freezing weather and being hungry - who raised them? There is at least a few episodes right there. I'm really enjoying all things Yellowstone but feel there isn't always the best of explanations for what is happening. Cheers.

I wonder if when Kasey and Monica go to East camp we find out that it was the original homestead maybe Elsa's journal or something that explains that James promised to give the land back to the natives in 7 generations. Just a thought

They could’ve made a series out of 1883. But I think we endured enough through the tragedy of 1883, without having to watch them really struggle and then die. Both of their ends seem like a very likely scenario to happen.

loved the show,wish that there could have been more. Yellowstone fan. waiting for the rest of the story to continue.

I think Margaret dying from hypothermia is silly. She was an avid outdoors woman. It's hard to believe she wouldn't be able to start a fire to keep herself warm.

Very disappointed that the show didn’t go on before starting the second one.

I loved all of them I was angry that Margaret caused Elsa's death by making her stay and put on a dress. I mourned for days at Elsa's death . As for James and Margaret everyone dies. Love the writing. Such poetry

We do need a Yellowstone 1884, tell about James and Margaret, their son John, their ranch they started Elsa’s gravesite, we need more, it was beautiful but we need closure

I don't get the comment on Elsa and folks turning on her character. I thought for the times, nothing was wrong with her accent as her mother wanted her to be refined but she wanted to be like her dad. I also thought that Taylor's writing and Elsa's on screen presence and reactions was spot on for a young child with nothing around them where they once lived to suddenly be thrown into and excited about the adventure in front of them. All while being naive enough to not really know the dangers that lie ahead of them on this journey. It's a life lesson to all young folks. What may be your journey and end game to arrive at the end of your version of success, not always comes as easy as your mind portrays, or as fun as the path may seem. I thought she put that on full display. As far as the actors who played Elsa, James, Margaret, Shea, Thomas, Claire, Sam, Josef, Wade, Grady, Ennis, Jim Courtright, amongst others all killed it. They were great. My true feeling when the last episode finished was , oh no, what a waste. Instead of a 10 episode series , Taylor you had so much more there to tell, so many great characters that didn't get to see the light of day past 10 episodes. It was so disappointing, but if the goal was to leave you wanting more, mission accomplished. Every episode of 1923 so far has been written like the last episode of 1883, leaving you crazy until the next week with access to more of the story. So yes as far as the question of the 1883 characters, yes they matter, they deserve a little bit more, and Isabel May, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sam Elliott all of them killed it. Would love to see a fill in series with the folks who can return from 1883 to the storyline in some manner. And I know he catches hell on the internet today with all kinds of conspiracy theories and craziness, but It did stun me when Tom Hanks walked up to James while sitting in that civil war battlefield. That was well timed, well placed, well written. Bring us some more of this with 1923, The 6666's, Yellowstone and some more 1883 if only a two or three part, over three nights series release or something. I like the King of Tulsa as well. Stallone fits like a glove.Looking forward to another season of that as well.

Elsa and Sam were my favorites….and James and Margaret were wonderful

If anyone person didn't like Elsa they need a head Dr she was great great story everything

I was expecting to witness them actually building the ranch from scratch. 1883 ended awfully

I loved all the characters, They all, were fabulous, especially Elsa.

Between the long breaks in episodes of 1923… the huge gap between the ending of 1883 and this and then the break in between the new season of YellowStone. This entire thing has everyone going WTF Taylor Sheridan!!!

Best series ever!

I always assumed 1883 would have more seasons. Doesn't make sense for it not to be. That we aren't getting them isn't just sad, it doesn't make sense. All we got to see were the first ranching Duttons reach the land that would be the Yellowstone, then the show just ends. All we see are cut up flashbacks ten years after that that don't have any relevance beyond showing us what leads to James dying, which I don't think anyone believed was his actual death at the time. How it was all executed just feels rushed, sloppy and ill written. There should be more to the story that we get than hearing about all these events off screen, as it would have been captivating to watch them unfold. But instead we just learn that it took only a decade for James's plan for the family to fall apart, kill him and his wife, and leave their children for dead if they hadn't been rescued. Fitting for the harsh times, sure, but narratively underwhelming.

Now we know how they died and understand Spencer more he came after they arrived in Montana great video

Thank you for clearing that up

I wish that things were a little bit easier to follow from one series to the next. I get that the flash backs in Yellowstone are the fillers from 1883 to 1923 but they are hard to remember about them.

To me Margeret Dutton ( played by Faith Hill) was the real star or 1883. Why she was not at least nominated for an Emmy award is a crime. But then I think, she was playing the wife of a guy that she has been actually married to for 30 years. So was she really acting or just playing herself. BUT it was a strong enough performance to make me watch out for whatever she is in next. I just pray she pick a good role in a good film. Because there is no amount of acting talent that can overcome: # 1 A bad script. # 2 A bad director. or..... #3 Just a bad project overall.

Thanks for the explanation tuff to figure out

We can't get enough, however we need more flashbacks from upcoming seasons. Call up Tim n Faith cuz we aint done yet.. And Kevin,, stay put!

The point is not the specific characters but the family and what they have given to the land in blood, sweat and tears.

Fan Margaret and James in 1883 I like them very well they were good characters with sad how they died

I would have like them to start off when the Duttons settle 👍👍

Shocking blow to our faces. Dude, it's just a character on a tv show.

YES WE NEED CLOSURE AND MORE ON 1883. WE. WERE. LEFT. HANGING

I think a second season to 1883 would have been great , given that the first ( and only ) season was their trip into Montana I think a second season would have give a lot more context to the Remaining Duton and the Ranch itself ... The season has it was made 1883 is the best among all They made so far but the Gap between 1883 and 1923 only happens cause they didn't do a second 1883 season to end it well explained ! 1923 is great as well but the Duton adventure into America starts in 1883 and those days were a lot worse and required a lot more personality and perseverance ... I don't agree with 1883 ending cause it only leaves doubts and that empty void of unexplained stuff cause it was ended in a rush !

Yes I was of both... I loved the movie n where it takes place n the Era.... I hated that their daughter Elsa had to die so young.... I wish that some way they would make part 2 n that Elsa had survived with her Indian husband n parents would still b alive too....

I was disappointed with the lack of wagon burning. We Indians need something to cheer for.

Liked James more then Margaret. It was obvious James died by the thump, and Margaret screaming, in that flashback.

Ain’t nothin wrong with Elsa’s accent. As a Southerner I cringe every time I hear a bad Southern accent. Hers was pretty accurate. And I loved her character. She was so strong and brave and adventurous

I fecking hated the way 1883 ended. SMH!

This Yellowstone thing has gotten so messed up it´s become impossible to follow.

Iam a fan of James dutton only and a fan of Tim McGraw !

Because it's a soap opera, sad times will always overshadow happy times.

Life is not a song Not everyone gets closure

I like James and Margaret 1883 are great in the story

1923 is the best in my opinion.

1883 was the best part of the Yellowstone story 1923 is really gonna have to push it to catch up. James and Margret were awesome and cara is but Harrison ford's character just isn't getting it done and now John is gone maybe Spencer will live up to the Dutton personality

I love this show

Answering questions from 1883 and 1923 should be in Yellowstone.

I have been watching 1923 and I thought the older lady was Margaret ( Faith Hill's character) so now I,m confused. Who is the older lady?

Sadly they keep changing networks.

Would definitely like to know

I loved every bit of Elsa’s character.People didn’t like her?WTH.

can you guys load up 3 minute clips,many key episodes get it across without narration

James Dutton would make a great John Dutton if he is leaving the show

Remember James said know they won't service when he gets home and his wife sees the blood I thought that straight away myself because James was a real bad ass actor and took no shit from anyone so yes we all need 1884 , like yesterday not tomorrow if you know what I mean.. can't get enough of the yellow stone universe and I need more because it's brilliant and it's actors are really good.🤠🇮🇪🐴🐂🐴🐂💯🤠🇮🇪

I’m hooked

I don’t understand the need to of had them die off. Haven’t seen anything in 1923 story that couldn’t have it just be an elder John and Margaret.

Outraged and sad? well I guess that is one way of putting it.

Sam Eliot, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill made 1883 the best one. They deserve Emmys. Wish there had been a continuation of 1883. It’s the series with the best story and what all others are based on. This may be an unpopular opinion but I could have done w/o Elsa’s narration. It was unnecessary and distracting. Also Elsa’s character was well written but poorly executed. Her acting was amateur.

Spencer is truly his father's son

Elsa is difficult to understand. She needs speech development techniques for actors.

The character they did the dirtiest was James' son John. Barely saw him 1923 then he was dead.

I wished Elsa Didn't die. There was whole story that was left unsaid. The same with all the other cast members. There stories were abruptly ended. I do t think the ending of 1883 was written very well. Just like the last season of Game of Thrones..

Yeah how about a happy ending for a change? Sooo dark! I am done with paramount +! Taylor Sheridan needs to get Costner back and complete the series with him living and straightening out his mess of a family!

I was over 1883 by the end

I'm here aren't I?

If Maconaugy in 1944 is Spencer’s son, then Elsa lied in the beginning of the first episode of 1923 when she said only one of James & Margaret’s kids had children of their own. We already knew John had Jack so if Spencer has a kid she’s a liar.

We need 1883 season 2

I didn't like the gap and can't connect with the 1923

Their deaths were cheap, poorly written, easy cost cutting and just lazy. After 1883's fine performance the story is tarnished by not connecting vision with the heart. Elsa's voice should have been added to the next person to take over telling the story of the family.

I thought Margaret died by Bears it was on her headstone on Yellowstone season 5 when the hippie girl was walking checking out the graves

While this is good it will never be as good, as phenomenal as 1883.. So many more stories could have from 1883..

Yes like to kn what happen

Margaret Dutton reminds me Sadie Adler in RDR2

If there is an exposed rock, someone's head will find it. Does that help explain some of the deaths?