Michelle Randolph Breaks Down Over ‘1923’ Finale—Find Out Why She ‘Cried Every Single Time’

Michelle Randolph’s emotional journey with 1923 took a deeply personal turn as she read the script for the season 2 finale, which follows the heart-wrenching events of the penultimate episode. The Yellowstone prequel series delivered an unexpected and brutal blow to fans with the shocking death of Jack Dutton (played by Darren Mann), the husband of Randolph’s character, Elizabeth Dutton. The devastating loss in the second-to-last episode left a lasting impact on both fans and cast members, with Randolph herself admitting she couldn’t hold back her tears as she read the final script.

“It was just so emotional,” Randolph, 27, told PEOPLE. “I cried every single time that I read it. You don’t get desensitized to it.” Her deep emotional reaction to the script is understandable, considering the heartbreaking loss her character must now face. Elizabeth, who is expecting a child with Jack, is suddenly thrust into the role of a young widow, and viewers will see how she copes with this unimaginable tragedy in the finale.

Randolph had already been captivated by the season 2 scripts before the finale, reading them multiple times out of sheer enjoyment. “I just actually enjoy reading it,” she said, and despite her familiarity with the story, she still felt deeply moved by the finale. “It’s so beautifully written, and it’s such a strong finale. I’m so excited for people to see it,” she added. “I can’t wait. I can’t wait to see it.”

The finale promises to be a pivotal moment for Elizabeth, with the loss of Jack leaving a profound impact not only on her but also on the Dutton family, including her great-uncle Jacob (Harrison Ford) and great-aunt Cara (Helen Mirren). The emotional stakes will be high as Elizabeth faces life without her husband and prepares to raise their child alone.

Randolph reflected on how the season mirrored her own life, particularly in how her character evolved. In season 1, Elizabeth was new to the Dutton family, unsure of her place in this tumultuous world. But in season 2, Randolph notes, “We see her find her strength. Now that she’s a Dutton, we get to see her really come into herself.” The actress found great satisfaction in playing this evolution of her character, embracing Elizabeth’s growth as she navigates the complexities of her new family life.

The loss of Jack in the penultimate episode, while devastating for Elizabeth, was equally difficult for Mann, who spoke to PEOPLE about his own feelings regarding Jack’s death. “I fell in love with playing Jack, and I always hoped that he would get his redemption and avenge his father’s death and ride away into the sunset with his lady and raise a beautiful family,” Mann said, reflecting on his character’s journey. “But that’s not how it always went, especially back then in that tough world.”

Mann, 35, also shared his thoughts on Jack’s character, explaining that he felt his character was too pure for the harsh realities of the world in which he lived. “He almost doesn’t fit into this dark world that they’re in right now,” Mann said. “He’s just such a sweet soul, he’s trusting, and he’s so face value. He takes things for what they are because that’s who he is. You wish a guy like him could love on, a nice soul like that.”

The 1923 season 2 finale, set to air on April 6, 2024, promises to be an emotional and transformative episode, not just for Elizabeth but for the entire Dutton family. Fans can expect a powerful exploration of grief, resilience, and the strength to carry on in the face of unimaginable loss as the series continues to unfold.