Taylor Sheridan Makes 1923’s Disturbing Timothy Dalton Scene Even Worse Than Landman’s Controversial Ainsley & Angela Moments

This article discusses sexual abuse and sexual assault.

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for 1923 Season 2, episode 1.The most disturbing Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton) scene in 1923 was far worse than any of the controversy Angela (Ali Larter) and Ainsley Norris (Michelle Randolph) caused in Taylor Sheridan's Landman. Angela and Ainsley were very controversial in Landman, and they drew criticism for how Taylor Sheridan writes female characters. For the first half of Landman season 1, Angela and Ainsley were concerned with little else besides finding men to have sex with, even though Ainsley was only 17 and many of the adult men in her life would ogle her skimpy clothing. Unfortunately, 1923 season 2 found a way to get so much worse.

There are plenty of strong female characters in the cast of 1923 and the rest of Taylor Sheridan's shows, including Landman. For example, Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren) is usually the most powerful character on screen, and Angela and Ainsley went through a metamorphosis in Landman season 1. Sheridan has no problem with depicting strong and independent women, but 1923 season 2 just proved that not all of his female characters get the same treatment. One duo in particular suffered tremendously at the hands of Donald Whitfield, and they're far more disturbing than Angela and Ainsley ever were.

Timothy Dalton’s 1923 Scenes Are Much Worse Than Landman’s Ainsley & Angela Controversy

Whitfield's Torture Of Christy Is Disturbing & Significantly More Unsettling Than Landman's Treatment Of Women

In the premiere of 1923 season 2, the show revealed that Donald Whitfield still had the two sex workers, Christy (Cailyn Rice) and Lindy (Madison Elise Rogers) in his house. Whitfield had hired them after Banner Creighton (Jerome Flynn) was arrested in 1923 season 1, but he quickly revealed that he wanted the women to inflict physical pain on each other. Now, in 1923 season 2, Whitfield is keeping Christy tied up in a closet and having Lindy routinely take her out to torture and rape her. Whitfield dehumanized Christy even further by referring to her as a "doll" to take out and "play" with.

1923 is treating some of its female characters in a much more unsettling and deeply disturbing way than Landman ever dared to.

Whitfield's entire story with Christy and Lindy is depraved, obscene, and far worse than the controversy Angela and Ainsley sparked in Landman. Angela and Ainsley were controversial for being over-sexualized but still autonomous women, and they had a significant amount of character development by the ending of Landman season 1. Christy and Lindy, however, are basically just tools to show how vile Whitfield is, and almost all of their screen time is dedicated to depicting graphic sexual assault. 1923 is treating some of its female characters in a much more unsettling and deeply disturbing way than Landman ever dared to.

What Donald Whitfield’s 1923 Scenes Reveal About Timothy Dalton’s Villain

Whitfield Enjoys Power & Cruelty For Their Own Sake

Timothy Dalton looking surprised in 1923

The whole reason 1923 is depicting such skin-crawling and graphic sexual violence against women is so that it can reveal more of the layers that make up Donald Whitfield's villainy. When he first started abusing them, Christy and Lindy were regular women trying to make a living as sex workers. By having Lindy whip Christy, however, Whitfield got what he really wanted: to see someone gain power and derive satisfaction from using it. Now, 1923 season 2 is showing that Whitfield likes to torture Christy simply because he likes cruelty. Whitfield just delights in Christy's pain and Lindy's corruption.

1923 cast villain — 1923 Timothy Dalton Helen Mirren

Is Timothy Dalton 1923's Main Villain?

Timothy Dalton's familiarity with villains and their grand plans will be tested with his 1923 character, the wealthy and powerful Donald Whitfield.

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Whitfield already admitted in 1923 season 1 that he isn't trying to destroy the Duttons to make some money off their land, as he already has a fortune so large that his grandchildren won't be able to spend it. He even said he was taking the land simply because he could. Instead, Whitfield is attacking the Duttons out of a sense of pure cruelty and lust for power, which Christy and Lindy illustrate. The money that mining the Yellowstone ranch would earn him is completely secondary: Whitfield just wants to see it all burn. He's a truly despicable villain for 1923 season 2 to deal with.