Why Helen Mirren's 1923 Character Is One of the Most Influential Women in the Yellowstone Universe

One of the main reasons why I love Yellowstone and its various repercussions This is largely due to the fiery female characters that make them up. From Beth and Monica in the flagship series to Margaret and Elsa in 1883There are so many incredible women in these shows. However, I think the most powerful woman in this franchise is one of the stars of 1923Cara Dutton, played by Helen Mirren.

THE casting of 1923 East directed by Mirren and Harrison Fordand they play married couple Cara and Jacob Dutton. The two moved to Montana after receiving a letter from Jacob’s sister-in-law, Margaret, telling them they needed help. When they got there, she was dead and her two sons, John and Spencer, were starving. Although they technically had no children of their own, Cara and Jake raised John and Spencer as their own, and they did the same with John’s son, Jack.

On top of that, they both built and ran the Yellowstone empire, and they put their well-being on the line time and time again. Between Cara’s emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and overall strength, she is able to help this family succeed, and that’s why I find her so inspiring.

Helen Mirren as Cara holding Michelle Randolph's face as Elizabeth as they stand in the kitchen. — (Photo credit: Christopher Saunders/Paramount+)

Cara is vulnerable and emotionally intelligent, she also fully recognizes the challenges of being a woman during this time.

Being a rancher’s wife isn’t easy, and it was especially tough in the 1920s. Cara Dutton is fully aware of this and isn’t afraid to talk about it. In the first episode of 1923This is exactly what she does during a conversation with her great-nephew’s future wife, Elizabeth, when she tells her:

You’ll miss out on more than just cattle weddings, my dear. If you give birth to a calf during calving season, it’ll be a month before it sees its first child. If you give birth to a foal in the fall, it’ll be even longer. You’ll have to stand knee-deep in mud to help a sick foal. You’ll drive wagons through blizzards with hay for the cattle and hear them shout their gratitude as they approach. And you’ll be free in a way most people can’t fathom.

Is it hard living on the Yellowstone Ranch? Yes. But does Cara like it? 100%.

She is open and clear about how emotionally draining life is for this family. She writes emotional letters to Spencer telling him what is happening and how she is handling it. She is not afraid to let her concerns about her loved ones show. However, her love for them and for her work is so strong that it is contagious.

At the same time, she is acutely aware of the challenges and stereotypes she faces as an older woman without biological children. However, she embraces them head-on and doesn’t let them hold her back. This kind of story and female representation is rare and powerful.

And that emotional vulnerability is really empowering, especially because it’s juxtaposed with Cara’s tough side.

Helen Mirren sitting at a table with Robert Patrick's Sheriff McDowell sitting next to her.

(Photo credit: Christopher Saunders/Paramount+)

Cara Dutton is tough and ready to do anything to protect her loved ones

Don’t you dare underestimate Cara, because she’s not afraid to show her emotions and be vulnerable. She’s just as tough, if not tougher, than everyone else on this show.

While there are countless moments in the Western that prove this, I want to highlight one of them. In episode 4, Cara attends a meeting of the Livestock Association to represent Jake, who was injured and bedridden at the time. Once there, she absolutely commands this room full of men and has them vote on the creation of a group of police officers who can deal with the battles that are taking place between the ranches.

Then, after taking possession of this room, she leaves, and when Banner tries to call her, she spits in his face and threatens to kill him.

Overall, it’s a powerful moment that shows Cara’s confidence and willpower. Like any Dutton, she’s willing to do anything to protect her family, and that, combined with her emotional intelligence and vulnerability, is very rewarding.

I hope we get to know more about Cara’s story soon, because 1923 has been renewed for a second season.

However, while we wait to learn more about Helen Mirren’s incredible character, you can rewatch season 1 of her series with a Paramount+ Subscription. You can also see some of the other incredible women in this television universe when Yellowstone returns to the TV Schedule 2024 November 10th.