Janet Montgomery joins '1923' as show tackles Winchester house legend, Winnetka elite and violent truths of 1920s America

The new episode explores myths, struggles, and high society in 1920s America with Janet Montgomery’s arrival.

This article may contain spoilers.

The latest episode of 1923, created by Taylor Sheridan, took audiences beyond Montana with a mix of historical reality and fictional drama, introducing the eerie Winchester House in California, the affluent suburb of Winnetka, Illinois, and new character Hillary, played by Janet Montgomery.

The episode delved into multiple narratives, including the continuing tension around Teonna Rainwater as Father Renaud and Marshal Kent track her down, following a betrayal by Anders.

Sheridan’s script draws chilling parallels with history, accurately portraying the brutal policies toward Native Americans in the 1920s. These included forced assimilation through Catholic boarding schools and systemic violence protected by law. “White men could murder Native Americans and face little or no consequence,” a reflection that grounds the drama in historical reality. Marshal Kent and Father Renaud are depicted committing such acts, underscoring the period's injustices.

U.S. Marshal Mamie Fossett, based on real-life female marshals, apprehends Spencer and contacts Sheriff McDowell in Montana. She references the Winchester House, built by Sarah Winchester, widow of the rifle heir. Believing she was haunted by spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles, Sarah commissioned ongoing construction from 1886 until her death in 1922. The house featured bizarre architectural elements and now operates as a tourist attraction. In a twist of irony, Helen Mirren, who plays Cara Dutton in 1923, portrayed Sarah Winchester in the 2018 film Winchester.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth endures a harrowing journey from Boston to Chicago. After being assaulted on a train, she retaliates, only to be saved from arrest by witnesses Hillary and Paul, played by Montgomery and Augustus Prew. They take her to their home in Winnetka, known for its wealth and social progressivism — a stark contrast to the American West.

New episodes of 1923 will premiere every Sunday at midnight ET exclusively on Paramount+.