In ‘1883’, the characters constantly grapple with one dangerous situation after another. Various characters have bitten the dust since the caravan left Texas for its long drive to Oregon. One of the deadliest threats in the American Wild West are bandits, and the last time the wagons faced them, viewers experienced the tragic death of Ennis.
Therefore, as Shea and Thomas prepare to battle another horde of outlaws in episode seven, viewers must be curious to find out if the dynamic cowboy duo survive the battle. Here’s everything you need to know about Thomas and Shea’s fate in 1883. SPOILERS AHEAD!
Does Thomas die?
In the seventh episode titled “Lightning Yellow Hair,” the caravan camps on Native American territory after Shea makes a deal with the Comanche warriors who watch over the land. However, as the wagoners prepare to continue forward, a storm looms in their path, threatening to disrupt their journey. Due to Shea and Thomas’ quick thinking, the immigrants narrowly avoid dying, but the group’s wagons and most of their supplies are destroyed.
Cookie informs Shea that a few rustlers have rounded up the group’s cattle herd to the north. Shea and Thomas team up with Elsa and James to take out the bandits. However, after arriving at the scene, the group realizes that they are outnumbered. When the bandits attack the group, Shea, James and Thomas are forced to fight back. In the shootout, Thomas is hit by a few bullets. As one hits him near the waist, the other bullet grazes his thigh. Thomas loses some blood but survives the ordeal. After all, Thomas is a badass and a Civil War veteran who is not new to such gunfights. Therefore, it’s no surprise that he came out of the battle with minimal injuries.
Does Shea die?
Since the first episode of the series, Shea Brennan (Sam Elliott) has been the leader of the caravan. The Civil War veteran is haunted by memories of his family but wants to see the Vineyard border one last time in honor of his late wife. In episode seven, Shea once again proves why he’s such a formidable force by taking on the bandits head-on. The experienced cowboy knows that the group cannot make the trip without the cattle, which is their main source of food.
During the shootout, Shea quickly strategizes and asks Thomas and James to disperse. The tactic works since the three cowboys place themselves strategically and kill some bandits. However, the group is still overwhelmed, and the arrival of Sam and Shea’s old friend Charles “Charlie” Goodnight saves the trio. Shea rushes to treat Thomas and James’ wounds. He does not realize that he was injured in the battle.
However, Shea’s injuries are the least concerning of the trio, and he walks away from the fight with a smile on his face. Killing the character at such a point in the story would have mixed up the character’s arc. Moreover, he would have left the caravan without a decisive leader. Ultimately, Shea and Thomas suffering minor injuries are a relief but could also portend more serious dangers to come in the future.
Read more: Is 1883 Doan’s Crossing a real place?
