Viewers of ‘1883’ get a unique perspective on life in the 19th century American Wild West through the young and optimistic eyes of Elsa Dutton (Isabel May). As Elsa travels from Texas to Oregon with her family, she goes through many new experiences and appreciates the beauty in life. However, early on, the series also sets up a dark fate for Elsa, and that moment comes in the first season finale as Elsa tragically dies. If you’re curious how Elsa died and how the character’s death will affect actress Isabel May’s time on the show, here’s everything you need to know! SPOILERS AHEAD!
How did Elsa die?
In the opening scenes of “1883,” viewers meet Elsa Dutton for the first time as she fights against the Lakota tribe. Elsa’s ominous retelling of events hints that she perishes in the skirmish. Consequently, an impending sense of doom looms over Elsa as viewers follow her journey of self-discovery across the Great Plains. Throughout the first season, Elsa faces many dangerous situations and has a run-in with death. However, these incidents only increase her appreciation of life and its beauty. Slowly, the series builds up to the fatal battle between Elsa and the Lakota tribe.
In the ninth episode, the Lakota tribe attacks the caravan believing the group to be the killers of their family members. However, Elsa intervenes and succeeds in ending the battle. During the fight, Elsa is injured as an arrow goes through her stomach. Margaret and Wade act quickly to remove the arrow, but the arrowhead becomes infected. Thus, Elsa’s chances of survival are slim. The same is confirmed in the Season 1 finale. As a result, Elsa and her loved ones prepare to accept her fate. James decides to settle where Elsa dies. Elsa wishes to choose her resting place. Therefore, James and Elsa head to Paradise Valley in Montana, where Elsa finally breathes her last in her father’s arms. In the end, Elsa succumbs to her injury and dies. However, the final scene shows Elsa reuniting with her lover, Sam, in the afterlife.
Will Isabel May be in season 2 of 1883?
In the first-season finale of “1883,” the fate viewers feared for Elsa finally materializes when the tenacious young girl dies. Actress Isabel May tries out for the role of Elsa on the show, and her performance is one of the standout elements of the first season. Additionally, Elsa is the common thread that holds the narrative together through her interactions with her family, the cowboys, the immigrants, and the surrounding area. She is also the main narrator of the series, and Elsa’s ability to see beauty through the difficulties presented to her adds a unique flavor to the story. Therefore, it’s hard to imagine the series moving forward without May’s Elsa.
However, it looks like the show will go on and take a new direction. Paramount+, the show’s original network, recently announced that it has ordered more episodes of ‘1883. The implication is that the series has been renewed for a second season, but who forms the new chapter in the Dutton family’s lives remains to be seen. However, the first season finale is a satisfying and definitive end to Elsa’s journey. Therefore, given her character’s tragic death, it’s hard to imagine May returning to her regular role on the show for new episodes. However, viewers might see her in some flashback sequences if the creators decide to use the character in this way.
Read more: What was Fort Caspar in 1883? Is it based on a real location?
