Julia Schlaepfer

Julia Schlaepfer plays Alexandra in 1923. Her earlier work includes Alice Charles in The Politician and a role in Charlie Says, following her training at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

Alexandra brings an energy to 1923 that is quite different from the guarded Spencer Dutton. Schlaepfer makes her direct and curious, with enough assurance to keep their conversations from becoming a matter of one person doing all the interesting work.

I like the conviction she brings to the role. The character is drawn towards a life beyond the one expected of her, and Schlaepfer makes that appetite visible in how she listens and responds. There is humour in it as well as romance.

Her pairing with Brandon Sklenar is a large part of the series' appeal. The story asks them to carry its more expansive adventure, away from the familiar business of the ranch. They make that change of setting feel like an attraction in its own right.

Read my 1923 review for more on Alexandra and the wider ensemble.