Teonna Rainwater’s journey in 1923 is one of the most harrowing and emotional arcs on television today, and Aminah Nieves understands the weight of telling her story.
TV Fanatic had the opportunity to speak with her during a recent press day.
As 1923 returns for its highly anticipated second season, Nieves sat down to reflect on Teonna’s resilience, the heartbreaking real-life loss of Cole Brings Plenty, and what’s next for her character.
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A Warrior’s Spirit
Teonna Rainwater has embodied an unbreakable spirit from the moment she was introduced. But where does that fight come from? According to Nieves, it’s simply who she is.
“I think it’s kind of instinctual. It’s ancestral,” she explained. “We are literal beings of this land. We share a DNA with this land, and in order to protect it, we must protect one another.”
For Teonna, survival isn’t just about physical endurance — it’s deeply tied to the spiritual and emotional bonds with her people and the land.
“I think it goes beyond the physical and mental, honestly,” Nieves added. “So I think she gets that from just existing.”
Honoring Cole Brings Plenty’s Legacy
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1923 Season 2 picks up where Teonna’s story left off, including her growing bond with Pete Plenty Clouds.
But for Nieves and the 1923 team, returning to set was bittersweet after the tragic passing of Cole Brings Plenty, who played Pete in the first season.
“In the beginning, it was definitely very difficult,” Nieves admitted.
“Hearing the news that I would just be picked up where I was left off… But then you kind of have to sit with yourself and sit with the reality that Coco was such a bright spirit — and he still is.”
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Brings Plenty’s impact extended far beyond the show.
“He was my brother, you know, and seeing him so excited and happy to be a part of this show and seeing the work he was doing outside of the show for Indian Country… We had to, you know. There was no other way.”
To honor Brings Plenty, Jeremy Guana will now play Pete’s role. “He came to honor Coco,” Nieves said. “That in itself is a huge, huge — it’s a lot to carry, you know, and he did a great job.”
But even in his absence, Brings Plenty’s presence was felt on set. “Coco was literally there every second,” she said. “Whispering in our ears… I felt him kind of reverberating outside of my body. He was there making sure that we knew it was okay.”
A New Journey for Teonna
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After enduring unimaginable pain in 1923 Season 1, Teonna’s journey takes a turn toward hope.
Beginning in the second season, Teonna has a happy arc, which is refreshing, given what she had to go through. But that doesn’t mean it will be easy.
“For the viewers — really watch this entire season. Even with Teonna’s arc in mind, just be like water,” Nieves urged. “The waves are going to crash. There will be mellow moments. Explore the journey.”
Nieves also encourages fans to be fully immersed in the experience.
“Watch the show without your phones. Be really dedicated and interested in what’s happening,” she said. “This is an incredible season, and it would be disappointing to miss anything.”
With 1923 returning, Teonna’s path forward promises to be just as powerful as the one she has already walked.
With Brings Plenty’s spirit guiding the cast, this season will honor the past while forging a new future.
Don’t miss 1923’s return on Sunday, February 23, only on Paramount+. Then, return to TV Fanatic for a review of the premiere on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET!
Watch 1923 Online
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The post Aminah Nieves on Teonna Rainwater’s Strength, Loss, and the Next Chapter in 1923 appeared first on TV Fanatic.