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1883 added Martin Sensmeier to the cast list, and the actor might look familiar to Yellowstone fans. In 1883, Sensmeier plays Sam, a Comanche man with whom Elsa Dutton falls in love. He also had a brief role in season 2 of Yellowstone. Read on to discover more about the actor, his character, and his thoughts on Sam and Elsa’s relationship.

Martin Sensmeier as Sam and Isabel May as Elsa of the Paramount+ original series 1883. Sam and Elsa sit beside each other on the ground.
Martin Sensmeier as Sam and Isabel May as Elsa of the Paramount+ original series ‘1883’ | Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Martin Sensmeier appears in ‘Yellowstone’ and ‘1883’

1883 fans probably recognized Martin Sensmeier from Taylor Sheridan’s other TV series, Yellowstone. Sensmeier portrayed a physical therapist helping Monica recover from her head injury in Yellowstone Season 2. Monica is (temporarily) separated from Kayce at the time and she and Martin become somewhat intimate. However, Monica stops things and decides to go back to Kayce.

In 1883, Sensmeier portrays Sam, a Comanche man who helps Shea Brennan and his group during their journey. “When I look at Sam, my character, I’m not representing the Comanche people as much as I’m representing a Comanche character,” Sensmeier said in a video on the 1883 official Twitter page.

“And this character has his own set of rules. I think the most important thing to Sam is his people, his land, and his culture. He lives according to his traditions. Those are the things that really give him an identity,” Sensmeier continued.

Sam enters into a romantic relationship with Elsa in ‘1883’

Sam and Elsa quickly take an interest in each other in 1883 Episode 7. They race horses across the plains and exchange gifts. Sam gives Elsa a new knife and Elsa gives Sam a lock of her hair. Elsa kisses Sam during a tornado that sweeps across the plains and their relationship quickly progresses.

“I think they forget about all their troubles when they’re around each other. It’s a moment of joy in an otherwise gloomy existence,” Sensmeier said in the video.

Martin Sensmeier as Sam of the Paramount+ original series 1883 Episode 8. Sam stands in front of a group of people on horses.
Martin Sensmeier as Sam of the Paramount+ original series ‘1883’ | Emerson Miller/Paramount+
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Elsa and Sam eventually decide that they will get married and Sam offers James a wild stallion for his daughter. Elsa agrees to continue the journey with her family to Oregon but will return to live with Sam in the spring. Sam explains to James that he can’t leave his people and his land to go with Elsa because he worked so hard to keep what they have.

“Even though Sam is in love with this woman and wants to marry her they’re also committed to their journeys. These stories, they’re beautiful because they make you reflect on your own life, your own journey,” Sensmeier said.

‘1883’ has been renewed for season 2

1883 is approaching the end of its first season, but there’s good news for fans of the show. According to Variety, the series has been renewed for additional episodes.

It only makes sense that the Yellowstone prequel will continue. After all, there are only 2 episodes left of 1883 Season 1, and the Dutton family are nowhere near their final destination. The series has yet to explain the strange opening scene which showed Elsa wearing a white dress and getting shot with an arrow. Hopefully, answers are coming soon.

New episodes of 1883 release Sundays on Paramount+.

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