Review: Reservation Dogs
by Hillary Zegzula
Among dozens of cliche network teen-flicks, Reservation Dogs stands alone as an honest depiction of teen thrills and struggles. The inclusion of Indigenous tradition and the nearly all-Indigenous cast represents a sector of American life that had previously been hidden by a white-dominated entertainment industry… and it would be an understatement to say we want more!
Starring D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai (Bear Smallhill), Devery Jacobs (Elora Danan), Paulina Alexis (Willie Jack), and Lane Factor (Cheese), Reservation Dogs throws a spin on the classic “rag-tag group of misfits trying to accomplish a goal” trope: the goal being let’s-get-the-hell-off-this-reservation, and the plan of action being theft (in exchange for money).
Aside from brief trips to the spirit world, interactions with the reservation’s not-so-intimidating tribal cop, and run-ins with a rival throng, the ‘Reservation Dogs’ explore the darker and more nuanced aspects of life on the reservation as Indigenous youth, most naturally.
The programs’ discussion of suicide, grief, poverty, and the importance of community recognizes the complexity of life and love and presents it in an easily digestible manner — in between scenes of comedic dialogue and fast-paced montages.
For audiences other than Indigenous Americans, Reservation Dogs will teach you a thing or two about Indigenous culture and the realities of life within a reservation, but don’t be fooled — the show is relatable to the average teen. Akin to the average teenage experience, Reservation Dogs includes lots of cursing, bad driving, and dumb decisions.
As The Stooges' “I Wanna Be Your Dog” narrates the pilot episode’s opening scene, you will immediately fall in love with the colorful players who navigate “the village” in the program.
