Reservation Dogs is a trailblazing comedy series. This pioneering American series has become the first show to feature the writers, directors, actors and technicians from the Indigenous Native community. The show creators are Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi. And they belong to the indigenous native communities of the USA and New Zealand, respectively.
In fact, most of the cast and the production team of this show trace their roots to the indigenous North American communities. No wonder, its original script packages many contemporary Indigenous folks’ issues smartly in its thought-provoking and eye-opening tale.
This Native American Series Is A Trailblazing Comedy
Spoiler-Free Review: Reservation Dogs (Seasons 1 & 2) Series
Focus on the meaning of the “Reservation” in the context of the USA
Firstly, please allow us to explain the concept of the “Reservation” word being used in the United States of America.
In this series title, the word “Reservation” means the geographical area populated by the Indigenous Native Americans. We have used the excerpts from the external source to help you understand the meaning of this concept from the United States of America (USA).
The “reservation” name comes from the belief that (indigenous) tribes were independent sovereigns at the time the U.S. Constitution was ratified. Early treaties for land also designated parcels which the tribes, as sovereigns–a term used to describe the concept of Indian nations’ right to govern themselves– “reserved” for themselves. Those parcels came to be called “reservations.” The term remained in use even after the federal government began to forcibly relocate tribes.
Today, tribes possess tribal sovereignty, even though it is limited by federal and state/local law. Laws on tribal lands vary from the surrounding area. The tribal council, not the local or federal government, generally has jurisdiction over reservations. Different reservations have different systems of government. Thus, a reservation is an area of land managed by a Native American tribe under the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.
There are approximately 310 Indian reservations in the USA, although there are more than 550 federally recognised tribes. This is because some tribes have more than one reservation, some share reservations, while others have none, often due to a lack of federal recognition.
The US Dakota War of 1862
The official synopsis of the series
| Season (S1/2021) Series | It is a half-hour comedy that follows the exploits of 4 Indigenous teenagers (Elora Danan, Bear Smallhill, Cheese and Willie Jack) in rural eastern Oklahoma who steal, rob and save to get to the exotic, mysterious and faraway land of California. The show’s first-of-its-kind Indigenous creative team invites audiences into a surprisingly familiar and funny world. |
| Season (S2/2022) Series | So, this series is about 4 Native American teenagers growing up on a reservation in Oklahoma. And, in the second season, quite a few new developments in the lives of the Rez Dogs take place. Elora and Jackie undertake a road trip. Bear gets a job. With a letter from Daniel, Willie Jack seeks guidance from the past. The Rez Dogs go on a journey for Daniel. Cheese does time. Lastly, let us not forget a heart-touching episode, when the Native village comes together to send Mabel on her journey. |
Now, let us get to learn about the 4 members of the Rez Dogs Group
Let us start by focusing on the key members of the so-called Rez Dogs group of 5 youngsters. The following information is as per the details shared by its team.
| #1 Elora Danan (Devery Jacobs) | She is the true leader of the group. But she’s so focused on getting to California, and so oblivious to her power, that she often can’t see the beauty and goodness in herself and all around her. |
| #2 Bear Smallhill (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai) | He is destined to be a warrior and a leader. The only problem is he’s not a good fighter, and the gang doesn’t consider him the leader. But with the guidance of a questionable spirit guide, he just might get there. |
| #3 Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis) | The street-smart tough girl is the beating heart of the group. She’s always looking out for her crew and friends. |
| #4 Cheese (Lane Factor) | He is the gentle, quiet ride-or-die who is so willing to go along with the group that he never stops to consider what his dreams might be. |
A year ago, Daniel (we only hear about his tales from his family and friends), the fifth member of the Rez Dogs, died. Struggling to make sense of the loss, the remaining four blame their boring, small town and its ability to crush the spirit.
So, the four surviving team members of the said group decide to honour Daniel by adopting his dream of getting to California as their own.
The series is like a breath of fresh air
When we first saw this series during the coronavirus pandemic period, we were bowled over by its simple yet oddly funny show about Native American youngsters. It was unlike any other comedy-drama show that originated in the United States. Like a breath of fresh air, it hits you with tales about life in reservations. It is not surprising that the dreams and aspirations of the Rez kids are at a crossroads again. The same fact is true for the older generation of the Native American population too.
It raises the Indigenous communities’ issues in the USA
Should they move on and away from their past (and native lands), that is one of the questions. Should they hold onto their unique beliefs, customs, culture, rituals, traditions, and heritage?
In other words, this show also touches upon the common historical backgrounds, challenges, problems, and dilemmas that the people from Indigenous communities face, not only in America but around the world in different nations.
The conclusion
Its unique and fresh storyline is a bonus. Both the co-creators and the writers have done a tremendous job in this show. Not to forget its immensely talented Native American cast members, who have brought alive its story with their heartfelt and touching acting jobs. This show is a great watch with only a half-an-hour-long episode, a perfect watch.
Ratings: Reservation Dogs (Seasons 1 & 2) Series
| Seasons | FM Ratings |
|---|---|
| Season (S1/2021) One | 4.15/5 |
| Season (S2/2022) Two | 4.25/5 |
Please note that we have yet to watch its third season (S3), as it is still streaming right now, we shall share our review after watching its finale. So, check the updated news at the end of this article.
Posters: Reservation Dogs (Seasons 1 & 2) Series
Key Details: Reservation Dogs (Seasons 1 & 2) Series
| Genre | Comedy, Drama |
| Language | English (USA) |
| Released | August 2021 |
| Seasons | Three |
| Episodes | First (S1) Season – Eight (8) Episodes – August/September 2021 Second (S2) Season – Ten (10) Episodes – August/September 2022 Third (S3) Season – Six (6) Episodes – August 2023 (the episodes of the season three have started airing this month) |
| Creators | Sterlin Harjo & Taika Waititi |
| Cast | D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Devery Jacobs, Lane Factor, Paulina Alexis, Elva Guerra, Zahn McClarnon, Sarah Podemski, Dallas Goldtooth, Jana Schmieding, etc. |
| Awards | Peabody Awards – 2022 Winner – Entertainment Golden Globe, USA – 2022 Nominee – Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy Critics Choice Award – 2022 Nominee – Best Comedy Series Peabody Awards – 2023 Nominee – Entertainment |
| Network | Hulu |
Trailer: Reservation Dogs (Season 1/2021) Series
Spoiler Alert: 8 Episodes Summary of the Reservation Dogs (Season 1/2021) Series
A peek into the 8 Episodes in Season 1 of the show
F*ckin’ Rez Dogs (S1, E1)
One year after the death of their friend, four Native teens commit crimes to fund their efforts to leave their home in rural Oklahoma.
NDN Clinic (S1, E2)
A new crew threatens the Reservation Dogs while they try and make some money selling meat pies outside the local IHS Clinic.
In the United States, NDN is sometimes used by Native Americans to refer to themselves. The Indian Health Service (IHS) is an operating division (OPDIV) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Uncle Brownie (S1, E3)
With a new rivalry crew threatening the Rez Dogs, Elora seeks out her Uncle to help them learn how to fight.
What About Your Dad (S1, E4)
The town gets ready for Bear’s rapper father to come into town and perform at the local IHS conference.
Come and Get Your Love (S1, E5)
Cheese goes on a ride along with Big.
Hunting (S1, E6)
Willie Jack and Leon go hunting.
California Dreamin’ (S1, E7)
Elora Danan takes her driver’s test.
Satvrday (S1, E8)
The Reservation Dogs try their hand at being vigilantes as a tornado rolls into town.
Trailer: Reservation Dogs (Season 2/2022) Series
Spoiler Alert: 10 Episodes Summary of the Reservation Dogs (Season 2/2022) Series
A peek into the 10 Episodes in Season 2 of the show
The Curse (S2, E1)
As the town recovers from the tornado aftermath, Willie Jack tries to reverse a curse.
Run (S2, E2)
Elora and Jackie’s road trip takes a turn for the worst.
Roofing (S2, E3)
Bear gets a job.
Mabel (S2, E4)
The village comes together to send Mabel on her journey.
Wide Net (S2, E5)
The Aunties let loose while at their yearly IHS conference.
Decolonativization (S2, E6)
Two influencers attempt to bring the younger generation together at the NARDS Youth Summit.
Decolonization (Decolonisation): It is the process by which a colony gains independence from its colonising power, leading to political and economic sovereignty for the former colony.
Nativization (Nativisation): It is the process of a language being adapted to become the native language of a place or people, or a transplanted language becoming native to a new community.
Stay Gold Cheesy Boy (S2, E7)
Cheese does time.
This Is Where the Plot Thickens (S2, E8)
Big takes a trip down memory lane.
Offerings (S2, E9)
With a letter from Daniel, Willie Jack seeks guidance from the past.
I Still Believe (S2, E10)
The Rez Dogs go on a journey for Daniel.
The upcoming Third & Final Season of the Reservation Dogs series is going to be aired in August-September 2023.
Poster & Synopsis: Reservation Dogs (Season 3/2023) Series
In the third and final season, the Rez Dogs find themselves stranded in Cali and have to figure out their way back home. So, season three is full of road trips, bathroom wisdom, unexpected fathers, boarding schools, Bigfoot, rumours, revenge and healing.
Teaser: Reservation Dogs (Season 3/2023) Series
YouTube Video Link: when its young actors talked about Rez Kids, Native humour & other stuff in The Tonight Show {3 lead cast members of this show attended a talk show to discuss their auditioning, playing characters that are similar to themselves and sharing Native humour}
Article Updated: Now, read our FM Review of the Reservation Dogs (Season 3/2023) Series in our Focus Magazine. Lastly, if you like the Native American series, then perhaps you can read our article about season one of the Dark Winds show in our Focus Magazine.
Featured & Other Images: Reservation Dogs | Hulu & FX.