Rez Dogs: Season 2
Created by: Sterlin Harjo & Taika Waititi
I continue to love that this series is just an honest (as far as I know 👀) glimpse into life on the rez.
It's what drew my attention to it in the first place and it continues to allure me. One of my "biases" (though in this case, maybe "passions" is more accurate) is learning about Indigenous culture, traditions, and issues. This show has certainly delivered, especially in terms of simple depiction of life on a reservation.
One thing I was a little disappointed about was how the season's premiere episode seem to package up their whole trip to California into itself. The entire first season had been spent preparing the gang for the trip, both mentally and financially, and the concept of the trip was a large motivating force that kept them going and together. So when half the group dropped out and the remaining two who went didn't even make it all the way and then turned back immediately, I felt very disappointed. I had been excited to see their group's dynamic change fundamentally in California and how they adapted to this; I had also been interested in how it honored the memory of their friend. Thankfully, the season's finale made up for this fully.
I really enjoyed that this season gave a lot of focus to both minor characters and individual characters. An entire episode was spent exploring the "aunties" of the kids, giving them an adventure to a local convention where they could really be themselves, exploring their quirks, their weirdness, and their raunchiness. Other episodes focus entirely on Cheese as he's wrongfully sent to a home for troubled youth, and another on Willie Jack visiting her aunt in prison. These episodes are afforded by the previous season giving us essential groundwork for all the characters and a higher episode count this season allowing more room for exploration.
Another thing I really liked was the increased presence of Indigenous spirituality. The first season had a bit of it, especially in the presence of the one ancestral "spirit" (Dallas Goldtooth) who recurringly (into this season, too) appears to Bear with a quirky combination of awkwardness and advice. Another spirit (Tafv Sampson) appeared to Willie Jack this season as well, guiding her into prayer and proper connection with her ancestors. Other minor spirits appear as well, including ones that guide Willie Jack and a deceased relative after the ceremony for their death.
In general, I think what has led to this series' success (including my own enjoyment) is how it balances humor and serious issues. The show bills itself as a comedy, which is fully accurate, poking fun at cultural norms on the rez the quirky ways they make things work. Part of that is dark humor, pulling no punches on how bleak things can get. But much of the tone is also serious, taking unflinching looks death and its repercussions, at broken families, and at breaking and mending friendships.
Bear and Willie trying to figure out their friendships
One of the most emotionally charged and genuine scenes of the series was one I alluded to in my first paragraph: this season's finale episode. The gang finally repairs enough to take their promised trip to California, for real this time. The trip was intended in memory of their late friend Daniel, who had always wanted to see the ocean. In one of the show's final moments, they hold a letter from Daniel that he wrote to himself and wade into the ocean together, holding each other and remembering him. In that moment we see Daniel's spirit join them, holding them as part of their group as they wade the shallows. It's incredibly moving, touching, and genuine.
Even though I'm not into comedies, this show has got my attention with its authenticity in terms of friendship and Indigenous spirituality and culture.
Comments
Post a Comment