The second season of critically acclaimed coming-of-age series “Reservation Dogs” picks up from where the first season left off, with Elora and Jackie (aka the perceived bad girl on the Rez) skipping town to pursue their Californian dreams. However, this unannounced and ultimately unsuccessful venture with her new friend only leads to Elora drifting far apart from her long-term pals- Bear, Cheese, and Willie Jack. Bear’s personal battle with his faux machismo only worsens matters between him and Elora, especially when she returns unexpectedly to make amends. With Willie Jack and rival Jackie also not seeing eye to eye, all hope of a reunion seems lost. Fortunately, when all else fails, the community (as well as one quirky spirit guide and a bad-ass deer lady) provides.
Just like Season 1, there’s a refreshing blend of humour and seriousness packed into this show’s penultimate season, too. There’s also a whole lot of new life lessons to look forward to, as our main characters find their place within the community and attempt to rebuild trust among their kin. Another highlight of the Season 2 is the emphasis that’s placed on the adults and elders living on the Rez —or even on its outskirts. This is particularly true with older characters who might have been sidelined in the first season and who are burdened by their own set of problems.
New, Likable Characters Adorn Season 2
The introduction of some new and likable (but short-lived) characters allows for the exploration of themes such as the ordeals of a grieving father, the loneliness faced by the middle-aged head of a reform home where Cheese is forced to serve time, and a middle-aged, reclusive divorcee with a big heart. The latter also has an unhealthy obsession with ranch dressing, but is kind enough to open her home to Elora and Jackie when the girls are on the run. There’s even a ‘Girls Night Out’ episode exclusively dedicated to the lonely single mums and aunties living on the Rez who have been duped by their deadbeat exes, who are seeking a fresh start or who harbour desires to feel like their youthful selves again.
Obviously, it also wouldn’t be the same without the return of some beloved characters such as Officer Big, the only cop on the Rez who isn’t a no-good ‘diddler,’ and who’s a part-time conspiracy buster when he isn’t keeping the young Rez Dogs out of trouble with the law. My all-time favourite character, Bear’s omnipresent spirit guide makes a comeback too, serving up some of the most rollicking moments in this season too, providing motivation and bonus chuckles with his well-meaning but unorthodox, bordering on unpleasant anecdotes. One story of his engorged testicle which taught him the importance of not holding onto his physical as well as emotional pain certainly left me traumatized.
‘Reservation Dogs’ Never Loses its Personal Touch
While Producer and Co-creator Taika Waititi remains absent in the writer’s room for Season 2, the show is still in the capable hands of indigenous voices and seasoned creatives such as show-runner Sterlin Harjo, Bobby Wilson, Blackhorse Lowe, and many more. They are joined by cast member Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs (who plays Elora) debuting as a writer on the show.
As a result, “Reservation Dogs” never loses its personal touch and the authenticity that enabled it to resonate with audiences in the first place. All episodes feature a unique and distinct voice and thus, each writer’s perspective and style shines through as well. The stand-out for me was Blackhorse Lowe’s twisted psychedelic style on display in Episode 8, and which feels akin to watching a fever dream unfold. However, it is also rooted in a harsh reality; and as a writer, Lowe succeeds at unpacking the trauma of an empathetic individual with a guilty conscience in this particular episode. Viewers are also bound to pick up some new indigenous slang and learn a lot more about Native American culture and rituals.
Anticipating the Third and Final Season
The cast, comprising the youngsters, elders, and the guest stars (well-known faces such as Megan Mullally, Marc Maron, and Amber Midthunder of “Prey” fame) all deliver sincere performances. However, it is Paulina Alexis and Lane Factor (as Willie Jack and Cheese respectively) who steal the show with their very natural and nuanced performances — so be on the lookout for these two young powerhouse actors, Hollywood. Zahn McClarnon’s performance as a guilt-ridden Officer Big is equally laudable, particularly during Big’s solo storyline in the aforementioned trippy, but gutting and bittersweet eighth episode.
Overall, this show and the team behind it have only grown leaps and bounds, and I highly recommend catching up before its third and final season rolls around.
“Reservation Dogs” Season 2 is currently available to watch on Hulu.
