Reservation Dogs: A Farewell That Leaves Audiences Wanting More
They say that the greatest television shows leave their audiences yearning for more. Reservation Dogs, a series with impeccable foresight, certainly lives up to this expectation with its emotional and bittersweet finale.
Debuting in August 2021, Reservation Dogs immediately captivated viewers with its clever storytelling and authentic portrayal of contemporary Native American reservation life. As season 1 unfolded, co-creator Sterlin Harjo and a talented cast of mostly unknown Indigenous actors skillfully touched our hearts with their poignant stories of grief, untapped potential, and friendship. From there, Reservation Dogs only grew funnier, wiser, and more unique. Season 3, in particular, sees the expanded ensemble of characters deliver a deeply affecting story that explores the complexities of growing up on the “rez.”
Reservation Dogs: Season 3, Episodes 5-10 Gallery
In the first five episodes of Season 3, Harjo lays the foundation for his thesis on community and purpose, which lies at the core of the series. The intricately woven narrative explores the interconnectedness of the Muscogee Nation characters and their experiences in Okern, Oklahoma. In this final batch of episodes, the story shifts to connect the experiences of the community Elders with those of the Rez Dogs in the present day.
Episode 5, “House Made of Bongs,” takes an unexpected detour back to 1976 and serves as an Indigenous version of Dazed and Confused. It reveals the complex dynamics between the teen versions of Maximus, Brownie, Bucky, Irene, and Mabel and convincingly demonstrates that the older generation has more in common with the younger generation than they care to admit. Loss, disappointment, and unfulfilled promise resonate across the generations.
Throughout the rest of the season, Harjo and the writers bring the Elders and the core Rez Dog kids together in various scenarios. With the exception of two female-centric episodes, the second half of the season builds towards integrating the expanded ensemble. “Frankfurter Sandwich” explores how Cheese becomes a catalyst for change, allowing Uncle Brownie, Bucky, and Big to confront their regrets and reveal their past behaviors that led to their estrangement from Maximus.
The repercussions of these revelations unfold in “Send It,” as the Rez Dogs embark on a half-assed heist to free Maximus from a mental health facility and reunite him with Old Man Fixico on his deathbed. The heist, while comical, gives each member of the extended Rez Dogs a chance to shine and provides closure for details established in the pilot episode.
In “Dig,” Fixico’s funeral acts as the backdrop for the series finale, bringing all generations together for one last sacred ceremony. This episode encapsulates everything that makes Reservation Dogs special, showcasing a rarely-seen Indigenous celebration. Emotions run high as Elora and Bear navigate their fears and excitement about their future, Willie Jack delivers a heartfelt eulogy, and Bear’s meeting with his warrior Spirit takes unexpected turns. Through it all, torches are passed, new paths are forged, and past and future remain intertwined.
The Reservation Dogs team deserves praise for their bold storytelling choices and character development. They fearlessly introduced standalone episodes, allowing viewers to connect with the diverse range of characters and feel immersed in the community. The incorporation of spirituality in the scripts adds depth and respect to the narrative, with Spirit providing both poignant moments and comedic relief. Ultimately, all the seemingly unrelated pieces fall into place, influencing the growth of the core characters. Tying everything together in such a graceful and cohesive manner is no easy task, but Reservation Dogs pulls it off effortlessly.
As Reservation Dogs takes its final bow, it solidifies its place as a phenomenal television series that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greats of the 21st century. It has also served as a platform for immensely talented Indigenous storytellers, both in front of and behind the camera. Witnessing their collective achievements leaves us eagerly anticipating what they will do next.