Reservation Dogs

With a wild Taika-tinged swagger, Reservation Dogs arrived as a fully formed concept - giving audiences a sharp caricature of contemporary native culture with buckets of wit, personality and sincerity. The whole ensemble here are remarkable, and it feels tremendously fresh. In its breathless efforts to make up for centuries of little to no representation, Rez Dogs bursts right out the gate and pushes down character tangents which other shows would've only felt confident doing whole seasons in. This isn't 'other shows' though and the characters are easily strong enough to make the otherwise alienating diversions work. Over the course of these three short seasons I wept deeply, I laughed hugely and I learned absolute buckets. The cultural impact of it is already fairly apparently but here's hoping the shadow of Rez Dogs ends up long.

• Just a few episodes in and I already know this will be one of the best series this year. It's hilarious and deliciously original. -

My family is from Eastern Oklahoma (Choctaw Nation) and save for the lack of Okie accents, this series is so spot on. I can't recall any media that frames the Indian experience with such raw humor (impeccably delivered by this young crew, btw). Most depictions of Native American life is either pure tragedy and destitution, or an elevation of the "noble savage" trope. To be clear, the driving circumstances here are the very real challenges of poverty and crime that plagues rural Indian communities. But the comedic approach in this series puts these kids in the mainstream and makes their lives widely relatable. Native kids really are just like all other American kids from marginalized, minority backgrounds - with the same attitudes, hustles and pop culture references. In a lot of ways this show is unique to the Indian experience, but it could easily be translated to a black inner city, or an immigrant setting. Basically, anyone and everyone can and should enjoy this show.

Also, side note for anyone unfamiliar with Native American territories - there aren't actually any reservations in Oklahoma. Reservations are sovereign territory with tribal jurisdiction - ie. The Wind River Reservation near where I grew up in Wyoming. However, when OK was made a state, the feds dissolved the tribal governments to make way for the land runs by white settlers. Today, there's this whole complicated governance structure within nations where only tribe members are subject to tribal law, but the state retains most authority.

I know, this isn't all that pertinent to this TV show, but I just wanted to point it out since it's explicitly tying Oklahoma to reservations which is misleading. I absolutely love the reference to Reservoir Dogs, and its totally relevant to the storyline. But considering how little most Americans know about Indian affairs, I hope they find a way to clarify this distinction in future episodes.

Just wrapped up season 3, which does a lot of things well, but this most recent batch delivered one the best anti-ageist portrayals I've come across.

Behind the young-but-wise Willy Jack, a community is built that reaches past the graveyard, through prison bars, and even extends to us white devils.

That said there is still plenty of comedic relief (when I die, I hope my "spirit" can deliver some modicum of that). The clear love between the four quirky, strong, memorable young leads is just tremendous. That alone has been there from the very start and like such friendships in real life is built to endure. Brought a tear to my eye repeatedly, even when having me laughing out loud a few minutes later.

Plenty of other topics and time-shifting were expertly woven in as well. Thank you...

No spoilers, do yourself a favor and enjoy all three seasons. Watch 'em with Daniel's spirit by your side.

Instant classic, unique perspectives, expertly written cast directed and performed. A perfect blend of adventure, compassion, crime, and COMEDY!

The cherry on top, Captain Bobby Lee out of nowhere bringing the "A" game. FX found a diamond here, hope they take care of it.

First off - I am an old white lady who bypassed this for a while until I saw a trailer and was intrigued. I cannot believe this isn't sitting along "Resident Alien" and "Better Call Saul" it is so well done and so beautifully off center. It also has several of my favorite native actors in it - both young and old(er).

The humor, at times, is so subtle, that you have to really watch what's happening. Also you have to see the quiet things in the background too. After a while, you will want to sit and just watch it - and see what this group is up to next.

It is not always funny. It's like everyone's day - mixed with different happenings and different feelings and emotions. The more I got to know the kids and the families and the characters in the town, the more at home I felt.

Am anxious for the next season!! THANK YOU FX for this incredible series!!

PS -Zahn McClarnon (Big) is absolutely brilliant in his subtle comedic timing. It's worth watching just to see him. And then there is SO MUCH MORE!!