RESERVATION DOGS takes a detour this week as they explore the origin of Deer Lady (Kaniehtiio Horn) while paying homage to 1970 horror films. It doesn’t entirely work, but I applaud the series for continuing to try new things during the final season.
This show has always been about representing Indigenous people and their stories. With DEER LADY, it’s clear that creator Sterlin Harjo is shining a light on some of our country’s ugly history. Indigenous children in the U.S. were separated from their families and put into church-run “schools.” These schools had dangerous conditions, and several children were tortured and killed. They were “killed by human wolves.” With E3, audiences directly look into this ugly history while catching up with Bear (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai). This horror-inspired story is gripping and unfolds with tension and unease. Well, outside of the perfectly timed PULP FICTION reference (you’ll know it when you hear it).
Once again, RESERVATION DOGS honors the past while looking into the future. The show continues to make me “keep smiling.”
It’s available on Hulu FX.
