Unveiling the Lingering Pain of ‘Reservation Dogs’

This article contains spoilers through season 3 of Reservation Dogs.

In an episode of the acclaimed FX comedy series Reservation Dogs, the typical slasher setup takes a poignant twist. The mysterious Deer Lady, a character based on Native folklore, enters an eerie home that stands on the same site as the boarding school where she and other Native children were forced to attend. Directed by filmmaker Danis Goulet, the episode titled “Deer Lady” explores the wounds Deer Lady endured during her time at the school. Shot in the style of a 1970s art-horror film, the scenes depict the terrifying abuses suffered by Native children, bringing attention to the real-life tragedy of assimilationist boarding schools that have plagued Indigenous peoples in North America.

Co-written by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, the co-creators of Reservation Dogs, along with Chad Charlie, this bold and visually arresting episode, along with others in the show’s final season, delves into the backstories of its ensemble cast, showcasing the connections between past traumas and present-day events. It’s a unique coming-of-age story that not only focuses on the teenage protagonists but also on the lessons learned by the elders of the community.

Prior to Deer Lady’s journey to her boarding school site, she encounters Bear, one of the main characters, at a diner. Reservation Dogs has previously centered on Bear and his friends as they navigate life on an Oklahoma reservation, coping with grief and dreaming of a better future. However, this season brings the elders and teens closer together, forcing the adults to confront their own issues. In the episode “Maximus,” Bear finds himself held captive by a lonely man from the reservation, shedding light on the consequences of emotional avoidance and institutionalization.

What sets Reservation Dogs apart is its incorporation of the stories of elders like Maximus into the development of the main characters. By engaging with the older generation, the Rez Dogs grow not only as individuals but also as members of a community dealing with unresolved grief. Through skillful casting choices, such as Graham Greene as Maximus, the series addresses the pain and experiences of its characters with care and empathy.

Each episode delves deeper into the roots of Maxiumus’ isolation and the guilt felt by the reservation’s elder men. As the characters grapple with their role in his institutionalization, viewers are presented with a nuanced exploration of the consequences of neglect and the layers of the narrative. Reservation Dogs remains a creatively daring series that tackles its characters’ pasts and sheds light on ongoing issues, making it a standout in the television landscape.