It’s the third—and, sadly, final—season of Reservation Dogs, the critically lauded series by Sterlin Harjo that shows it’s truly a good day to be Indigenous!
Last week's episode started out as a simple fishing trip between three men and a Cheese, but morphed into an homage to the Indigenous way of life, as the elders pass on the knowledge of being still, with the young man, in turn, teaching the old to heal. Of course, there was more to it as Cheese realized that both old friends and new pals will show up to support him.
With this final season, I recap each episode of the show for those who are (and are not) watching, giving the basics, and not spoiling anything too much for you.
Skoden? Stoodis!
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Episode 7: “Wahoo! ”
The Plot: Rita has the shock of her life—she is about to be promoted in the IHS. While this is good news, she is scared of change in her family dynamic. Fretting in bed, the spirit of her late sister Cookie appears, telling her to play a game of Wahoo, as it isn’t played in the afterlife.
Of course, this is only a ruse to have Rita have an actual conversation with Elora and her own life changes, but also with Bear becoming a responsible man. Rita and her sisters’ give blessings to Cookie’s spirit, with a lost mix-tape thrown in the calming water.
The Review: In the grand scheme of things, this is the lightest episode so far in this season, but still important for the characters to learn and grow. Much like last week’s episode of Cheese and his elders, the playful spirit of Cookie comes to Rita and all the troubles that have been bottled up inside.
Rita comfortably confronts Elora for living with so much loss, and talks about Bear’s trip to California and all that he learned. This ultimately makes peace with Cookie and her spirit, and together with her sisters, they provide safe harbor through the astral world, figuratively and spiritually.
While styles are different—very different—with the elders relating to their past as well as their present, it is a healing bond that is renewable, but you have to renew it; what truly matters are the bonds of family, friends, and love that makes it all work.
But, with this series at an end—and with Rita taking a job in Oklahoma City—I wonder how it will fare, especially for Bear and Elora.
Best Line: “What’s keeping you from this job? All the cousins you can’t date?” - Bev
Funniest Moment: The comical scene with a sleep-deprived Rita and the New Age IHS counselor and his obsession with Lou Diamond Phillips in La Bamba.
Oklahoma Soundtrack Pick: Simon Joyner – “You Got Under My Skin”
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