‘Reservation Dogs’ Co-Creator Sterlin Harjo on Why the Show Had to End After Three Seasons

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‘Reservation Dogs’ Co-Creator Sterlin Harjo on Why the Show Had to End After Three Seasons

As a devoted fan of Reservation Dogs, I must say that Sterlin Harjo‘s insights into the show and its creation have been nothing short of enlightening. The way he weaves the themes of grief, community, and hope into the narrative is truly remarkable, and it resonates deeply with me, having experienced similar losses in my own life.

Initially, during its first two seasons on television, the highly praised show Reservation Dogs only received one Emmy nomination. However, it made a significant impact in its third and last season, garnering a total of four nominations, including one for the best comedy series.

Creator and main director Sterlin Harjo discusses the final season of the series with The Hollywood Reporter, explaining why he felt it was the perfect moment to bring the story to a close.

How did the decision to wrap up the series with season three come about, leaving many viewers surprised? Can you explain the thought process behind this choice?

As a writer who has personally experienced loss and grief, I firmly believe that telling stories about hope and community during difficult times is essential. In my perspective, it’s crucial to respect the audience by not stretching out a story unnecessarily for financial gain. Instead, the narrative should focus on healing, resilience, and finding hope in the face of adversity – elements I found deeply impactful as I navigated my own grief journey.

What did filming in Oklahoma, where you’re from, add to the show?

The intangible aspect we can’t measure is clear, isn’t it? It resembles tone – you can’t assign a monetary value to the tone of something. Similarly, location is also hard to quantify. Luckily, FX trusted my judgment when I conveyed that I wouldn’t film [elsewhere], as initial discussions involved shooting in New Mexico. However, this isn’t a tale set in New Mexico. For Indigenous stories, the land where we narrate our story plays a significant role. The Rez Dogs already carry a historical burden because they are descendants of people who were relocated to Oklahoma Indian territory against their will in the 1800s. It’s no surprise they behave as they do, you understand? They possess that rebellious spirit, and they aim to disrupt the status quo. They are the descendants of troublemakers – they are the descendants of resistance. There’s a rich history behind their story that I would have felt uncomfortable telling anywhere else.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: “At the end of the game, another funeral scene unfolds, and the feelings of sorrow are strikingly distinct from the initial anger we felt at the outset. What influenced your decision on how to arrange the final level?”

In close-knit societies, there’s always someone nearby. Some of my most treasured moments occurred during funerals, as they provide an opportunity for people to unite and it’s not about mourning the deceased, but rather celebrating unity. It also encourages a sense of honesty – people might express their love that they previously held back, making it a unique way to demonstrate emotions different from those typically associated with Western views on death. The gatherings are filled with laughter, shared meals, and even communal grave digging as a sign of respect. Additionally, such emotional openness makes sincerity and truthfulness more accessible. I found this dynamic intriguing and it served as an effective conclusion to the show. Furthermore, it showcased a distinct approach to grieving and underscored the evolution of the Rez Dogs. They came to understand their role within the community and learned the importance of contributing and caring for it.

As a dedicated fan and avid reader, I can personally attest to the thrill of diving into The Hollywood Reporter magazine each month for the latest scoops and exclusive interviews. But let me tell you, there’s something truly special about the August stand-alone issue. It’s like receiving a treasure trove of entertainment news, all wrapped up in one spectacular package. If you haven’t yet experienced it, I strongly encourage you to subscribe today and join me in savoring this unique reading experience!

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2024-08-14 22:25