'Reservation Dogs' Finale: We Don't Have A Word For Goodbye

By Jen Maravegias | TV | September 28, 2023 |

By Jen Maravegias | TV | September 28, 2023 |

Even though we all knew it was coming, FX’s Reservation Dogs series finale feels like it snuck up on us. This season started as a road trip and became much more reflective as the Res Dogs explored their own roots and the roots of the community to which they belong. Ultimately, they learned that no matter how far they move away from it, spiritually, emotionally, or physically, the community on the Reservation is eternal. This realization frees Elora Danan (Devery Jacobs) to pursue her education, helps Bear (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai) realize that he doesn’t always have to lead, and allows Cheese (Lane Factor) and Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis) to feel more comfortable, and valuable, as members of that community.

In the penultimate episode, Elora decides to connect with her estranged white father so she can get the information she needs for her college application. Ethan Hawke being typecast as an awkward stoner who is not in touch with his feelings happens for a reason. That reason is that he brings a plausible sense of vulnerability to these roles. It’s difficult for Elora to approach him, but it’s not difficult for her to forgive him, even if it’s only for the afternoon. Their trip to California and being forced to confront the father she never knew power her decision to leave the comfortable discomfort of the res behind. And, even though Elora leaving is part of much bigger, scarier changes in Bear’s life, he supports her decision to go and celebrates her.

The evolution of this quartet, from delinquent snack-truck hijackers into responsible members of the community, is reflected in all of the stories and flashbacks about the adults and elders of the tribe we were treated to this season. Growth is a constant. Change is a constant. Forgiveness of yourself and those you love is a requirement. There is a reason the spirits linger in our lives. They are here to teach us important lessons. And, if you’re William Knifeman, follow us on social media for entertainment purposes.

I don’t know if I’ve ever watched a show that was so perfectly cast, from the untested lead actors to the veterans like Wes Studi and Gary Farmer, who brought irreverent humor to their roles as tribal elders.

Or one that told stories so evenly weighted between funny and heartbreaking that also found the perfect button to end on. Everyone comes together in the finale to see Old Man Fixico on to the next place. Maximus (Graham Greene), who was living in self-imposed exile, is reunited with his cousins and his cohorts. And Willie Jack speaks about what the brief time she spent with Fixico taught her.

I know we all have our own lives and our own problems but I think it’s beautiful we all come together like this for Uncle. Mvto for everything that you taught me. We don’t know what we’re going to be doing in a week, a month, or a year. We’ll always come back together when we need to. Some of us will go, some of us are gonna stay here. But, this place and all you people live in each one of us. Forever. And it will go on like that.

Her graveside speech fades into the song “Live Forever” by Billy Joe Shaver, and the Reservation Dogs walk off into the uncertain haze of the future, arms around each other. Knowing that community and their friendship are unbreakable and forever.