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Published Oct 5, 2023

‘Reservation Dogs’ Creator Sterlin Harjo on Saying Goodbye to the Show

'Reservation Dogs' creator Sterlin Harjo delves into the poignant balance of humor and grief in storytelling, the show's impactful cultural narrative, and his commitment to elevating Native voices through collaborative future projects.
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  • Ending the Show

    discusses the decision to conclude 'Reservation Dogs' after three seasons, emphasizing the natural endpoint the story had reached. He consulted with and producer Garrett Basch, who supported the decision, noting that in other countries, shows often end before they overstay their welcome 1. Harjo reflects on the challenges of showrunning and the personal connection he has with the series, which draws heavily from his own life experiences 2.

    I would take it so personally if FX came to me and said, yeah, time to wrap this up.

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    The decision was also influenced by the desire to maintain creative control and end the series on his own terms 3.

       

    Creative Process

    Harjo reveals his spontaneous and relentless approach to storytelling, often rewriting episodes last minute to ensure authenticity 4. He describes the show as a vehicle to explore broader community stories through the lens of the kids, weaving in cultural and historical narratives 5.

    I wrote the first draft in one night, and I remember I just put, like, oceans eleven and twelve, and, like, whatever, I put them, I put it on in the background.

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    This creative process allowed the series to maintain its unique rhythm and avoid clichéd storylines, focusing instead on genuine connections and cultural reflections 6.

       

    Home & Displacement

    Themes of home and cultural displacement are central to 'Reservation Dogs', reflecting the complex history and identity of Native American communities 7. Harjo emphasizes the importance of community and the idea that home is defined by people rather than location 8.

    For me, home isn't necessarily the location, even though that's important, but the people that have kind of raised you.

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    The series challenges traditional narratives by portraying the characters' journey as one of connection and roots, rather than escape, highlighting the enduring bonds within their community 9.

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