'The Red Road - The Complete Second Season'
(Jason Momoa, Julianne Nicholson, Kiowa Gordon, Martin Henderson, Tom Sizemoren, et al / 2-Disc DVD / R / 2015 / Anchor Bay Entertainment)
Overview: “The Red Road” is a gripping, dramatic thriller that centers around two clashing communities: a Native American tribe and the small town with which they are forced to coexist. The long-awaited federal recognition of the tribe has exacerbated decades-old tensions and history. The fates of Harold Jensen and Phillip Kopus are once again tied as the relationship between their communities becomes volatile.
DVD Verdict: My goodness, watching 'The Red Road' is like patiently watching fog lift before your eyes. Little by little we see the shape of the story and depths of these characters unveiled. Father and son Kopus, Marie, Jean, and Harold are the most fascinating to discover as they are each deliciously multi layered.
I think the direction, editing and acting are close to excellent because each scene is drawn out to perfect measure to increase tension or allow for emotional saturation. The only drawback for me so far, and this came in the engrossing first season, were the segments dedicated to the star-crossed teenage lovers - who became rather irksome as forced interjections of sweetness in what would otherwise be a properly moody atmosphere of familial and racial turbulence.
Regardless, I still like the moody brooding atmosphere of that season and this second season never lets the side own either. Jason Momoa and Tom Sizemore make sinister look good! Martin Henderson is a revelation for me because I have never found him to be particularly impressive. it is also so good to see Tamara Tunie in a completely different light (literally) from her drab post on L&O:SVU.
Here in the second season, a short one at just 6 episodes, Phillip Kopus (Jason Momoa, Game of Thrones) is on parole trying to stay out of trouble. But things have changed, Sheriff Harold Jensen (Martin Henderson, Devil's Knot) has become lieutenant and the tribe is now officially recognized by the government and in talks to build a casino. Kopus must endure his own version of an ordeal, a Native American test of courage and fortitude that leads either to redemption or to death.
These trials take the form of threats to his family and tribe. Junior (Kiowa Gordon, The Twilight Saga) must decide if he will follow in Kopus footsteps or if he will choose another life for himself with Rachel (Allie Gonino, The Lying Game). The tribe and the community must decide their futures after they are ravaged by the deaths of some of their most prominent members. Values, allegiances and allies are more in question than ever before.
I am, as I'm sure you are also if you watch this show, transported by the stillness of the wide shots of woods, lakes and open fields. It's easy to become invested in the place and characters. There is no rush and I like that too. Each word is measured except, of course, with the character of Jean who is a force of nature unto herself. So much so that her ramblings make you dizzy! Well played, Julianne Nicholson.
But, if you've never seen this show (and excuse me, but why the heck not?!), if you're looking for weekly action, blood, profanity, sex, and breakneck speed you won't get much of that here. Meanwhile, I am enjoying the slow reveal of illicit activity, emotional disturbance and family drama that is this second glorious season. I think it's definitely worthy of your time, and trust me, once you watch you will be hooked also.
Overall, 'The Red Road' is a must watch due to the performances, the writing and the story itself. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a great and long-running series! Roll on Season Three! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1:85.1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:
Sundance On Set: THE RED ROAD
Inside THE RED ROAD
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