Ep 2. Buckheart Lodge

Rutherford Falls season 1 episode 2, titled Buckheart Lodge, follows the continued narrative of the small town of Rutherford Falls. The show focuses on the conflict between the townsfolk and the Native American Reservation that is attempting to assert its rights and history within their town.

In this episode, we find Nathan, one of the show's protagonists, attempting to ensure the opening of Buckheart Lodge, a new bed and breakfast in the town. While the lodge is owned by a family friend, Nathan's excitement over the opening of the bed and breakfast proves to be misplaced as he discovers that the building is situated on Native American land.

As Nathan attempts to push forward with the opening of the lodge, unaware of the land rights issue, the Native American Reservation initiates a protest at the building site. The issue spirals into a heated debate between Nathan and the Native Americans.

Despite this conflict, Nathan remains resolute in his attempt to ensure the opening of Buckheart Lodge. He works tireless to come up with a compromise that would allow the lodge to open and the community to come together in one agreement.

At the center of the debate is a totem pole, which is holding up construction of the building. The pole is of great spiritual and cultural significance for the Native Americans, and its presence on the building site is seen as an attempt to erase their history.

As the tension between the town and the Native American Reservation intensifies, Nathan must reconcile with the reality that he had never properly considered their rights within the small town. The episode takes an in-depth look into the issue of land rights for Native Americans, highlighting the importance of understanding and acknowledging their historical and spiritual significance within the towns they reside in.

Buckheart Lodge helps drive the narrative forward and sets the tone for future episodes to come. It showcases the increasing pressure placed on the townsfolk to face and acknowledge the presence of Native Americans within Rutherford Falls.

Overall, season 1 episode 2 of Rutherford Falls provides a thought-provoking and engaging take on issues of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in small towns in America. The show's handling of these themes is both respectful and intelligent, offering a nuanced perspective on the ongoing conflict between Native American tribes and the communities that surround them.