Rutherford Falls

Rutherford Falls is a vibrant and smart American sitcom that streamed on NBC's Peacock in 2021. The show features several talented actors, including Ed Helms, a well-remembered talent from the Office and Hangover films, along with breakout stars Jana Schmieding, Michael Greyeyes, and Dustin Milligan. The series is co-created by talents Michael Schur (Parks and Recreation, The Good Place), Ed Helms, and Sierra Teller Ornelas (Superstore, Brooklyn Nine-Nine).

The show’s setting, Rutherford Falls, is a small town in upstate New York, whose historically rich landscape and abundant culture are the central story elements. The engaging narrative focuses on the intertwining lives of two lifelong best friends, Nathan Rutherford (Ed Helms) and Reagan Wells (Jana Schmieding). Nathan comes from the town's founding family, while Reagan is of the local Native American tribe, the Minishonka Tribe, and works at the Cultural Center to celebrate and preserve her community's heritage. Both deeply care for their town and its historic and cultural significances, albeit with slightly different perspectives.

Nathan, whose ancestors founded Rutherford Falls, personifies the 'white settler narrative'. He holds his town's history close, often to the point of obsessiveness. An intriguing character who is utterly passionate about preserving the traditions of the Rutherford family, he staunchly opposes any change that he perceives as a threat to the family's legacy, including the relocation of a historical statue that has been a frequent cause of vehicular accidents in the town.

Reagan, on the other hand, is a progressive, millennial Native American woman who struggles to make her tribe's history more known and appreciated. She's dedicated, well-natured, and invested in telling her people's stories and enhancing the Cultural Center's relevance and popularity. Her character serves as a strong, witty representation of modern indigenous women, a rare sight in mainstream television.

One of the strengths of Rutherford Falls is that it handles the serious and heartfelt with as much skill as it handles humor. On one hand, it's a hilarious exploration of small-town eccentricities, friendships, history and change with endearing characters and sharp writing. And on the other, it's an unflinching story about colonialism, cultural erasure, and the ways in which Native American histories have been overlooked throughout history.

Supporting this narrative in earnest is Terry Thomas, portrayed by the exceptional Michael Greyeyes. As the ambitious CEO of the thriving Minishonka Casino, Terry strides confidently amid the complex world of the tribal nation, exploiting the capitalist structure while still fighting to reclaim his people's land. Meanwhile, Dustin Milligan plays the charming and confident reporter, Josh Carter, who dives into the town's complicated historical discourse and adds another layer to the show's overall narrative.

Rutherford Falls is aware, emotional, engaging, and entertaining, making it truly one-of-a-kind. The show paints a nuanced picture of small-town America, where locals guard their stories and traditions from external intervention. It navigates through various shades of conflicts like tradition versus progress, personal legacy versus common good, and perception versus truth.

This is a show that does an excellent job creating an inviting small-town ecosystem that feels real. It thrives on its commitment to cultural storytelling and offering authentic indigenous representation, both on and off the screen. Its story angles make for compelling viewing and spark conversations about history, representation, cultural preservation, and friendship. It's funny, thoughtful, well-acted, and beaming with heart, cementing its place as a relevant and timely sitcom.

In conclusion, Rutherford Falls is an excellent addition to the landscape of American comedy-drama. It proves itself to be distinct and delightful through its cultural awareness, comedic timing, and complex yet lovable characters. Its rich setting and well-weaved storytelling provide a fresh perspective on the layering of modern American life and history. Among the spurt of recent sitcoms, Rutherford Falls shines, offering not just hearty laughter, but also a reflective and insightful narrative on heritage and legacy.