At first we are taken aback by the soap-opera, rather amatuerish production values of this police series. It has a home movie feel to it much of the time, the editing is a bit lame, the actors often a bit stiff. But it will grow on you. The actual story is about a new young woman, an indegious native woman from a nearby reservation in some metropolitan city that is not named. She is the new chief of the tribal law enforcement division. And she is just fine. A beautiful and talented young actress, she is the root that carries the series along, with her salty, semi-broken old detective partner, a white guy who is not happy. He grows on you also. They bring an in your face narrative about and with real and actual indigenous actors. The story telling is authentic and to the point about real crimes in Indian Country. The actual story telling is very good. Give it a chance. Everyone gets better as the series progresses. Surprise yourself and actually learn something about Native Tribal peoples and the corrupted, flawed police and political people involved.
32 Reviews
Good sequel to Blackstone...
LaxFan9410 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I like this series because it appears to be a sequel to "Blackstone'. This series is a continuation of Blackstone in that it looks at the realistic problems Natives face on a daily basis on and off the rez.
Natives always get screwed no matter where they go: if they stay on the rez to try and make a life for themselves, they can't because there's no work. If they move off the rez and into a non-Native community to make something of themselves, they still can't because of all the damn racial bigotry and discrimination they face with racist non-Natives. This is why they are never allowed to participate in the economic growth and development of mainstream society and thus them having the endless mounds of problems!! Natives were NEVER lazy at all! They were just never given the chance to flourish the way that everyone else is allowed to, including non-Native foreigners and refugees. Anyway, that's another topic for another time.
Getting back to the series itself: I recently watched one episode where Jessica Matten's character got called a "sellout" by one of her own on her rez. I guess he didn't like the fact that she's a cop working with other non-Native cops.
Anyway, Tribal and Blackstone go hand in hand which is why this series deserves a 7 out of 10.
Natives always get screwed no matter where they go: if they stay on the rez to try and make a life for themselves, they can't because there's no work. If they move off the rez and into a non-Native community to make something of themselves, they still can't because of all the damn racial bigotry and discrimination they face with racist non-Natives. This is why they are never allowed to participate in the economic growth and development of mainstream society and thus them having the endless mounds of problems!! Natives were NEVER lazy at all! They were just never given the chance to flourish the way that everyone else is allowed to, including non-Native foreigners and refugees. Anyway, that's another topic for another time.
Getting back to the series itself: I recently watched one episode where Jessica Matten's character got called a "sellout" by one of her own on her rez. I guess he didn't like the fact that she's a cop working with other non-Native cops.
Anyway, Tribal and Blackstone go hand in hand which is why this series deserves a 7 out of 10.
A different take on endemic institutionalized racism!
johnalewis-4589428 March 2020
Reading the reviews and following up on the naysayers through some quick net searches reveals their blatant racism, no dog whistle, since Trump it is out there for all to see.
This show shows some guts showing us the seedier side of First Nation life juxtapositioning that with the complete lack of interest or caring by the general public. The indifference to indigenous deaths either through drug addiction or homicide as shown through the very real characters in the show is very telling.
Obviously shot on a tight budget but the creator has given us a real gem of a show. With a bigger budget and some fancy CSI like props this would have been a 10 out of 10.
As it is it is a solid 7 and I await he rest of the series with anticipation.
This show shows some guts showing us the seedier side of First Nation life juxtapositioning that with the complete lack of interest or caring by the general public. The indifference to indigenous deaths either through drug addiction or homicide as shown through the very real characters in the show is very telling.
Obviously shot on a tight budget but the creator has given us a real gem of a show. With a bigger budget and some fancy CSI like props this would have been a 10 out of 10.
As it is it is a solid 7 and I await he rest of the series with anticipation.
Horrible!
firballblaze-6968914 March 2020
Pure Corn >But Nothing Sweet About It
Ladybbird-269-94514627 February 2020
YUK.. Directed & written by Ron E. Scott > Never works. It was hard work to watch even the first 10 mins of EP1, it was that bad. But I wanted to give it a chance. Storyline was a good idea but the acting was sickly candy and was terrible. The whole thing had no atmosphere, which I would put down to the bad directing.
The script could have been written by amateurs.. Even if there was decent actor within it they never stood a chance...
Conceptually exciting
CHERYLDDELUCA25 August 2020
I really like the concept - it's not a new story but it's exploration of bias, discrimination, and historical views is done with a heavily dramatic twist which makes it interesting - I like that it depicts not only the stereotypes of indigenous culture but presses forward to show the full spectrum of people and lifestyles within that culture. I always like a good crime drama. As an actor I know the first few episodes of a series you're finding your footing re: fleshing out who the character is, what their / focuses / loves / hates /relationships are all about, and how this can effect the acting and people's perception of the character. That's why I'm not too quick to judge a series a few episodes in. I'm excited to see where this journey heads. I'm just hoping in avoids the pitfalls of drama for dramas sake and focuses on the complexities of the story and the characters living it.
Looking forward to more
annebouscal28 September 2020
Just watched the first season.
Excellent casting with intriguing characters who don't fit into neat stereotypes. From a viewer's perspective, the characters and their interactions are more engaging than simply solving the crimes, but there's enough action and suspense to move things along. Lots of beautiful cinematography and footage of my home town. Looking forward to season 2.
Horrendous
siemad24 March 2020
OMG I have never watched a show that was this bad. The acting (if you can truly call it acting) is appalling. I think that these gingerbread men cookies that I'm currently eating have more personality and could probably act better.
What a waste
padotanjack16 April 2020
Please don't insult indigenous peoples this way.
howtrite11 April 2020
I have seen corn pone throughout the history of television. This is more like a puke sandwich. Much harder to get down if you look at it. It would 'smell' fresher if the plot hadn't already been regurgitated a hundred times before. So basically. you have puke soup that didn't stay down the first time, so someone thought they could just repackage it. Can I get mine fried with a side of busted glass?
Another hit coming from up there in Canada
carlytto14 March 2020
I seem to like the cop shows that Canada puts out. I love the plot of this show. I get to watch the beautiful Jessica Matten in another series. And who would have thought Brian Markinson could play a character I wouldn't like? Lol. I think this is the first role of his, that I've seen him in, playing a "bad" character. Or rather an unlikable character.
I had known ahead of time how his character would be. And he plays it perfectly. Can't wait to watch the rest of the season.
I had known ahead of time how his character would be. And he plays it perfectly. Can't wait to watch the rest of the season.
Great first season
heatheroncamino14 March 2020
Another great show from APTN!
bradpajot16 March 2020
I love how the Characters' personal lives intertwine with the cases they work, which often deal with the worst elements the city has to offer. With Interim Tribal Chief Samantha Woodburn (Jessica Matten) doing a great job, to overcome political red tape and must also prove herself amongst the old-white-boys club of the Metro Police. Thrust into an unfamiliar world, she navigates politics and procedure as she clashes with her new partner, Chuck "Buke" Bukansky (Brian Markinson), a seasoned but broken-down Metro Police detective.
An interesting take on an age old drama
michaelfeeney-5068013 March 2020
Great to see more native actors as leads for TV! Ron E. Scott shows his dynamic for writing and improved story telling technique in Tribal. Familiar faces grace the screens as totally new characters. Sam and Buke offer playful banter that educates rather than becoming a age old cliche. Neither Sam or Buke one note sterotypes but rather windows to two worlds that glimps at the hope of unity thru openness and listebing and education. Thats the importance of this new drama.
It's not so much Blackstone 2.0 but rather a step more
It's not so much Blackstone 2.0 but rather a step more
It's excellent...
tautangata12 April 2020
I actually enjoyed this...
Yes, some of the actors seem inexperienced, but the character positions must be difficult to portray and convey in such short spaces...
I can't help but admire the rare Indigenous worldview positions which are slight, which I have never seen on TV before...
I can't help but admire the rare Indigenous worldview positions which are slight, which I have never seen on TV before...
Tribal fantastic !!!!!
helpdisco13 March 2020
This show was the most phenomenal show I have ever watched in my life .It was a series I could watch over and over again,It really touched my heart and soul and also brought me closer to my heritage I too am native American and proud of it .The story and talented actors will remain in my heart forever.This series is not just a one person show or for one to relate to.Everything about this series was absolutely breathtaking from the scenery,plots, clothing and again the actors and the story line .It also taught me a few lessons about my family and the things they have taught me over the years .also with now owning the movie I now own the soundtrack and listen to that just as much.It does my heart good to see how there are many others that feel about tribal just as I do .
More than a First Nations story
nativecree13 March 2020
Finally a show that looks at First Nations people beyond the leathers & feathers. Great writing, great direction, the acting is top shelf and great story arc for the show. A must see when you are ready to see First Nations people has human and willing to see a human base story
A refreshing portrayal
cboshkaykin13 March 2020
Ron E. Scott's key achievements so far has been being able to create a convincing sense of the daily routines in our First Nation communities and our intersections outside of. It's not stuck to a certain theme, but has covered various. It hasn't been narrowed down to "an issue" showing only the "good" and happy endings. It's more realistic that both the good and the not so good are portrayed. It's doubtful anyone can watch this series unmoved in some way.
Ricky Gray
leecatzz22 February 2020
Watched the first episode. It was pretty good. What made it good is the character Ricky Gray., Anthony Timpano. Played the character very well and very believable. Well done Anthony! Needs to be on more episodes not just one!
Fan
lamarkaleb-7109917 August 2020
Best New Show 2020
richardccampbell13 March 2020
I'm loving this show and I can't wait for each episode. In a world full of negativity, it's great to find a mental escape if only for 1 hour a week.
Jessica and Brian make a power pair in this show and my hats go off to this production.
I love the fact that the characters are real and have depth. It's about time that we see a character like Woodburn on T.V. and the dynamics between her and Buke blend well. Buke has a heart and I'm looking forward to learning more about him and his motivation. I hope that more people find this show because I'd love to see it for years to come.
We need a show like this.
Everyone needs a show like this.
I need a show like this.
(Follow me on Instagram @thewhiskyintrovert)
12 reviewers that gave it a 10 have only this one review!
jim-7527210 September 2022
The dishonesty that the fact of at least 12 reviewers giving this show a 10 (didn't look past 12 so there could be more) is clearly apparent.
I am going more with the 1 rating as this show lets anyone with an IQ of 100 or more down like a lead pipe.
The acting and writing are pedantic at best. Time and time again shows that have enough in the budget to hire good writers and good actors fail to do either. Ot maybe it is teh bad directing. Somwtimes a good director can squeeze talent out of people that don't know how themselves. Not in the case of this series.
It is an insult to Indiginous community and every one's intelligence.
I am going more with the 1 rating as this show lets anyone with an IQ of 100 or more down like a lead pipe.
The acting and writing are pedantic at best. Time and time again shows that have enough in the budget to hire good writers and good actors fail to do either. Ot maybe it is teh bad directing. Somwtimes a good director can squeeze talent out of people that don't know how themselves. Not in the case of this series.
It is an insult to Indiginous community and every one's intelligence.
Beautifully Shot
jasonchristopherwallace13 March 2020
The storytelling here is top notch. These are stories that need to be told. Great dialogue and actors.
I'm really impressed with the cinematic quality of Tribal. The locations crew in Calgary did a great job, from the police offices to the more remote locations. It's one of the better showcases of Calgary I've seen portrayed.
I'm really impressed with the cinematic quality of Tribal. The locations crew in Calgary did a great job, from the police offices to the more remote locations. It's one of the better showcases of Calgary I've seen portrayed.
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