After encountering his double, and the mysterious Wade, high school student Jared’s identity is thrown into doubt…

Based on Eden Robinson’s novel Son of a Trickster (the first in a trilogy), the series is set in Kitimat in British Columbia, and features a largely indigenous cast. Joel Oulette’s Jared is a bright but unmotivated student who cooks and sells drugs to support both his divorced parents. It sounds grubbier than it really is, drugs and poverty being presented as facts of life for the Haisla people, and others, in the area. His father’s girlfriend is pregnant, his mother is being threatened by a local dealer and Jared needs to do whatever he can to make ends meet.

I don’t think, considering the title, that it’s a spoiler to say that strange stuff starts happening. This seemingly ties in with the mythology and spirituality of the indigenous peoples and is likely to ramp up as the series progresses. Care was taken to present their culture accurately, original author Robinson being Haisla herself. There has been some fallout over this when it was revealed that Michelle Latimer, producer, director and one of the screenwriters, was not in fact of indigenous heritage. It must be said that she believed herself to be so, based on oral history told by one of her grandfathers, but this was disproved and culminated in the resignation of two other producers and soon after Latimer herself. This doesn’t seem to have prevented a second season from going ahead however.

Full disclosure – I don’t think I’ll be sticking with this, but please don’t take that as an indication of quality. It is a bit grim and likely to turn increasingly dark, and right now I need telly that puts a smile on my face. I can get my fix of rural semi-criminal types from Netflix’s Ozark and my interest in trickster gods, spirit animals and moody teenagers is minimal. If any of those are your cup of tea then go for it, it’s well made and good-looking telly with a strong if moody lead. Crystle Lightning’s spirited performance as Jared’s mother Maggie is also another good reason to watch.

If you have an interest in the culture and beliefs of the North American indigenous peoples then I think this would be highly recommended; despite the production problems mentioned this does feel authentic, as much as my limited knowledge can tell. Likewise those of you with a passion for teenage drama with a horror twist may well be satisfied.

Verdict: If the premise appeals then this is definitely worth a look; certainly a series that some will get much more from than others. 6/10

Andy Smith