The Red Road: The Complete First Season

SundanceTV continues to establish its own brand of intelligent, compelling TV shows, here serving up an atmospheric series set in rural New Jersey, where small-town cop Harold (Martin Henderson) enters into a wary partnership with Phillip (Jason Momoa), a drug-dealing ex-con from a nearby Native American community, to cover up a hit-and-run that Harold's wife, Jean (Julianne Nicholson), committed during what seems to have been a mental breakdown. An uneasy relationship exists between the town and the tribe, the latter fighting for formal recognition from the government while also struggling with poverty and crime—a situation exacerbated by a forbidden romance between Harold's daughter, Rachel (Allie Gonino), and Phillip's half-brother, Junior (Kiowa Gordon). The physically imposing Momoa, who was the barbarian king Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, adds a dangerous edge, radiating anger and resentment with his every glance. The Red Road has the look and feel of an American independent feature, and boasts strong supporting turns by Tamara Tunie, Tom Sizemore, Mike Farrell, and Lisa Bonet (Momoa's real-life wife). Compiling all six episodes from the 2014 debut season, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)