Ep 6. Are You an Indian Princess?

Grace Hanadarko, the unconventional Oklahoma City police detective, is back in action in Saving Grace season 2 episode 6: "Are You an Indian Princess?" In this episode, she finds herself grappling with her own identity and heritage as she investigates the death of a young Native American woman.

The episode opens with Grace returning to her apartment after a long day at work, only to find her mother waiting for her. The two women have a strained relationship, and it quickly becomes clear that Grace's mother has come to town to discuss something important. She reveals to Grace that she recently discovered that she has Native American ancestry, and urges Grace to explore her own heritage as well. Grace is initially dismissive, but the conversation stays with her as she heads back to work.

Meanwhile, a young Native American woman named Sarah has been found dead on a construction site. As Grace and her team investigate the case, they discover that Sarah was a member of the local Comanche tribe and had been involved in a dispute with a nearby casino. The casino's owner, a wealthy businessman named Big John, denies any involvement in Sarah's death, but Grace is skeptical.

As Grace delves deeper into the case, she feels increasingly drawn to Sarah's culture and begins to explore her own Native American heritage. She attends a powwow with her nephew, who is half-Comanche, and talks to a tribal elder about Sarah's death and the role of tradition in modern Native American life. These conversations challenge Grace's preconceptions and force her to confront the complexity of her identity as a woman of mixed race.

With the help of her partner, Ham, and her close friend and fellow detective, Rhetta, Grace eventually uncovers the truth about Sarah's death. The case takes a surprising turn, and Grace finds herself grappling with the moral implications of her own actions. Throughout the episode, she is forced to confront her own biases and assumptions, and she emerges with a deeper understanding of both herself and the community she serves.

In addition to the central case, "Are You an Indian Princess?" also features several subplots involving Grace's personal life. She continues to struggle with her feelings for her married partner, Ham, and she clashes with her mother over her atheism and her refusal to attend church. These threads add depth and nuance to Grace's character, showing her both at her most vulnerable and her most resilient.

Overall, Saving Grace season 2 episode 6 is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant installment in the series. Its exploration of issues of race, identity, and tradition is timely and relevant, and its complex, flawed characters are as compelling as ever. Fans of the show are sure to enjoy this episode, while new viewers may find it a rewarding introduction to the world of Saving Grace.