AMC’s Dark Winds has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its first three seasons. This psychological thriller, set in the 1970s American Southwest, follows two Navajo Tribal Police officers as they unravel complex crimes. With a mostly Native American cast and creative team, the series provides a fresh perspective in the detective genre, blending gripping mystery with rich cultural storytelling. Here’s everything you need to know about this standout show.
The Story and Setting
Dark Winds is based on the popular Leaphorn & Chee novel series by author Tony Hillerman. The television adaptation was brought to life by creator Graham Roland and features executive producers like George R. R. Martin and Robert Redford. Redford had previously been involved in adapting Hillerman’s works and this series marks his final on-screen role before his passing.
The story takes place in the 1970s within the vast Navajo Nation, following veteran Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and his deputies. The series expertly weaves together elements of the Western and detective genres while exploring themes of justice, cultural identity, and personal demons. The imposing and beautiful landscapes of the American Southwest serve as more than just a backdropโthey are an essential character in the story.
The first season primarily draws from Hillerman’s 1978 novel “Listening Woman,” with elements from “People of Darkness.” It begins with a double murder at a remote motel and a dramatic armored truck robbery, setting Lieutenant Leaphorn on an investigation that forces him to confront painful events from his past.
The Main Characters and Cast
At the heart of Dark Winds is a trio of compelling Navajo police officers brought to life by a talented ensemble cast.
- Zahn McClarnon as Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn: McClarnon plays the veteran tribal police lieutenant based in Kayenta, Arizona. Leaphorn is a deeply complex characterโmethodical, intelligent, and haunted by personal tragedy. McClarnon’s performance has been widely praised, with critics noting he “excells” in this leading role after strong supporting performances in series like Fargo and Reservation Dogs.
- Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee: Gordon portrays Jim Chee, who first appears as an undercover FBI agent before becoming Leaphorn’s deputy. Chee is university-educated and initially somewhat disconnected from his Navajo roots, creating an interesting dynamic with the more traditional Leaphorn.
- Jessica Matten as Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito: Matten plays Bernadette, a capable and determined police sergeant who serves as Leaphorn’s right-hand officer. She is an expert marksman and survivalist with unparalleled knowledge of the local terrain.
The series also features strong supporting performances from Deanna Allison as Emma Leaphorn, Joe’s wife and a nurse; Rainn Wilson as the degenerate missionary Dan “Devoted Dan” DeMarco in Season 1; and Noah Emmerich as FBI Agent Leland Whitover.
A Season-by-Season Breakdown
Season 1: Establishing the World
The first season introduces viewers to the world of the Navajo Tribal Police as they investigate a brutal double murder at the Big Rock Motel. Simultaneously, they must deal with an armored truck robbery committed by assailants using a helicopter. Lieutenant Leaphorn is joined by new deputy Jim Chee, who is secretly working undercover for the FBI.
Throughout the six-episode season, the officers uncover connections between the crimes and a Navajo extremist group called the Buffalo Society, led by the mysterious James Tso. The season also delves into Leaphorn’s personal history, particularly the death of his son in a drilling site explosion years earlier.
Season 2: Deepening Characters and New Threats
The second season sees the characters dealing with the aftermath of the first season’s events. Jim Chee, no longer with the FBI, works as a private investigator. The season introduces new antagonists, including the wealthy B.J. Vines, who profits from Navajo resources, and a twisted assassin named Colton Wolf.
A significant storyline involves Leaphorn discovering that Vines was responsible for his son’s death, leading to a dramatic confrontation. The season finale sees Leaphorn exacting justice on Vines while Bernadette Manuelito makes a major life decision, leaving the tribal police to join the Border Patrol.
Season 3: New Challenges and Personal Demons
The third season, which premiered on March 9, 2025, continues the story with Leaphorn, Chee, and Bernadette facing a human trafficking case. The season delves deeper into Leaphorn’s psyche as he grapples with his actions at the end of Season 2.
New characters joined the cast for this season, including Jenna Elfman as FBI Agent Sylvia Washington and Bruce Greenwood as Tom Spenser. The season concluded on April 27, 2025, with what critics described as “a mixed bag of hope and tragic reality” as the trio solved the case but at significant personal cost.
What Makes Dark Winds Special
Dark Winds stands out in the crowded television landscape for several reasons. The series features predominantly Native American talent both in front of and behind the camera, with the Navajo language used liberally throughout the dialogue. This commitment to authenticity extends to the writing room, which is entirely Indigenous.
The show doesn’t shy away from depicting the mistreatment of Native Americans while simultaneously celebrating Navajo culture and traditions. One reviewer noted:
“Dark Winds unapologetically shows the United States’ mistreatment of the Navajo people while also portraying the joyous elements of Indigenous lives and culture.”
The chemistry between the three lead actors has been consistently praised, with their characters evolving significantly across the seasons. Zahn McClarnon’s performance as the brooding, complex Leaphorn has been particularly highlighted as a standout element of the series.
Audience and Critical Response
Dark Winds has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from both critics and viewers. The series holds a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for all three seasons. Reviewers have praised the show’s atmospheric mystery, strong character development, and respectful portrayal of Navajo culture.
Audience reactions have been similarly enthusiastic. One viewer commented:
“I binged watched it all. I kept forgetting that it took place in the 70’s and not a computer, cell phone, modern vehicle in sight.”
Some fans of Hillerman’s original novels have noted significant deviations from the source material, particularly regarding character backgrounds. However, many have appreciated the adaptation on its own terms, with one viewer noting:
“The stories I have enjoyed on the page are brought to life delightfully. The most immediate impression is of space and silence and Dark Winds does this expansively.”
The series has been commended for avoiding stereotypical portrayals of Native people, instead presenting fully realized characters with complex motivations and rich inner lives.
How to Watch
Dark Winds airs on AMC and is available for streaming on AMC+. In the UK, the series is available on Sky, Virgin, and NOW, while Australian viewers can watch it on SBS On Demand. The first season consists of six episodes, as does the second season, while the third season expanded to eight episodes.
The series has been successfully renewed for a fourth season, announced in February 2025 ahead of the third season’s premiere. This early renewal demonstrates the network’s strong confidence in the continuing appeal of this unique and compelling drama.
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Credits: CBR
