Dark Winds, a 2022 crime thriller television series based on the novels by Tony Hillerman, quickly gained attention for its unique blend of gripping mystery, compelling character dynamics, and deep exploration of Native American culture. Set against the stunning and unforgiving backdrop of the American Southwest, Dark Winds takes viewers into the world of two Navajo police officers as they investigate crimes that intertwine with both modern-day corruption and ancient traditions. The series, created by Graham Roland, features a diverse cast, with Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, and Jessica Matten leading the charge in this atmospheric thriller.

Adapting Hillerman’s works into a television series, particularly his Navajo Tribal Police novels, Dark Winds is a show that transcends the typical procedural crime drama. The series offers more than just a mystery to solve—it’s a reflection on cultural identity, spirituality, and the ways in which the past constantly influences the present. As the show delves into the world of law enforcement in the Navajo Nation, it paints a compelling portrait of Native American communities, all while keeping the audience on edge with its intricate plots and tense atmosphere.

A Unique Setting: The American Southwest

Set in the early 1970s, Dark Winds takes place on the Navajo Nation Reservation, an area of vast desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and remote locations. The show’s setting is one of its most distinctive features. The natural beauty of the American Southwest is fully embraced, with vast shots of the desert, expansive skies, and isolated locations giving the show an air of mystery and tension.

The show’s setting is not only visually stunning, but it also plays a crucial role in the storyline. The isolation and ruggedness of the landscape parallel the isolation of its characters, particularly the two main protagonists, Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon). As law enforcement officers within a Native American community, they are caught between their own cultural heritage, their duties as police officers, and the encroaching influence of outside forces that affect their community. This conflict is amplified by the fact that they often have to deal with cases that involve both modern crimes and spiritual elements that belong to the Navajo worldview.

The Navajo Nation itself, as a central element of the story, provides a vivid backdrop for the series, offering an opportunity to explore contemporary issues faced by Native American communities, including systemic racism, identity struggles, and the legacy of colonialism. The portrayal of the reservation, with its complexities and contradictions, elevates Dark Winds beyond being just a crime show to something that sheds light on important social and cultural issues.

The Plot: Mystery, Crime, and Spirituality

At its core, Dark Winds is a crime thriller. The series follows the investigations of two Navajo Tribal Police officers, Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, as they are pulled into a web of mysterious deaths, robberies, and conspiracies. However, what sets Dark Winds apart from typical police procedurals is its seamless integration of spiritual elements tied to the Navajo culture, which influences both the characters and the investigation.

The first season opens with a brutal double murder that sets the stage for a larger investigation. The victims, found in a remote area of the reservation, are connected to a string of incidents involving stolen artifacts, but as the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that there are deeper, more sinister forces at play. The murder investigation reveals that it’s not just a simple case of theft or crime; the investigation leads to an exploration of Navajo rituals, the supernatural, and the long-lasting scars left by the traumatic history of the land.

A key plot element of Dark Winds is the way the show juxtaposes the supernatural and the rational. Throughout the investigation, both Leaphorn and Chee are faced with challenges that seem to defy logic or explanation. While Leaphorn tends to be more skeptical, relying on his police experience and rational thinking, Chee is more attuned to the spiritual and cultural aspects of their community. The show often highlights the tension between their worldviews, creating both friction and collaboration as they search for the truth.

This contrast between the supernatural and the rational also mirrors the characters’ internal struggles. Both Leaphorn and Chee are haunted by personal demons, and their investigations are as much about solving crimes as they are about confronting their own pasts. Leaphorn, in particular, struggles with the trauma of losing his wife, while Chee’s journey involves reconciling his spiritual beliefs with his role as a law enforcement officer.

In addition to its character-driven plots, Dark Winds also tackles larger social issues. The Navajo community, with its unique cultural traditions, is depicted as an area in flux, where traditional ways of life are colliding with the demands of the modern world. The characters must navigate this tension, balancing their identity as Native Americans with their responsibilities in a society that often marginalizes them.

Characters and Performances

At the heart of Dark Winds are its two central characters: Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee. Both are complex, multifaceted characters with rich backstories, and the series does a commendable job of developing them over the course of the season.

Joe Leaphorn, played by Zahn McClarnon, is a stoic, disciplined officer who has experienced considerable personal loss. McClarnon brings a quiet intensity to the role, capturing Leaphorn’s internal conflict as he struggles with grief while investigating crimes that seem to reach beyond the physical world. Leaphorn’s approach to police work is pragmatic, but his emotional wounds, both personal and cultural, make his journey in the series compelling to watch. McClarnon’s performance is nuanced, conveying a man caught between duty and personal turmoil.

Kiowa Gordon’s portrayal of Jim Chee provides an interesting contrast to McClarnon’s Leaphorn. Chee is more spiritually minded, and his connection to the Navajo traditions plays a significant role in his approach to both life and law enforcement. Gordon brings a sense of warmth and empathy to Chee, and the character’s evolving relationship with Leaphorn serves as a major source of drama throughout the series. Chee’s spiritual beliefs and his struggles with his identity as both a police officer and a member of the Navajo community make him a compelling character.

Supporting characters in Dark Winds, such as Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten), a fellow police officer and Chee’s love interest, add further layers to the story. Matten’s performance brings depth to her character, creating a strong presence in the show that complements the two leads. The relationships between the characters are woven into the broader narrative, providing emotional stakes that make the mystery at the heart of the show more impactful.

Cultural Representation and Accuracy

One of the most commendable aspects of Dark Winds is its commitment to portraying Native American culture with authenticity and respect. The show is grounded in the Navajo worldview, and the creators worked closely with consultants from the Navajo Nation to ensure cultural accuracy. The inclusion of Navajo language, customs, rituals, and spiritual practices is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the story.

By incorporating cultural elements into the fabric of the show, Dark Winds provides a more nuanced and respectful portrayal of Native American life. It reflects the complexities of navigating modern life while holding on to traditional values, and it showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Navajo people in a way that is rarely seen on screen. The series doesn’t shy away from the challenges that Native American communities face, including the effects of colonization, systemic racism, and the legacy of trauma.

Cinematic Style and Atmosphere

The visual style of Dark Winds is another standout feature of the show. Filmed on location in the deserts of New Mexico, the series makes full use of its striking environment. The landscapes themselves almost become characters in the show, with the barren expanses of the desert creating a sense of isolation, danger, and mystery. The show also uses lighting and color in a way that enhances the mood, using shadows and natural light to create tension and suspense.

The cinematography captures both the harsh beauty of the Southwestern landscape and the internal struggles of the characters, creating a compelling visual narrative that complements the storytelling. The combination of atmospheric visuals, cultural depth, and character-driven drama gives Dark Winds a unique flavor compared to other crime dramas.

Conclusion

Dark Winds is a powerful and distinctive crime thriller that blends mystery, spirituality, and social commentary. It is a series that not only offers a gripping, suspenseful investigation but also delves deeply into the cultural and emotional complexities of its characters. With its strong performances, authentic portrayal of Native American culture, and compelling storytelling, Dark Winds is a series that stands out in the crowded landscape of crime dramas. It’s a show that captivates with its tension and mystery while also shedding light on important cultural issues, making it both an entertaining and thought-provoking watch. As the series progresses, it promises to continue exploring the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, providing both thrills and insights into the diverse experiences of Native American communities.