Summary
AMC’s dark crime seriesDark Windshas finally come to Netflix, and it’s the perfect follow-up toTrue Detectiveseason 4. Based on the series of novels by the late Tony Hillerman,Dark Windshas a fascinating team behind it,including Robert Redford and George R. R. Martin as producers.The story ofDark Winds, which has already been renewed for season 3, is set in the 1970s in the Arizona portion of Navajo Nation. It follows tribal police detective Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon), who investigates a complicated and gruesome murder alongside his sergeant, Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten), and newcomer deputy Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon).
Outside of a few roles inDark Winds' cast of characters, such as Noah Emmerich’s condescending, corrupt FBI Agent Whitover,Dark Windsis full of Indigenous talent. That lends authenticity to the Navajo Nation setting, as doesthe liberal use of the Diné bizaad language. It’s a meticulously crafted series that has won over critics and audiences alike. It’s also the perfect replacement forTrue Detective, especially the most-viewed season 4, now that it’s finally on Netflix.
Dark Winds Season 3: Everything You Need To Know
AMC’s Dark Winds has gained a reputation as an under-the-radar gem, and season 3 continued the harrowing adventures of Leaphorn and Chee.
Dark Winds Has All The Elements That Made True Detective Season 4 The Best One Yet
The Indigenous Mythology And Dark Atmosphere Are Commonalities
True Detectiveseason 4 is set in the frozen darkness of Alaska under permanent night, whileDark Windsis set in the sun- and sand-blasted Navajo reservation in the Arizona desert.True Detectiveseason 4 is set in the current, tech-forward era, whileDark Winds’time periodis the analog world of the 1970s. Even so,there are a few significant similarities between the two shows that make for great companion series. For those who haven’t yet watchedDark Windsbut have watched season 4 ofTrue Detectiveand enjoyed it, the former series is the perfect follow-up to the latter.
But both series are steeped in Native American mythology, creating dark, myth-soaked tales that dip into the vast trove of Indigenous folklore and belief
The obvious similarity is that both shows are crime procedurals,with the story following rural detectives trying to unravel a disappearance leading to brutal murders.But both series are steeped in Native American mythology, creating dark, myth-soaked tales that dip into the vast trove of Indigenous folklore and belief, incorporating supernatural elements alongside boots-on-the-ground investigation. Along with that folklore, both series touch upon Native American practices and ritual, as well, creating a really unique feel for both series that helps them to stand out among the glut of detective procedurals on television.
Dark Winds Has An Astounding 100% On Rotten Tomatoes
Both Seasons Have A Perfect Rating
At the time of writing,Dark Windshas an incredible 100% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes– that means it got 100% for both seasons 1 and 2. While that number will almost certainly drop the longerDark Windsruns, it’s notable that other critically lauded, iconic series have lower critics scores:Breaking Badis at 96%,Successionis at 95%, andBetter Call Saulis at 98%, to name a few examples. That’s impressive no matter how one looks at it, even with only two seasons underDark Winds' belt so far.
Dark Windsseason 1, in particular, has gotten praise for its tense, atmospheric storytelling set in a unique region that doesn’t get much time to shine in Hollywood: Navajo Nation. Likewise, the 1970s time period isn’t one often explored on TV in the context of procedurals, which adds an extra polish to the whole show. The tight, twisty storytelling balances Indigenous mythology and belief with the gritty groundedness of a police procedural and local corruption, creating a heady blend. Butit’s really Zahn McClarnon’s performance that drives the entire show.
100%
72%
54%
The Role Does Justice To His Talent And Depth As An Actor
Zahn McClarnon has been a journeyman actor in Hollywood since the late 1980s, and a number of his early roles involved him playing a stereotyped, Hollywoodized Native American in various TV show guest roles, or the “ethnically ambiguous” character, As his career progressed, McClarnon started getting more substantial supporting roles, but it’s only been arguably within the past decade that the roles started living up to his talent:Officer Mathias inLongmire, Hanzee Dent inFargo, Crow Daddy in Doctor Sleep, and more.In the past few years, he’s landed his best roles yet, including the incredible character, Big, inReservation Dogs.
However,it’sDark Windsthat gives Zahn McClarnon his best leading role, one truly befitting his talents and the emotion he brings to the screen.
However,it’sDark Windsthat gives Zahn McClarnon his best leading role, one truly befitting his talents and the emotion he brings to the screen. Joe Leaphorn is a hard balance for an actor, a man haunted by loss and burdened with grief, but emotionally reserved. McClarnon lets Leaphorn’s pain peek through the stoic facade, making for a quietly compelling performance. It’s arguably his best work on screen, thanks to him finally getting material that has the richness and depth of character he deserves. Now thatDark Windsis on Netflix, even more people can finally see what critics have in Zahn McClarnon’s performance.
Dark Winds
Dark Winds is a 2022 television series based on Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn & Chee novels. Set in 1970s Navajo Nation, it follows Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Officer Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) as they investigate a double murder case. The show delves into both mysticism and the stark realities of life on a Native American reservation, balancing crime-solving with rich cultural narratives and character development.
