Dark Winds is an American crime drama and psychological thriller television series created by Graham Roland based on the Leaphorn & Chee novel series by Tony Hillerman. It used to air on AMC and AMC+ back in June of 2022. The first season consisted of six episodes, and due to its immense success and popularity, the series was renewed for a second season, again with six more episodes, which premiered in July of 2023. As of September 2023, the series was renewed for a third season.
Synopsis: This Tv show is set in 1971 and explores the life story of Lieutenant Joe Lephorn head of the Tribal police who faces many challenges when he comes across multiple interrelated series of crimes. On a remote outpost of the Navajo Nation near the Monument valley, with his new deputy Jim Chee, he starts investigating those crimes but ends up exposing the hidden wounds from his past in search of the truth. Together, the two men go on this journey in the hunt for truth navigating life, its challenges with their tough profession trying to run away from their past until it haunts them.
The First Season : The first season primarily focuses on a bank robbery that is being investigated together by Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee including the double homicide that was caused as a result from the heist. The event is very shocking and alarming for the entire community with people asking for guarantees for safety and security within their neighbourhood. However, the investigation becomes more complex with reaching to the deep end of the truth becoming more difficult. With that, dark secrets and hidden motives are uncovered. The second season, on the other hand, continues from the first season's cliffhanger, with new threats and new leads to murders happening across town. Not only is this show a crime drama, but it also highlights the culture of the Navajo people and the beauty of the southwest. Dark Winds has received acclaim from both critics and viewers, with the first season scoring 100% with critics and 92% with audiences.
Cast and Characters: Dark Winds cast includes Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn, Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee, Jessica Matten as Bernadette Manuelito, Deanna Allison as Emma Leaphorn, Rainn Wilson as Dan, Elva Guerra as Sally Growing Thunder and last but not the least Nicholas Logan as Colton Wolf.
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Zahn McClarnon As Joe Leaphorn
Zahn McClarnon returns as Joe Leaphorn in Dark Winds season 2. He plays the lead role of Leaphorn who is a veteran police officer from Kayenta in Navajo county. He also happens to be one of the two officers who are investigating two horrific murder mysteries that somehow are linked with one another. McLarnon has received immense appreciation and praise from not just viewers but also critics for his amazing performance and excellent acting skills throughout the first season. Apart from that, Zahn McClarnon is also an executive producer on the series.
Kiowa Gordon As Jim Chee
Kiowa Gordon stars as Jim Chee who is an undercover FBI agent joining Leaphorn as his new deputy, this time. Working with Leaphorn on a shocking double murder case, is a life changing event for home not just for his professional career but also his personal one. Throughout the series we dive deep into his life story alongside the endless plot-twists and drama. Kiowa Gordon has impressed the audience with his serious acting and powerful performance in the series, being labelled the most loved character on the show by his fans. He's previously appeared in The Red Road, The Twilight Saga and Castle in the Ground. His onscreen introverted and observant personality makes him very likeable for the audience, building suspense and leaving the fans thinking about his background story.
Jessica Matten As Bernadette Manuelito
Jessica Matten portrays the role of Bernadette Manuelito in Dark Wind. She is also one of the people who work quite closely with Leaphorn on the same double homicide case. Her character is well renowned for being known for her incisive mind and natural instincts as an outstanding police officer. You may recognize her from Burden of Truth, Tribal and The Empty Man.
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