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Season 2 – Dark Winds

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1:45

2023

Crime

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

Western

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

19 Reviews

67%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Set in 1971 on a remote outpost of the Navajo Nation near Monument Valley, Dark Winds follows Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn of the Tribal Police as he is besieged by a series of seemingly unrelated crimes. The closer he digs to the truth, the more he exposes the wounds of his past. He is joined on this journey by his new deputy, Jim Chee. Chee, too, has old scores to settle from his youth on the reservation. Together, the two men battle the forces of evil, each other and their own personal demons on the path to salvation.

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Critics Consensus

Dark Winds' sophomore season is just as captivating as its predecessor, with Zahn McClarnon reaffirming his indispensable gravitas as a leading man.

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Daniel Fienberg

The Hollywood Reporter

McClarnon’s screen presence is limitless. He’s funny when required, tormented as needed and, in a show driven by its main character’s inquisitiveness, a marvel when it comes to being still yet intellectually curious.

Dec 14, 2023

Full Review

Ben Dowell

The Times (UK)

Based on a series of mystery novels by Tony Hillerman, the drama is essentially a proud and unashamed reclamation of film (and TV) history.

Oct 20, 2023

Full Review

Brian Tallerico

The Playlist

It’s only two seasons in, but these characters and the world they inhabit feel fully realized and rich with stories to tell.

Rated: A-

Aug 8, 2023

Full Review

Christian Jones

Starburst

Leaphorn is a watchful combination of empathy and intelligence, constantly having to weigh up his instincts against what will be best for his people. It is a terrific, multifaceted performance.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 26, 2024

Full Review

Diane Carson

KDHX (St. Louis)

“Dark Winds” educates as it entertains, delving into a unique culture and environment.

Aug 7, 2024

Full Review

Kyle Mullin

Under the Radar

The cast, the writing, the setting and vintage props will draw viewers into Dark Winds’ world, one where Indigenous gunslingers are finally written with the deftness they deserve.

Rated: 8/10

Nov 27, 2023

Full Review

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Jan V

Season 1 was great. This season is good too, but it does suffer from the season 2 disease: trying to squeeze in way to many things to keep everybody happy. The crime fighting is toned down in favor of a lot of social commentary and it doesn't work that well. Pick a lane instead of driving all over the place.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/18/25

Full Review

John Y

A solid procedural with subtle but not over the top supernatural elements. It leaves you wondering a little about the supernatural and whether its real or not. Clearly the characters believe in it. But it's at its best this is an interesting and engrossing crime procedural. The backdrop of the Indian reservations gives it a unique flavor and good feel for the challenges of reservation life. As good as other crime shows like Law and Order or True Detective.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/25

Full Review

Andy H

Great season, although as good as the first. Less introductions needed this time, while the story turns a bit more personal this time. But amazing how comfortable everyone is, the whole time, they slide in and make another perfect season, and fast too. Give me many more seasons please!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/17/25

Full Review

Audience Member

It's Ok and does have entertainment value but the lack of cohesive storylines and some weak character development are need work. I'll be back for season 3. Zahn McClarnon is excellent as the lead character.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/14/25

Full Review

Michael Shane B

The involvement of executive producers like George R. R. Martin and Robert Redford underscores the high-quality storytelling and dedication to the source material. Its premiere on AMC and AMC+ in 2022 marked a significant step forward for indigenous representation in Hollywood, resonating with audiences and critics alike for its atmospheric tension and cultural depth.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/01/24

Full Review

Rudy C

Love this show. Well written, well acted. Highly recommended. But taking a half star because there was a pretty big plot line set up early that just kinda disappeared without explanation. Won't identify it because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but I think if you watch the entire season then think back to some of the set up in the first two episodes you'll ask yourself "what the heck happened with that XYZ thing? that sounded like it was going to be pretty significant then they just suddenly stopped talking about it". I thought it was going to circle back to play into the finale, but it just disappeared.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/13/24

Full Review

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Zahn McClarnon

Joe Leaphorn

Kiowa Gordon

Jim Chee

Jessica Matten

Bernadette Manuelito

Deanna Allison

Emma Leaphorn

Rainn Wilson

Devoted Dan

Elva Guerra

Sally Growing Thunder

Episode 1

Aired Jul 30, 2023

Na'niłkaadii

Navajo Tribal Policeman Joe Leaphorn investigates the death of a man involved in a mysterious cult, while Jim Chee, moonlighting as a PI, works a case of his own; when their investigations collide, Leaphorn and Chee find themselves in grave danger.

Details

Episode 2

Aired Aug 6, 2023

Wonders of the Unknown

Leaphorn explores personal ties to an increasingly mysterious case; Chee is questioned by a reluctant Sgt. Manuelito; the discovery of a body sends Leaphorn and Manuelito in pursuit of a child in danger.

Details

Episode 3

Aired Aug 13, 2023

Antigonish

After facing off with a dangerous man, Chee strikes out on his own; Leaphorn and Manuelito partner with the sheriff's department, leading Leaphorn to identify a vital clue.

Details

Episode 4

Aired Aug 20, 2023

The March

Leaphorn risks his life in pursuit of a suspect; Manuelito stands up to the sheriff in a bid to rescue her boss; seeking answers on a case, Chee considers a dangerous proposition.

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Episode 5

Aired Aug 27, 2023

Black Hole Sun

With his suspect in custody, Leaphorn races against the clock to get a confession while Chee goes under cover at the cult that ties their investigations together; Manuelito counsels a teenager who is nervous about the draft.

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Episode 6

Aired Sep 3, 2023

Hózhó náhásdlįį

Leaphorn and Chee discover evidence that connects their cases, only for Leaphorn to realize justice won't be easily served; Manuelito prepares for a big life change.

Details

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