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Season 3 – Dark Winds

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Mar 2025

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100%

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15 Reviews

81%

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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' third season tests Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn's resolve more than ever before, providing the outstanding Zahn McClaron with some of his best material yet.

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Roxana Hadadi

New York Magazine/Vulture

Mar 11

It’s unforgettable work in what’s shaping up to be a career-highlight season for McClarnon.

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Nina Metz

Chicago Tribune

Mar 11

2.5/4

“Dark Winds” has more in common with, and the deliberate pacing of, British procedurals than it does your average American cop show.

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Saloni Gajjar

AV Club

Mar 11

A-

The show distinguishes itself with a propulsive suspense, grounded protagonists, immersive cinematography, and, crucially, a rare spotlight on Native American voices both on- and off-screen. These pieces come together beautifully in season 3.

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Susan Granger

SSG Syndicate

Sep 21

7/10

It's significant that Robert Redford's last screen appearance was a quick cameo in the premiere episode. He's seen incarcerated in a Navajo Tribal Police jail cell, playing chess with his co-executive producer, 'Game of Thrones' author George R.R. Martin.

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Shay McBryde

Show Snob

Jul 30

A+

The extended eight-episode season takes you on a quest of brutal heartbreak and decisions that have left Joe Leaphorn in wistful limbo. Tormented by his past and losses, sometimes it feels like the only thing he has to hold onto is his job.

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Kyle Mullin

Under the Radar

Apr 3

9/10

Old school sleuthing and shootouts to character development and ambitious visuals, Season Three of Dark Winds thrillingly defies expectations.

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HALLE M

@HALLE-MULLE 4d

I struggled a little with season 2 as it ended way too "American" = happy. I'm really happy that I continued with season 3 though. This season has some of the best acting, storytelling, cinematography and plot-building I have seen since the early days of TV-series. (the Wire, Sopranos and others). Thanks for making this exceptional series and airing it. I can't wait for the next season. - written by a long time professional TV-documentarist and College Film teacher from Denmark

pf c

@Pcowle Jan 30

Great series and wonderful acting by several especially McClarnon. I would have rated it higher except for the very tedious dream/hallucination sequence in this season.

CoTo 8

@KauaiSis Jan 6

I love the show despite it not being loyal to the Hillerman books because I love police series, the Native American culture, and the setting. I love the main characters and the acting is superb! I DON'T like how the characters consistently make poor choices and are portrayed too often as INEPT. What an insult to the Navajo Police!! For instance, Jim not being able to apprehend the archaeologist who was injured and much older than he. I'm not saying they should be portrayed as super heroes, but not the Keystone Kops either! I won't go into what else I didn't like in this season, but there many holes in the story and so much time spent on the "monster". I'm glad the pro critics are raving about the season because I don't want it to end, HOWEVER, I hope the writers pay attention to what the audience reviews are saying.

S Y.

@schizmaster Dec 17

Having grown up with the books, this series holds true to the source material, hopefully introducing a new generation to Hillerman’s series. The only shortcoming is that each season is too short!! I’d absolutely love if each season was extended to around 12 episodes, to include more detail of the Diné. I typically don’t care for “behind the scenes” filming, but in this case my family and I were just as gripped to the “behind the scenes” as the regular seasons.

Spalding C.

Dec 7

Excellent. Unique show about tough Navajo policeman and his struggles with personal demons. These things profoundly impact his personal life, his police career, and his sympathy for victims of crime.

Lee S.

@Tokyo Dec 5

The heavy focus on Native American beliefs made the story hard to understand. Not a great season.

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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 Mar 9, 2025

Ye'iitsoh (Big Monster)

Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Sgt. Jim Chee investigate the disappearance of a Navajo boy; Manuelito makes a sinister discovery while adjusting to life on the border patrol; an FBI agent comes to solve a case linked to Leaphorn's recent past.

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Episode 2

Aired Mar 16, 2025

Náá'tsoh (Big Eyes)

Leaphorn and Chee find themselves on a manhunt after making a shocking discovery; Special Agent Washington questions Leaphorn about a person of interest; Manuelito puts her job on the line when she searches for answers at a local ranch.

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Episode 3

Aired Mar 23, 2025

Ch'į́į́dii (Ghosts)

After a close call, Leaphorn and Chee follow the trail of a new suspect; the discovery of a body sends Special Agent Washington in a different direction; Manuelito puts a target on her back as she digs deeper into the mystery.

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Episode 4

Aired Mar 30, 2025

Chahałheeł (Darkness Falls)

Chee pays Manuelito a visit after discovering a link between their cases; Leaphorn pursues a fugitive suspect; Special Agent Washington interviews an eyewitness to the crime she's investigating.

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Episode 5

Aired Apr 6, 2025

Tsékǫ̨' Hasą́ní (Coal Mine Canyon)

Following a grisly murder, Leaphorn and Chee strike out on their own when the FBI take over their case; Special Agent Washington pays the Leaphorns an unexpected visit; Manuelito searches for evidence south of the border.

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Episode 6

Aired Apr 13, 2025

Ábidoo'niidę́ę́ (What We Had Been Told)

Leaphorn is forced to confront his worst fears and darkest memories when he puts his life on the line to prevent another murder.

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Episode 7

Aired Apr 20, 2025

T'áá Áłts'íísígo (Just a Small Piece)

Leaphorn and Chee retrace their steps after uncovering a vital clue; Special Agent Washington presses for more information; Manuelito moves quickly to execute a search warrant.

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Episode 8

Aired Apr 27, 2025

Béésh Łį́į́ (Iron Horse)

Leaphorn and Chee call upon all their resources to solve the case and serve justice after learning the identity of the killer; Bernadette fights for her life after coming face-to-face with the truth.

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Dark Winds: Season 3 Trailer - This Season On