Created by Graham Roland.
Dark Winds premiered on June 12, 2022.
Distributed by AMC Networks.
Dark Winds TV Series Review
Dark Winds is a simple but strong crime drama set in the Navajo Nation.
Season 1 introduces Joe Leaphorn and his police work.
Season 2 adds more danger and deeper secrets.
Season 3 brings more tension and emotional moments.
Season 4 continues the story with slow but steady mystery.
The show is calm, serious, and focused on storytelling.
It may feel slow at times, but it is interesting and meaningful.
Overall, it is a good choice for viewers who enjoy crime shows with culture, emotion, and a steady story.
CR Ratings: 8.4/10
Dark Winds Actors
Zahn McClarnon as Lt. Joe Leaphorn
DOB: October 24, 1966.
Bio: Native American actor of Hunkpapa Lakota heritage, celebrated for his emotionally layered and quietly powerful performances.
A veteran of stage and screen, McClarnon has built a reputation for portraying complex, introspective characters in series such as Fargo, Westworld, and Longmire.
Role: Lt. Joe Leaphorn serves as a Navajo Tribal Police officer in 1970s New Mexico, where his investigative instincts are shaped by both traditional beliefs and modern law enforcement methods.
Haunted by personal loss yet driven by duty, Leaphorn stands as the moral compass of Dark Winds, balancing cultural responsibility with the harsh realities of crime and justice on the reservation.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–4 (28 eps).
Interesting facts: In addition to starring, McClarnon serves as an executive producer on the series, ensuring cultural accuracy and respectful representation of Diné (Navajo) traditions.
Notable works: Fargo, Westworld, Longmire, Reservation Dogs, Doctor Sleep.
Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee
DOB: March 25, 1990.
Bio: Native American actor of Hualapai descent who first rose to fame in The Twilight Saga films before transitioning into more nuanced, culturally resonant television work.
Over the years, he has evolved into a thoughtful performer known for portraying characters with empathy and quiet strength.
Role: Jim Chee is a young Navajo Tribal Police officer and Leaphorn’s partner, driven, idealistic, and spiritually attuned.
Once a college-educated outsider who returns to the reservation, Chee struggles to reconcile modern law enforcement with traditional beliefs.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–4 (28 eps).
Interesting facts: Gordon’s Native heritage and understanding of Diné (Navajo) culture bring authenticity to Chee’s portrayal.
Notable works: The Twilight Saga, The Red Road, Roswell, New Mexico, Rez Ball.
Jessica Matten as Bernadette Manuelito
DOB: November 3, 1984.
Bio: Canadian Indigenous (Métis) actress and producer known for her compelling screen presence and dedication to authentic Indigenous storytelling.
She has worked extensively in television and film while advocating for greater representation and opportunities for Native creatives.
Role: Bernadette Manuelito is a Navajo Tribal Police sergeant, competent, sharp, and fiercely loyal to her community and colleagues.
As Leaphorn’s trusted ally, she provides both investigative acumen and emotional grounding.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–4 (28 eps).
Interesting facts: Matten actively produces and promotes Indigenous film initiatives, supporting emerging Native voices and projects.
Notable works: Trickster, Burden of Truth, various Canadian TV and film projects.
Deanna Allison as Emma Leaphorn
DOB: November 14, 1980.
Bio: Navajo actress from New Mexico, known for bringing understated authenticity and emotional depth to her performances.
She often draws on her cultural roots to portray characters with grounded realism, making her a compelling presence in television drama.
Role: Emma Leaphorn is Joe Leaphorn’s wife and a dedicated nurse.
She serves as the emotional center of the Leaphorn household, highlighting the personal and civilian stakes behind the series’ criminal investigations.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–4 (26 eps).
Interesting facts: This role marks Allison’s first major TV series appearance, and her casting received attention from New Mexico media for its cultural significance.
Notable works: Dark Winds (breakout TV role).
Rainn Wilson as Dan “Devoted Dan” DeMarco
DOB: January 20, 1966.
Bio: American actor best known for his iconic role as Dwight Schrute on The Office.
Beyond comedy, he often explores darker, complex characters, bringing charisma and unpredictability to his performances.
Role: Dan “Devoted Dan” DeMarco is a manipulative, faith-driven used-car dealer and missionary whose morally ambiguous actions disrupt the local community.
His presence challenges the main characters’ values and drives key tension in Season 1.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 (6 eps).
Interesting facts: Critics praised Wilson for successfully pivoting from comedy to a darker dramatic role; his performance adds depth and unpredictability to the series.
Notable works: The Office, Backstrom, various film and podcast projects.
Elva Guerra as Sally Growing Thunder
DOB: 2004.
Bio: Elva Guerra is a Ponca Nation actress whose work highlights authentic Native representation.
Her portrayal of Sally Growing Thunder underscores the series’ dedication to nuanced, culturally grounded characters.
Role: Sally is a pregnant teenager whose life becomes entwined with the Leaphorns.
Her story explores vulnerability, community response, and the ripple effects of violence, adding emotional depth to early seasons.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–2 (12 eps).
Interesting facts: Guerra’s performance was singled out by reviewers for authenticity and emotional impact.
Notable works: Dark Winds (notable TV credit).
Jeremiah Bitsui as James Tso / Hoski
DOB: September 25, 1980.
Bio: Navajo actor with extensive TV and film experience.
Known for portraying morally complex and intense characters, he brings authenticity and gravitas to roles rooted in Native American culture.
Role: Hoski, also known as James Tso, is a dangerous and fanatical member of the Buffalo Society whose actions drive key conflicts in Season 1.
Bitsui’s portrayal emphasizes both menace and the tragic dimensions of the character.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 (6 eps).
Interesting facts: Bitsui grew up on Navajo Nation and often speaks about mentoring Native youth; his casting taps lived experience.
Notable works: Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Bosch.
Eugene Brave Rock as Frank Nakai
DOB: 1978.
Bio: Eugene Brave Rock is a Blackfoot actor and stunt performer known for combining physicality with emotional depth.
He gained recognition in Wonder Woman and brings the same gravitas to Dark Winds, portraying characters with weight, trauma, and authenticity.
Role: Frank Nakai is a Vietnam War veteran and member of the Buffalo Society.
His storyline examines the lingering effects of war, loyalty among comrades, and the moral complexities of violence.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 (6 eps).
Interesting facts: Brave Rock started as a stunt performer and often performs his own stunts.
He is also actively involved in cultural advocacy and Indigenous projects.
Notable works: Wonder Woman, stunt and character work in film/TV.
Noah Emmerich as Leland Whitover
DOB: February 27, 1965.
Bio: American actor trained in New York, known for nuanced, dependable character work in film and television.
Emmerich often portrays layered, world-weary figures and brings emotional and procedural authenticity to supporting roles.
Role: Leland Whitover is a burned-out FBI agent who interacts with Jim Chee.
His professional fatigue, moral compromises, and occasional clashes with tribal law enforcement add tension and complexity to the narrative.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 (6 eps).
Interesting facts: His casting lends credibility and gravitas to the FBI presence, offering a contrast to the Navajo Tribal Police’s local insight.
Notable works: The Americans, The Truman Show, Miracle.
Nicholas Logan as Colton Wolf
DOB: June 8, 1986.
Bio: American character actor known for indie films and guest roles, Logan brings intensity and subtle menace to his performances.
He gained wider attention with projects like I Care a Lot and continues to develop a reputation for complex supporting characters.
Role: Colton Wolf, also called “The Blond Man,” is a calculating and dangerous antagonist in Dark Winds Season 2.
His manipulations and secrets drive the season’s central tension, making him a key foil for the protagonists.
Seasons & Episodes: S2 (6 eps).
Interesting facts: Logan’s performance was teased in AMC’s Season 2 press and played up as one of the season’s breakout threats.
Notable works: I Care a Lot, indie credits.
Jeri Ryan as Rosemary Vines
DOB: February 22, 1968.
Bio: American actress known for her striking presence and versatility on television.
Ryan gained fame as Seven of Nine on Star Trek: Voyager and has a long career spanning drama, sci-fi, and procedural roles.
Role: Rosemary Vines is entwined in Season 2’s institutional and political threads.
As the wife of B.J. Vines, she embodies small-town influence and personal agendas that intersect with Leaphorn and Chee’s investigations.
Seasons & Episodes: S2–3 (5 eps).
Interesting facts: Ryan’s presence brought mainstream recognition to Dark Winds Season 2, highlighting the show’s expansion into non-Navajo political dynamics.
Notable works: Star Trek: Voyager, Boston Public, Body of Proof.
John Diehl as B.J. Vines
DOB: May 1, 1950.
Bio: American actor known for his rugged authenticity and decades of work across film, television, and stage.
Diehl has built a career portraying complex, often morally gray characters who add realism and tension to any story.
Role: B.J. Vines is a wealthy, influential figure whose connections to local institutions and hidden corruption form a key thread of Dark Winds Season 2.
He stands as a quiet but formidable foil to Joe Leaphorn’s moral persistence.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–2 (6 eps).
Interesting facts: Diehl’s background in theater and television gives him a knack for making even brief arcs memorable.
Notable works: Miami Vice, The Shield, Stripes, Stargate.
More Actors
Season 1 (2022)
• Natalie Benally as Natalie Bluehouse.
• DezBaa’ as Helen Atcitty.
• Ryan Begay as Guy Atcitty.
• Betty Ann Tsosie as Margaret Cigaret.
Season 2 (2023)
• Anderson Kee as Officer Harold Bigman.
• Wade Adakai as Officer Gary Felix.
• Nicholas Logan as Colton Wolf.
• Jacqueline Byers as Mary London.
Season 3 (2025)
• Alex Meraz as Ivan Munos.
• Jenna Elfman as Agent Sylvia Washington.
• Tonantzin Carmelo as Eleanda Garza.
• Raoul Max Trujillo as Budge Baca.
Season 4 (2026)
• Isabel Deroy-Olson as Billie Tsosie.
• Franka Potente as Irene Vaggan.
• Udo Kier as Gunther Vaggan.
• Chaske Spencer as Sonny Bear Heart.
• Avery Hale as Albert Gorman.
FAQ – Dark Winds TV Series
What is Dark Winds about?
It follows Navajo Tribal Police officers, including Joe Leaphorn, as they investigate crimes in the 1970s Southwest while dealing with personal and cultural struggles.
Is Dark Winds based on a book?
Yes, it is based on the Leaphorn & Chee novels by Tony Hillerman.
How many episodes are in Season 4?
Season 4 has 8 episodes, released weekly.
Will there be a Season 5?
Yes, a Season 5 is already planned and expected to release in 2027. More on Tvinsider
Where was Dark Winds filmed?
The series was mainly filmed in New Mexico, capturing the look and feel of the Southwest.
Where can I watch Dark Winds?
You can watch it on AMC and stream it on AMC+.
Conclusion
Dark Winds is a calm but powerful crime drama that grows stronger with each season.
Through the journey of Joe Leaphorn, the series blends mystery, culture, and emotion in a unique way.
While it may feel slow at times, the storytelling is deep and rewarding.
Overall, it is a great choice for viewers who want a meaningful and different kind of crime series.