Show Guide: 'Dark Winds'

Synopsis: Season three picks up six months after the events of Season 2 and follows Lt. Joe Leaphorn (McClarnon) and Jim Chee (Gordon) as they investigate the disappearance of two boys, with only an abandoned bicycle and blood-stained patch of ground left in their wake. Meanwhile, Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten) attempts to settle into her new life 500 miles from home with the Border Patrol, but stumbles across a conspiracy involving human and drug smuggling with far-reaching implications. (Courtesy AMC, 2023)

The Cast:
Zahn McClarnon as Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn
Jessica Matten as Manuelito
Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee
Deanna Allison as Emma Leaphorn
Rainn Wilson as Devoted Dan
Elva Guerra as Sally Growing Thunder
Jeremiah Bitsui as Hoski
Eugene Brave Rock as Frank Nakai
Noah Emmerich as Whitover
Jeri Ryan as Rosemary Vines
Nicholas Logan as Colton Wolf
A Martinez as Valencia Country Sheriff Gordo Sena
Joseph Runningfox as Henry Leaphorn
Jenna Elfman as FBI Special Agent Sylvia Washington
Bruce Greenwood as Tom Spenser
Raoul Max Trujillo as Budge
Tonantzin Carmelo (La as Border Patrol Agent Eleanda Garza, Alex Meraz (The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Walking Dead) as Border Patrol Agent Ivan Muños, Terry Serpico (Law & Order SVU, Yellowstone) as Border Patrol Senior Chief Ed Henry, Derek Hinkey (American Primeval, Americana) as Shorty Bowlegs, Phil Burke (Hell on Wheels, Rabbit Hole) as Michael Halsey, and Christopher Heyerdahl (Under the Banner of Heaven, Hell on Wheels) as Dr Reynolds. This season also sees the return of guest star A. Martinez (Longmire, Days of Our Lives) as Scarborough Police Department Acting Chief Gordo Sena.

Production Credits:
Based on the iconic Leaphorn & Chee book series by Tony Hillerman, Dark Winds is created by Graham Roland (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Returned, Almost Human, Fringe). John Wirth (Hell of Wheels, Hap and Leonard) serves as showrunner. The series is executive produced by Roland, Wirth, McClarnon, Robert Redford, George R.R. Martin, Anne Hillerman, Chris Eyre, Vince Gerardis and Tina Elmo.

The Episodes:
Season One Episode Guide (AMC)
Set in 1971 on a remote outpost of the Navajo Nation near Monument Valley, Dark Winds follows Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) 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 (Kiowa Gordon). 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. 
1-01 Monster Slayer--06/12/2022
Navaho Tribal Policeman Joe Leaphorn must solve a series of crimes. He partners with new deputy Jim Chee, who is back on the reservation for the first time since he was a child. Together they face down evil forces, both earthly and supernatural.
Teleplay by: Graham Roland
Directed by: Chris Eyre

1-02 The Male Rain Approaches--06/12/2022
Leephorn and Chee interview the surviving witness to the Big Rock Hotel murders; Chee meets with the coroner; the cause of death remains a mystery and Sgt. Manuelito makes a chilling discovery of her own.
Teleplay by: Anthony Florez
Directed by: Chris Eyre

1-03 K'e--06/19/2022
Leaphorn's niece celebrates her Kinaalda as Leaphorn retrieves the bodies of the murder victims. Manuelito and Chee investigate the whereabouts of the missing Mormon family.
Teleplay by: Maya Rose Dittloff and Razelle Benally
Directed by: Sanford Bookstaver

1-04 Hooghandi--06/26/2022
Leaphorn suspects all of the crimes on the reservation are related. There is a big break in the case. Leaphorn invites Chee over for dinner and Manuelito makes a discovery of her own.

1-05 Ha'iinlni--07/03/2022
With a major suspect in custody, Leaphorn discovers that there is more to this crime than he would have ever imagined. Manuelito faces her worst fears. Chee must make a choice between his career and his people.

1-06 HózhóoNaasháa--07/10/2022
Leaphorn, Chee and Manuelito descend on the hiding place of the Buffalo Society, only to be confronted with hard decisions that could change the outcome of the rest of their lives.
Teleplay by: Maya Rose Dittloff
Directed by: Chris Eyre


Season Two Episode Guide (AMC)
This season, Lt. Joe Leaphorn (McClarnon), reunites with Jim Chee (Gordon), his former deputy turned private eye, when their separate cases bring them together in pursuit of the same suspect. They find themselves in the high desert of Navajo Country chasing a killer who’s turned his sights on them to protect a secret that rips open old wounds and challenges Leaphorn’s moral and professional code. With the help of Sgt. Manuelito (Matten) and Valencia County Sheriff Gordo Sena, Leaphorn and Chee must thwart their would-be assassin and restore balance not only to their own lives, but to the reservation that depends on them.
2-01 Na’niłkaadii (Sheep Dog)--07/30/2023
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.
Written by: John Wirth and Rhiana Yazzie
Directed by: Chris Eyre

2-02 Wonders Of The Unknown--08/06/2023
Leaphorn explores personal ties to an increasingly mysterious case, while Chee is questioned by a reluctant Sgt. Manuelito. The discovery of a body sends Leaphorn and Manuelito in pursuit of a child in danger.
Written by: Max Hurwitz and DezBaa’
Directed by: Chris Eyre

2-03 Antigonish--08/12/2023
After facing off with a dangerous man, Chee strikes out on his own. Meanwhile, Leaphorn and Manuelito partner with the sheriff’s department, leading Leaphorn to identify a vital clue.
Written by: Steven Paul Judd
Directed by: Michael Nankin

2-04 The March--08/20/2023
Leaphorn risks his life in pursuit of a suspect, while Manuelito stands up to the sheriff in a bid to rescue her boss. Seeking answers on a case, Chee considers a dangerous proposition.
Written by: Jason Gavin
Directed by: Michael Nankin

2-05 Black Hole Sun--8/27/2023
With his suspect in custody, Leaphorn races against the clock to get a confession, while Chee goes undercover at the cult that ties their investigations together. Meanwhile, Manuelito counsels a teenager nervous about the draft.
Written by: Billy Luther and Max Hurwitz
Directed by: Billy Luther

2-06 Hózhó náhásdlįį (Beauty is Restored)--09/03/2023
Leaphorn and Chee discover evidence that connects their cases, only for Leaphorn to realize justice won’t be easily served. Meanwhile, Manuelito prepares for a big life change.
Written by: Graham Roland and John Wirth
Directed by: Chris Eyre


Season Three Episode Guide (AMC)
3-02 Ye’iitsoh (Big Monster)--03/09/2025
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.
Written by: John Wirth and Steven Paul Judd
Directed by: Chris Eyre

3-02 Náá’tsoh" (Big Eyes)--03/16/2025
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.
Written by: Rhianna Yazzie
Directed by: Michael Nankin

3-03 Ch’į́į́dii" (Ghosts)--03/23/2025
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.
Written by: Max Hurwitz and Billy Luther
Directed by: Michael Nankin

3-04 Chahałheeł” (Darkness Falls)--03/30/2025
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.
Written by: Thomas Brady and Erica Tremblay
Directed by: Chris Eyre

3-05 Tsékǫ̨’ Hasą́ní" (Coal Mine Canyon)--04/06/2025
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.
Written by: John Wirth and Steven Paul Judd
Directed by: Billy Luther

3-06 Abidoo'niidee (What We Had Been Told)--04/13/2025
Leaphorn is forced to confront his worst fears and darkest memories when he puts his life on the line to prevent another murder.
Written by: Max Hurwitz and Billy Luther
Directed by: Erica Tremblay

3-07 T’áá Álts’iisigo (Just A Small Piece)--04/20/2025
Leaphorn and Chee retrace their steps after uncovering a vital clue; Special Agent Washington pressures Emma for information; Manuelito moves quickly to execute a search warrant.
Written by: Thomas Brady & Erica Tremblay
Directed by: Steven Paul Judd

3-08 Béésh Łį́į́ (Iron Horse)--04/27/2025
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.
Written by: John Wirth & Steven Paul Judd
Directed by: Chris Eyre