Dark Winds Season 3 Finale Shot on George R.R. Martin’s 18-Mile Train Line

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Caution: Spoilers lie ahead for Dark Winds season 3, episode 8! In the season finale of Dark Winds, director and executive producer Chris Eyre revealed that they utilized George R.R. Martin’s train line. The climactic scene in episode 8 saw characters Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon), Chee (Kiowa Gordon), and Sena (A Martinez) confronting Dr. Reynolds (Christopher Heyerdahl) on a train, exposing him for his murder. This pivotal encounter marks the resolution of the primary storyline while providing an unforgettable final standoff between the characters.

In a chat, Eyre, the director of Dark Winds season 3 finale, shared his experience of filming the intense Dr. Reynolds confrontation scene using George R.R. Martin’s 18-mile train track. As it turns out, the author himself owns the train used in the scene, making the process even more thrilling for Eyre and his team during filming. Below, you can read what Eyre had to say about this high-energy train scene.

George R.R. Martin is the owner of the train, which departs from his theater, the Jean Cocteau, located within a rail yard. The train then travels 18 miles to Lamy, New Mexico, where it crosses with both East and West Amtrak lines. It was an exhilarating experience for him as he had never filmed on a train before. There were scenes involving drones, a chase sequence, gunfights on the train, and it was here that the boy was taken away by Leaphorn. The climax of the story unfolds significantly in this scene, making it one of the more grandiose set pieces compared to others.

What Eyre’s Statement Says About Dark Winds’ Train Scene

The Perfect Way For Season 3 To Bow Out

It’s logical that Martin’s train line was utilized during the finale of “Dark Winds” season 3, given his role as an executive producer on the show. By filming the climactic scenes on a real train and track, the final showdown with Dr. Reynolds and its aftermath seemed more authentic than it would have if staged elsewhere. Additionally, owning the train and tracks made it easier to stage the sequence without the need to search for an appropriate location.

Additionally, it held numerous concepts that are expected to carry over into Dark Winds season 4, including a conversation between Leaphorn and Gordo about his doubt that his wife, Emma (Deanna Allison), will reconnect with him. This followed her learning about his involvement in B.J. Vines’ (John Diehl) demise in season 2, as well as his persistent refusal to let her in following the events before the series started, with Joe Jr.’s death specifically. The railway tracks served as an ideal setting for the show to tackle these themes, primarily due to their isolated nature and the intense incidents that unfolded there as well.

Our Take On Dark Winds Season 3’s Train Scene

A Strong Final Impression For The Big Storyline

In the final episode of season 3, Martin’s control over the train line added a layer of intrigue and authenticity. Without his involvement, securing the train and tracks for the climactic confrontation would have been challenging, potentially diminishing the impact of the scene. This underscores how Dark Winds strives to create engaging storylines that align with its narrative, consistently taking bold steps in storytelling.

All episodes of Dark Winds season 3 are now streaming on AMC+.

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2025-04-28 17:49