Dark Winds Draws New Border Lines
In the third season, the series “Dark Winds” expanded in scope, both storywise and geographically. Unlike the initial two seasons which primarily focused on the Navajo reservation and the investigations of crimes and mysteries led by Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten), Navajo Police lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon), her mentor, and Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon), her colleague and romantic interest, this season broadened its horizons. Issues of human and drug trafficking at the Mexican border became a significant aspect of the narrative; characters disregarded boundaries and ventured to Mexico for investigations; an episode delved into Leaphorn’s past. These elements all contributed to one of “Dark Winds” recurring themes since its debut: the exploration of what constitutes “justice,” and how Native individuals can seek it in a world where they so often face limitations.