Dark Winds
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Dark Winds
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Dark Winds is a mystery thriller series following two Navajo police officers after a series of crimes occur on a reservation. Based on the novel series Leaphorn & Chee by Tony Hillerman, the series explores themes of race, community, culture, assimilation, and gentrification. There's a lot of gun violence and explosions. Detailed shots of wounds and sometimes dead animals. Repeated use of swears like "a--hole," "damn," "hell,", and "s--t." The show is set on a Navajo reservation following members from various tribes. Characters outwardly discuss and criticize whitewashing, gentrification, and injustices that happen within their community, but without overshadowing the focus on their complex narratives.
What's the Story?
DARK WINDS starts with an explosion-filled bank robbery and two murders on a Navajo reservation in New Mexico. Lt. Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) is on the scene, but not without some pushback and strange behavior from some of the residents. The murders bring in the FBI, and deputy Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) is assigned to Leaphorn, much to Leaphorn's suspicion. Jim spent his youth on the reservation but has been away for so long that Leaphorn and Sgt. Bernadette (Jessica Matten) teases him about losing his roots and loyalty. What will be uncovered as this small police force investigates the string of crimes and dark energy afflicting the reservation?
Is It Any Good?
This series does a fantastic job of balancing an intriguing mystery with authentic storytelling focused on Indigenous characters. Dark Winds has captivating storytelling, and strong performances by Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, and Jessica Matten. Various cast, crew, and writers who are Indigenous were able to bring their own experiences into the series. Once the first episode starts, viewers won't want to look away, but the violence and strong language make this most suitable for older teens to keep watching.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the lack of representation of Indigenous people on television. Do you think a show like Dark Winds will lead to more diverse representations?
Community is a overarching theme throughout the series. What relationship do Leaphorn, Chee, and Bernadette have with the residents on the reservation? How does that affect the story?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 12, 2022
- Cast: Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten
- Network: AMC
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: December 16, 2022
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