As a movie enthusiast who’s spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of Native American narratives, I can confidently say that Dark Winds has quickly become one of my favorite underrated TV series. The show’s authenticity, gripping storylines, and outstanding performances make it a must-watch for any discerning viewer.
Debuting in June 2022, produced by AMC, “Dark Winds” has emerged as one of the most overlooked and exceptional TV dramas to grace our screens recently. This gripping story unfolds against the backdrop of New Mexico’s stunning landscapes, with filming taking place on location. The narrative is set in the 1970s and revolves around Joe Leaphorn (played by Zahn McClarnon), a tenacious Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant who has deep roots in indigenous culture. Alongside him, undercover FBI Agent Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) delves into a string of intriguing cases in the region.
Apart from Joe and Jim, the law enforcement team also features Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten), a shrewd investigator who seems to possess an uncanny wisdom beyond her years. In Season 2, Bernadette was presented with an opportunity to work as a border patrol officer, which put her in a tough spot as she had to decide whether to move, change careers, or stay put. Despite the lack of clarity regarding Bernadette’s decision in the Season 2 finale, viewers are left speculating if she will reappear in Dark Winds for its potential third season.
What Is Dark Winds About?
Dark Winds is an American psychological thriller TV series set up by Graham Roland for AMC. Based on the Leaphorn & Chee book series by Tony Hillerman, this show offers a glimpse into the lives of a less commonly portrayed group – Indigenous Navajo Americans residing on a reservation in New Mexico. The critically-acclaimed TV crime drama centers around Joe Leaphorn, a veteran detective of the Navajo Tribe who strives to keep his community safe from crime. But when Joe finds the body of a woman named Anna Atcitty, who had been dating his son, his personal life and professional duties become deeply intertwined.
As a devoted fan, let me share my perspective: I enlist the aid of Jim Chee, a covert FBI agent, to aid in my investigations. This man reports to his tirelessly busy superior, Leland Whitover, portrayed by Noah Emmerich. Besides him, there’s Joe’s resilient spouse, Emma Leaphorn, a skilled nurse, played by Deanna Allison. There’s also Dan Demarco, a shady character dealing in used cars and false preaching, and Sally Growing Thunder, an expectant teen needing care, who finds it with Joe and Emma.
According to the novel “Listening Woman,” the first season of “Dark Winds” revolves around the characters Joe and Jim as they pursue an extremist organization known as The Buffalo Society, led by Hoski (Jeremiah Bitsui) and Frank Nakai (Eugene Brave Rock). Throughout the season, these two men work to uncover the truth behind Anna’s death, while Sgt. Bernadette Manuelito consistently outwits her adversaries in her efforts to solve the case.
Who Is Bernadette Manuelito in Dark Winds?
In the opening scene, we meet Bernadette Manuelito (Matten), a detective tasked with questioning Sally Growing Thunder’s mother, a pregnant teenager. During her visit, Bernadette discovers that Sally’s mother is a witch. After this encounter, Bernadette suspects she was cursed and carries this suspicion throughout the story. Later, Bernadette assists Leaphorn and Chee in apprehending Frank Nakai, but he manages to flee on Bernadette’s horse. When Frank is eventually caught, Bernadette finds out that Chee is actually an undercover FBI agent who has a history with Frank.
In the Season 1 finale, Bernadette discovers that Whitover is involved in the criminal activities and must deal with this revelation while being stranded alone with him in the wilderness. Unfortunately, after setting a trap for them using dynamite, a cave collapse ensnares Whitover and Frank. However, the cleanup reveals that Frank managed to escape.
In the second season of “People of Darkness, Dark Winds”, the enigmatic demise of a cult leader sets the plot in motion. Alone on his case, Leaphorn finds himself independent from the FBI, while Chee embarks on his own private investigative journey. Both protagonists find themselves in peril independently, eventually relying on each other for assistance. Meanwhile, Bernadette becomes increasingly suspicious of Chee and subjects him to a formal inquiry about his connections with Whitover. As a young child requires aid, Bernadette teams up with Leaphorn for an investigation. They collaborate with the local sheriff’s department, where Bernadette supports Leaphorn despite any potential repercussions.
In the finale of Dark Winds Season 2, Bernadette decides to take on a role with the Border Patrol, bidding adieu to her cherished companions as she embarks on a fresh phase of her life.
Will Bernadette Return for Season 3?
Although Bernadette Manuelito took a job with the U.S. Border Patrol and moved away from the Navajo reservation, her story continues in the series Dark Winds. As revealed by executive producer Chris Eyre on TV Line, Native American actress Jessica Matten will reprise her role as Bernadette in Season 3. When asked if the romantic goodbye kiss shared between Bernadette and Chee influenced her decision to return to the Navajo reservation, Eyre explained:
“It’s an Indian love story. Imagine that. There are so many Indian love stories that are traditional, cultural Native American things, which is interesting…they have this miss, this miss of time and place. And the question is, can they find the right time and the right place? I hope they do.”
When pressed point-blank about Bernadette’s Season 3 return in Dark Winds, Eyre added:
Absolutely, I can confirm that. Jessica Matten is indeed present. You can count on Jessica; she’s reliable. Regardless of where we end up going with her to the border, or if she comes to us, or stays put, Jessica is dependable, my friend. We admire her.
Even though American Movie Classics (AMC) hasn’t made any official casting declarations about Dark Winds Season 3, the season opener appears on Jessica Matten’s IMDb profile, hinting at her involvement in Season 3.
Dark Winds is available to stream on AMC+ & Netflix.
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2024-08-31 22:31