Dark Winds Season 2 Review (Spoiler Free)
The acclaimed series returns for its second season, which somehow manages to be richer and more thrilling experience than the near-perfect first run.
Wasting no time, we pick up with our trio of Joe (Zahn McClarnon), Bernadette (Jessica Matten), and Jim (Kiowa Gordon); relationships are damaged after the fallout of season one. As the mystery unfolds, it becomes clear it’s tied to Joe’s past, and despite the increasing danger, he must confront his demons. I’ll avoid going into plot specifics, but the tightly paced six episodes don’t waste a single frame.
The heart of Dark Winds lies in its characters. Zahn McClarnon continues to shine as Joe Leaphorn, portraying the Navajo police officer with a stoic exterior but an emotional depth that reveals itself in quiet, powerful, and heartbreaking moments
There are plenty of TV shows where the city, town, or place it is set is a living, breathing character. The Baltimore setting for David Simon’s The Wire, or most things set and filmed in New York City, become characters in their own right. Dark Winds is no exception; the vast, rugged landscapes of the Southwest are not just a backdrop. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of the desert, the golden hues of sunrise, and the haunting quiet of moonlit nights.
Rightly, Dark Winds never shies away from addressing systemic issues affecting Indigenous communities. These essential issues were the beating heart of Tony Hillerman’s much-celebrated Leaphorn and Chee book series. While the show might be set in the 70s, its themes are shockingly relevant today.. .
Dark Winds Season 2 is a testament to the power of storytelling that respects its characters and cultural roots without comprimse. Brilliantly written with powerhouse performances from all the main cast, season two does the near impossible by being even better than the first season.
Dark Winsds season 2 cements the show’s reputation as one of the most compelling and unique crime dramas on television. If you missed season one, what on earth are you doing still reading this, go treat yourself to one of the best new TV shows. Best of all, season 3 arrives in the Spring, so there’s plenty more Dark Winds on the horizon.
Dark Winds Season 2 is out now on DVD and Blu-ray now, and there’s a also a season 1 & 2 box set.
