AMC's 'Dark Winds' Ascends with a Mesmerizing and Moving Fourth Season

AMC's "Dark Winds" returns for its fourth season, picking up after a significant shift in Lt. Joe Leaphorn's personal life. The new season plunges Leaphorn into his most complex case yet, involving a mysterious disappearance and a dangerous new villain, while also exploring the personal journeys of its core characters.

Key Takeaways

• Lt. Joe Leaphorn faces his most challenging case, complicated by a new, formidable villain.

• The season delves deeply into the personal lives and past traumas of Leaphorn, Jim Chee, and Bernadette Manuelito.

• Dark Winds" continues to impress with its compelling mysteries, strong character development, and atmospheric visuals.

A New Threat Emerges

The season kicks off with a brutal act of violence as Irene Vaggan, a chilling figure in tactical gear, murders diner owners and pursues patrons. One of these patrons, Billie Tsosie, disappears, drawing the attention of the Navajo Tribal Police. It quickly becomes apparent that Tsosie's disappearance is linked to Vaggan and a criminal plot that will become Leaphorn's most intricate investigation.

Character Journeys Take Center Stage

With his wife Emma now living in Los Angeles, Leaphorn finds himself in a period of introspection, contemplating retirement and considering Bernadette Manuelito as his successor. This potential transition strains Manuelito's developing relationship with Jim Chee. The personal struggles of these characters are central to the season, pushing them and the actors to deliver some of the series' most poignant performances.

Chee's Past Unfolds

Following Leaphorn's introspective journey last season, it's now Chee's turn to confront his past. The season delves into his psyche, presenting captivating and unsettling horror visuals that manifest from his childhood memories. These intense flashbacks collide with his present reality, forcing him to confront experiences he was unprepared for. Kiowa Gordon's performance is lauded for its depth and levity.

A Compelling Antagonist

Franka Potente shines as Irene Vaggan, the season's most intriguing villain. Despite minimal dialogue, Vaggan's presence is commanding. Her actions, initially appearing to show a strange respect for Navajo customs, quickly reveal a disturbing obsession with the community and Leaphorn himself. Her scheme, with roots in Los Angeles, extends its reach to Arizona, forcing the main characters to venture beyond their usual confines.

Expanding Scope and Atmosphere

The narrative seamlessly blends the characters' detective work with their personal growth. The score, by Kevin, Sean, and Deana Kiner, enhances the emotional turmoil with its evocative instrumentation. Visually, the series employs striking imagery, with the red glow of police lights and neon signs illuminating desolate exteriors, creating a haunting atmosphere that complements the unfolding mysteries and character drama. "Dark Winds" continues to explore themes of memory and reconciliation, with intensified stakes for both the characters and their community.

Sources

• Ambitious Fourth Season of AMC’s “Dark Winds” is a Mesmerizing and Moving Gem | TV/Streaming, Roger Ebert.