Dark Winds (2022)

The critic praises the series as a tightly wound, compelling murder mystery that reaches beyond familiar detective-show conventions. She singles out Zahn McClarnon’s magnetic performance and the show’s nuanced portrayal of Indigenous identity and mistreatment.

Gajjar finds the second season more focused, gripping, and effective than the first. She particularly praises Zahn McClarnon’s performance and the Indigenous talent shaping the series on both sides of the camera.

The critic calls season three the series’ strongest yet and argues that Zahn McClarnon delivers a career-highlight performance. She especially praises his nuanced, inward portrayal in the sixth episode, which deepens Leaphorn’s moral and spiritual struggle.

Virtue finds the series a knotty, atmospheric mystery that feels brisk enough to binge. He particularly praises Zahn McClarnon’s multifaceted performance as Joe Leaphorn.

The review finds the series tightly told and welcomingly direct, with its Native perspective enriching a familiar crime-drama form. It especially praises Zahn McClarnon's compelling central performance.

Fienberg finds the first season an uneven but promising prelude, with an unconvincing central mystery. He praises Zahn McClarnon’s restrained performance and the show’s authentic, lived-in portrayal of Navajo culture.

The critic calls Season 3 the series’ best installment yet, despite some uneven pacing and plotlines that could be condensed. Zahn McClarnon’s performance as Joe Leaphorn is singled out for particular praise.

Ryan finds the series engrossing and praises its atmospheric detective story and respectful portrayal of Navajo life. He singles out Zach McClarnon’s performance and says the subtle supernatural elements deepen the mystery, despite some weaker acting and shoehorned side stories.

The critic finds the series watchable and worthwhile, though its genre elements sometimes stumble. They praise the cast’s chemistry and the distinctive sense of place and culture.