The latest AMC exclusive, rooted deeply in the captivating "Leaphorn & Chee" book series penned by the talented Tony Hillerman, stands poised on the precipice of expectation. Titled "Dark Winds," this adaptation is not the series' maiden voyage into dramatic realms, thereby heaping layers of anticipation and scrutiny upon its shoulders.
The inaugural episode, creatively named "Monster Slayer," intriguingly plays a trick on its moniker, as no monsters are evident within its narrative folds. The identity of "it," therefore, remains an enigma, tantalizing viewers' imaginations.
The ensemble cast is led by Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten, and Noah Emerich, who breathe life into this six-episode odyssey. Moreover, adding a sprinkle of Hollywood magic to the production, Robert Redford and George R.R. Martin are among the esteemed executive producers guiding the show's helm.
Prepare to be ensnared by a tale that promises not just a visual spectacle, but a deep dive into the intricate web of mystery and intrigue woven by the masterful storytelling of Tony Hillerman.
Episode 1 of "Dark Winds" unfolds in Gallup, New Mexico, during a serene Friday afternoon in 1971. As the sun bathes the landscape in a warm glow, police officers escort bank security personnel engaged in a routine money transfer. Their journey, however, takes an unexpected turn when a helicopter descends upon them, cutting off their path at a bustling intersection. Thus begins the mesmerizing heist sequence that launches the premiere episode of "Dark Winds."
Emerging from the shadows, a car carrying armed men exploits the chaos, ruthlessly eliminating the security personnel and police guards. The timeless deceit of the "thief in uniform" proves effective once more. As the helicopter soars northward, into the heart of Navajo territory, a figure stands watching its retreat, his eyes reflecting a mix of intrigue and foreboding.
Three weeks pass, and the authorities swing into action, but it is Lieutenant Leaphorn who steals the spotlight in his introductory scene. His appearance belies his uniformed status; his piercing gaze and rugged demeanor exude a seasoned toughness that strikes fear into the hearts of even the most hardened criminals. Zahin embodies Leaphorn perfectly, capturing both his formidable authority and underlying vulnerability.
While Lieutenant Leaphorn is undeniably a capable and formidable law enforcement officer, he possesses a softer, more honest side that we are destined to witness more of. This vulnerable connection to the case promises to deepen our understanding of his character. Based at the Tribal Police sub-station within the Navajo Preservation, Leaphorn's presence is both reassuring and foreboding.
Meanwhile, the man who watched the helicopter's departure, Hosteen Tso of the Dine community, embarks on a arduous journey to the Big Rock Motel. Upon entering his room, he is greeted by a young Indian girl. The frail state of his health is evident, suggesting that he has journeyed here to seek the aid of a traditional healer.
In the rich tapestry of Native culture, the tradition is known as a "sing," accompanied by a ritualistic offering termed a "token." Hosteen, adhering to this custom, presents a pair of enigmatic black spectacles. The scene then abruptly shifts to Leaphorn's arrival at the motel, now a grim tableau of violence and death. The lobby harbors the solemn presence of the healer, while within the room, chaos reigns—furniture overturned, belongings strewn haphazardly. Hosteen lies brutalized, his eyes brutally gouged and his liver cruelly excised from his lifeless body.
In the confines of the bathroom, Leaphorn's breath catches as he discovers Anna Attcity, deceased, her lifeless form a stark reminder of the tragedy's personal stake. Anna is not merely a victim but someone deeply cherished by both Leaphorn and the healer, Margaret, her grandmother. With tender care, Leaphorn guides Margaret back to the family's desert haven, where he delivers the harrowing news to Guy and Helen, Anna's heartbroken parents.
This revelation unfolds amidst a backdrop of Leaphorn's strained relationship with his community. Once an integral part, he ventured beyond to attend Arizona State University and joined the law enforcement ranks. Unspoken incidents from his past shadow his present, coloring the community's perception of him with a tint of disfavor.
Margaret's blindness adds another layer of complexity to the investigation. Unable to visually identify the assailants, she remains in a state of profound shock, her voice silenced by grief, further hampering Leaphorn's efforts.
Enter Jim Chee, a fresh college graduate and newly minted deputy to Leaphorn. He is warmly received by Lieutenant Manuelito, his strong will, training, empathy, and bravery evident from the outset. Chee's background at Windo Rock now steers him toward aiding in this haunting investigation. Father Benjamin, Hosteen's grandson, makes a fleeting appearance at the station, his presence more a testament to his lineage than a proactive contribution to the proceedings.
As homicide is categorized under federal law, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) holds jurisdiction over this particular case. Leaphorn and Chee journey to the morgue, where they present the deceased to Special Agents Whitover and Springer. Leaphorn affectionately, albeit somewhat derisively, nicknames them High Pockets and Low Pockets, respectively. The underlying tension between the men is palpable, stemming unmistakably from their conflicting priorities, shaped by their distinct communities and cultures.
The agents scrutinize the corpse, striving to determine the cause of Anna's demise. Once their inspection is concluded, they transport the body back to Flagstaff. A strategic alliance is forged between Agent Whitover and Lieutenant Leaphorn, as they agree to collaborate on unraveling both the murder mystery and the accompanying robbery.
Elsewhere, a fleeting scene introduces us to Sally Growing Thunder, a youthful, expectant mother, who finds herself at a clinic. She receives counsel from the Indian nurse, Emma, who gently advises her to consider delivering her baby at home.
Emma, Leaphorn's beloved wife, entreats him to inquire after Sally's wellbeing, amidst Leaphorn's lingering emotional turmoil over Anna's tragic demise. Reluctantly, he tasks Chee and Manuelito with the mission instead. Intriguingly, we uncover that Sally's mother possesses dark arts, wielding control over malevolent spirits. Manuelito extends a helping hand and sage advice to Sally, who, however, hesitates to accept.
Meanwhile, a mysterious gunman lurks menacingly in their backyard, his sights set on an unsuspecting Chee as he conducts his investigation. Fortunately, Manuelito's timely call alerts Chee to the danger. From the safety of her car, she remotely advises him to always carry his medicine roll, emphasizing its potential worth as a lifesaver, far surpassing the utility of his .38 revolver in those treacherous environs. Unbeknownst to many, Chee, a Special Agent with the FBI, has been embedded within the police force under Whitover's supervision, tasked solely with locating the missing helicopter. He reports directly to Whitover alone.
The episode concludes with a suspenseful scene where Leaphorn pays a visit to Father Benjamin's abode, only to find it empty. As he explores the premises, an odd scent in the water catches his attention, leading him to trace its origin to a water body situated behind the house. The distinct odor confirms his suspicion.
Beneath the surface, the helicopter from the heist lies in a wrecked state, its cargo bay housing a deceased male. A white helmet, bearing the initials 'CW,' commands attention. It is evident that Leaphorn detected the helicopter's fuel emanations. The enigma persists—how did the helicopter end up there, and what significance do the initials 'CW' hold? Perhaps, the forthcoming episode will shed light on these perplexing questions.
