Lastly, we catch a thrilling glimpse of Rain Wilson in action during the third episode of "Dark Winds." Wilson, renowned for his starring role in the beloved American sitcom "The Office," makes a long-awaited appearance that satisfies our curiosity as he embodies Dan with captivating depth. Set against the evocative backdrop of Tina Turner's "Proud Mary," we witness Devoted Dan colluding with a gang of robbers in a complex money laundering scheme that entangles a shopkeeper named Yazzie, Wendy from the store, Dan himself, and the heist perpetrators.
A stunning revelation unfolds: BJ Vines and Co. belongs to these nefarious individuals, hinting at the shadowy presence of a vast cartel aiming to establish a monopolistic grip over the town. The scene shifts to Chee hotly pursuing Raymond Begay, while Leaphorn leisurely enjoys a chilly cherry iced cone, adding a quirky yet satisfying twist to the narrative. It's somewhat gratifying to see Chee worked up in such an intense pursuit.
Next, we encounter Kinaalda, Emma's niece (Nanobah)'s quinceanera—a rite of passage deeply rooted in Hispanic culture. Kudos to the Native writers for intricately weaving their cultural heritage into the storyline, offering a much-needed and welcome representation in the television landscape. Raymond, a former Navy diver, is hired to explore the water body adjacent to Father Benjamin's residence, as Leaphorn yearns to uncover the missing helicopter. Surprisingly, their efforts yield no tangible results.
Bernadette enters the scene, bringing with her a bombshell revelation: the Mormons, the Smith family, have officially been reported missing. She also presents a receipt from Lester's shop, detailing the purchase of a painting and other items discovered in the trunk. It won't take long for the deputies to connect the dots and zero in on the robbers.
Leaphorn catches a glimpse of the previous owner's name on Yazzi's car registration – Devoted Dan, a moniker that piques his curiosity. Meanwhile, Bernadette and Chee delve deeper into the Smiths' mysterious disappearance, drawing ever closer to unraveling the mystery. Leaphorn convenes with High-Pocket, alias Whitover, to discuss the ostensibly "closed" Attcity/Tso case from the Fed's perspective. The haunting melody of John Lennon's underappreciated gem, "Working Class Hero," serves as the soundtrack to a montage depicting Leaphorn procuring essentials for Kilanaade amidst a market brimming with exotic artifacts from distant shores, a refreshing sight indeed that warrants special mention.
Chee guides Bernadette to his ancestral home, where he recounts the tale of his mother, unfairly branded a "witch" for her courage in confronting an abusive partner. This ordeal led to Chee's ostracism at school and ultimately forced him to flee his birthplace. Elsewhere, Leaphorn brings back the bodies of Tso and Attcity from Flagstaff, draped in carpets he carefully selected earlier that morning. It's heart-wrenching to witness such inhumane treatment, yet they are afforded a dignified Dine burial at a revered altitude, orchestrated by Leaphorn and Anna's kin.
As the sun dips below the horizon, Wendy speeds off into the distance, only to encounter Mormons being held as collateral at their rendezvous point. Benjamin further ensures his grip on Wanda by seizing her hairclip as an additional "insurance" against her betraying him to the authorities. But to whom will he entrust this token? The answer lies with Ada Thunderstorm, Sally's mother – a genuine witch with powers beyond the mundane.
Raymond's final dive into the lake yields the elusive helmet, while Leaphorn unearths a letter that could potentially expose Benjamin's true identity, shattering the facade he's painstakingly crafted.
Which devout and trustworthy servant of God could possibly don ripped jeans, towering high boots, and a leather jacket of such description? Surely, not one belonging to the clerical ranks. Speaking of which, here comes the very individual in question – Benjamin makes an unannounced visit to Leaphorn’s abode, ostensibly to express his “gratitude” for laying his grandfather to rest. Sally catches sight of him through the window, her eyes widening in astonishment. In a rush, she is whisked away to the hospital, where, in hushed whispers, she might have imparted some truths to Emma. Though we are not privy to her exact words, their nature is not hard to divine.
The Kinaalda ceremony for Nanobah has come to a triumphant close, marking her official entrance into womanhood, celebrated by the entire community. “Frank Nakai,” Sally murmurs to Emma, who, in turn, relays the name to Leaphorn. Could this be Benjamin’s true identity? Meanwhile, Ada, the woman who claims to be Sally’s “mother,” employs her dark arts to murder Wanda.
