Episode 1 of Dark Winds Season 4 begins with a secluded diner where a woman brandishing a gun storms in, her gaze instantly locked on Albert, a Navajo man dining with his girlfriend, Billie. They're on the run, and Albert's desperation to find someone is palpable. A shootout ensues, leaving behind a trail of chaos and eventually propelling Albert and Billie onto the road, their troubles leading them straight to our protagonists.
Later in the episode, Jim Chee gives a somber announcement to the force about Billie's disappearance, unaware of the significance this will hold.
We then rewind 15 hours and follow Joe as he heads out into the countryside. With Emma gone—having walked out on Joe last season following the BJ Vines fiasco—he's left to ponder his life alone. He spends his days hunting, doing housework, and generally keeping busy, lost in thought as he tries to figure out his next move.
Joe helps Gordo change a tire on the road, using this moment to vocalize his thoughts about life and Emma. Gordo's wife has dementia, and times are tough for him too. This helps reinforce how fleeting our lives can be, giving Joe a nudge towards what he truly wants to do.
Bernadette and Jim Chee are getting along well, but Bernadette is shocked when Joe pays her a visit in Chee's absence. He's decided to retire for good. Captain Largo is aware of this, given the paperwork has already been filed. He's bound for Los Angeles and determined to make a fresh start, believing this is what's needed to reconcile with Emma. Joe also wants to pass the torch to Bern, deciding that the county needs "new blood and new ways of doing things."
The issue at hand is that this could strain the bond between Bern and Jim, who are still grappling with the delicate balance of their romantic relationship amidst their professional partnership. Bern expresses her apprehension about the potential for competition or even working on the same case with differing perspectives. In contrast, Jim brushes it off, confidently asserting that they can always "ask Joe." However, Bern is well aware that this isn't a solution that will last forever. Fortunately, Jim provides reassurance, even without being aware of Joe's impending retirement, assuring Bern that he has her back.
Joe's mother, on the other hand, offers a more thoughtful and supportive perspective when she learns of her son's decision to retire. She tells Joe that he should retire for himself, not because of Emma. If that's what he truly desires, she will stand by him.
Jim and Joe embark on a journey to investigate this runaway situation further. Their destination is St. Catherine's, where Sister Regina, in charge of the facility, expresses her concern that this might be more serious than initially thought. Jim is encouraged to speak with the girls closest to Billie, in an attempt to gain a deeper understanding of what happened. Billie currently resides with her grandfather in the north of Sheep Springs, which is a 4- to 5-day trek on foot. It seems improbable that she would have made such a journey on foot without getting lost or injured.
The girls' guarded demeanor and Joe's awareness of Sister Regina's watchful eye paint a picture of a situation where they fear getting into trouble. Joe, with a generous gesture, hands over his card, encouraging them to reach out if they think of anything. The shopkeeper, Roger, steps in with more helpful information, revealing Billie's companionship with Albert, the Navajo kid. The car's California plates hint at their potential destination. As Joe and Jim gather clues, an assassin from earlier, in disguise, overhears their conversation.
Joe and Jim visit Billie's grandfather on his property to inquire about her runaway friend, Albert. They learn that Albert is a criminal from Mr. Begay, and if he's involved, it's not good news. Meanwhile, the assassin watches from afar, snapping photos of their interactions.
In the morning, Bern donns her uniform once more and returns to the station to a round of applause. Jim Chee puts on a show of "nice to see you again," but no one is fooled by his poor acting. They all know what's going on between them.
Bern wants to jump into the action and tells Joe she should go and question the girls. She returns to St. Catherine's and speaks with Jane, one of the girls. Her own experiences there and the harsh realities of life behind those walls help Jane open up. She reveals that Billie told her confidentially that if she were to runaway, she would stop at a diner. The closest one is Redhouse, which is where they currently are.
As soon as Bern learns of this, she informs Joe and Jim Chee, who race out to catch them. They arrive too late, however, as the diner is now a scene of chaos and destruction. The place is trashed, with bodies behind the counter. The assassin and the runaways are nowhere to be found. Business is about to pick up.
