Based on the Leaphorn/Chee novels by Tony Hillerman, DARK WINDS (Netflix) is a crime drama that takes place in the Navajo Nation, with predominantly native actors.
The year is 1971, and an armored car heist and several murders fall on the desk of Lieutenant Leaphorn of the Navajo Tribal Police. Working with a tough police sergeant and a new deputy named Chee, Leaphorn must content with FBI interest in the case, internal divisions on the reservation, and a terrorist movement seeking to gain greater self determination for the Navajo people.
As a crime story, it’s compelling, with numerous threads that slowly tie together to the big showdown at the end of the first season. What makes the show really special is the Southwestern landscapes, the indigenous culture, and the charming characters I found myself really rooting for. There is even a supernatural aspect in native witchcraft, which adds a bit of TRUE DETECTIVE to the mix and elevates the story even further.
Overall, I had a lot of fun with DARK WINDS and would recommend it. No heavy lifting required, though a bit spicier than the usual popcorn watch.
Fun? FUN? What a strange choice of words. Superb, presents culture within our country and our times..brings Navajo philosophy to the present brain..we need this…our country needs this..THANK YOU..NEED TO SEE IT AGAIN..BLESS HILLERMAN !