Produced by George R R Martin and Robert Redford, Dark Winds is an AMC crime thriller series which takes a new approach as it is set in a remote outpost of the Navajo Nation in 1971.
Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) is bewildered by a series of seemingly unrelated crimes especially as one murder is close to his heart. The closer he digs to find out what happened, the stranger it seems and how the crimes are connected to an armed robbery where the robbers escaped by helicopter.
He is joined by a new deputy Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) who also has ties to the past and the FBI. The two of them along with Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten) must fight to catch the murderers but put themselves and their family and friends in danger.
Very atmospheric and wonderfully shot, it Features Native American talent in front of and behind the camera, it is well-written with sharply defined characters, plus an invigorating and tightly wound story. Black magic plays a part and it gives the whole arc a refreshing outlook because of where it is set, the native people at this time were treated very badly, and the series emphasizes the importance of realistically depicting Indigenous people.
It has a slow pace but is well worth sticking with as the story unfolds in unusual ways and each character gets to examine their own personal demons.
The six episodes build to a great climax and it does make you want to see season 2 which has been made.
The picture quality on this Blu-ray is gorgeous, really making the hot and dusty landscape part of the story. The extras are just one which is behind the scenes of the making of the show with interviews with cast and crew.
A definite winner and well worth your time.
SERIES – 8 PICTURE – 9 AUDIO – 8 EXTRAS – 5
