Journey into Darkness: A Race Against Time
Unveiling the New Season's Intrigue
AMC has released an intense new preview for the fourth season of its 1970s-set noir thriller, "Dark Winds," scheduled to launch on February 15. The trailer showcases Lt. Joe Leaphorn embarking on a critical search operation.
The Haunting Opening Scene
Following an earlier teaser, the latest trailer commences with Lt. Joe Leaphorn, portrayed by Zahn McClarnon, silently tracking a deer through the wild expanses of the Navajo Nation. His voiceover, filled with foreboding, reflects on a poignant moment: "Just as I was about to fire, it seemed he understood his time had come."
Reunions and a Disturbing Discovery
The narrative continues with Jim Chee, played by Kiowa Gordon, extending a welcome to Bernadette Manuelito, portrayed by Jessica Matten, as she rejoins the Navajo Tribal Police after her stint with the Border Patrol. The central mystery of the season soon emerges: a 16-year-old girl has vanished from her boarding school. This leads Leaphorn and Manuelito to a horrifying scene of multiple deceased individuals.
An Expedition Beyond the Reservation
The unfolding investigation will compel the characters to leave their familiar surroundings and head to Los Angeles. According to AMC's press statement, they are caught "in a race against the clock to rescue [the missing girl] from a relentless assailant connected to organized criminal networks."
Escalating Peril and Personal Turmoil
As the plot thickens, the trailer offers glimpses of Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito in hot pursuit, with the missing girl desperately trying to escape danger. Meanwhile, a brief moment shows Leaphorn's wife, Emma, played by Deanna Allison, whose departure at the close of the third season left their relationship in question. Showrunner John Wirth hinted at the dramatic potential, noting, "It provides us with significant material for the fourth season. Will they reconcile, reunite, or perhaps begin anew?"
Behind the Scenes: Production and Cast Additions
The fourth season comprises eight hour-long episodes, consistent with previous installments. The series draws inspiration from Tony Hillerman's "Leaphorn & Chee" literary works and boasts executive producers including George R.R. Martin and the late Robert Redford, whose final on-screen appearance was in the third season of "Dark Winds." This season also marks star and executive producer McClarnon's directorial debut.
New Faces and Developing Roles
The cast welcomes new talents such as A. Martinez as police chief Gordo Sena and Franka Potente, known for "The Bourne Supremacy," joining as Irene Vaggan, a character shrouded in mystery but hinted at in recently released promotional images. Additional cast members include Isabel DeRoy-Olson from "Fancy Dance" as Billie Tsosie, a resilient Navajo teenager, Chaske Spencer of "The Twilight Saga" as a recruiter for a criminal organization, Luke Barnett from "The Crossing Over Express" as FBI special agent Toby Shaw, and Titus Welliver of "Bosch" as a powerful L.A. crime boss.
The Creative Minds Behind "Dark Winds"
Graham Roland is the creator of the series, with John Wirth serving as the showrunner. The executive production team includes Robert Redford, George R.R. Martin, Graham Roland, John Wirth, Zahn McClarnon, Chris Eyre, Tina Elmo, Jim Chory, Thomas Brady, Max Hurwitz, Vince Gerardis, and Anne Hillerman.
Broadcast Information
"Dark Winds" will be available on AMC and AMC+ for streaming, with new episodes airing weekly on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT, commencing on February 15.