AMC’s Dark Winds isn’t just another desert noir. It’s a gritty, sweat-stained portal into the 1970s Navajo Nation that feels lived-in and dangerously real. While the first season set the stage, the cast of Dark Winds season 2 really had to carry the weight of a story that shifted from a standard heist mystery into something much more personal and, honestly, pretty terrifying.
You’ve got Zahn McClarnon leading the charge as Joe Leaphorn. He’s the anchor. Without his quiet, simmering intensity, the show just wouldn’t work. Season 2 picks up with a literal bang—a car bomb—and forces the ensemble to navigate a landscape where the villains aren't just greedy humans, but also the ghosts of the past.
The Heavy Hitters: Leaphorn and Chee
Zahn McClarnon is a master of the "look." He says more with a slight tilt of his head than most actors do with a three-page monologue. In season 2, we see a more vulnerable side of Joe. He’s still the Lieutenant, sure, but the pursuit of the blonde assassin Colton Wolf becomes an obsession that threatens his moral compass.
Then there's Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee.
Chee’s arc this season is a bit of a rollercoaster. He’s no longer with the FBI; he’s working as a private investigator, which basically means he’s broke and getting beat up a lot more often. Gordon plays Chee with a blend of youthful arrogance and growing spiritual awareness. The chemistry between him and McClarnon has evolved from "grudging partners" to something resembling a father-son dynamic, even if neither of them would ever admit it over a cup of diner coffee.
The Women Holding the World Together
Jessica Matten returns as Sgt. Bernadette Manuelito. If you’re watching for the action, she’s usually the one providing it. Bernadette is the heart of the Tribal Police, but season 2 pushes her to a breaking point. Matten plays the character’s internal conflict—staying to help her people versus the lure of the Border Patrol—with incredible subtlety. You can see the exhaustion in her eyes. It’s a realistic portrayal of "burnout" before that was even a buzzword.
And we have to talk about Deanna Allison as Emma Leaphorn.
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Often, the "wife" character in crime dramas gets sidelined. Not here. Emma is a powerhouse. Whether she's dealing with the trauma of a sterilization scandal at the local clinic or trying to keep Joe from losing his soul, Allison brings a grounding presence. Her scenes aren't just filler; they are the emotional backbone of the series.
The Villains and New Faces
Season 2 introduced some seriously creepy characters.
- Nicholas Logan as Colton Wolf: This guy is a nightmare. Logan plays the assassin with a cold, detached efficiency that makes your skin crawl. He doesn't talk much. He just does. The scene where he’s rebuilding his own face? Pure body horror.
- Jeri Ryan as Rosemary Vines: Yes, that Jeri Ryan. She plays a wealthy, mysterious woman who hires Chee. She brings a touch of classic noir "femme fatale" energy to the high desert, but with a twist that fits the show’s unique vibe.
- A Martinez as Sheriff Gordo Sena: A veteran actor who fits perfectly into this world. He’s the bridge between the white world of the county sheriff's office and the Navajo world of Leaphorn.
Why This Ensemble Works Better Than Season 1
Honestly, the cast of Dark Winds season 2 felt more cohesive. The first season spent a lot of time explaining the world. This season, they just lived in it. We got to see more of the supporting players, like Elva Guerra as Sally Growing Thunder.
Sally’s story is heartbreaking. She’s living with the Leaphorns after the birth of her baby, and Guerra captures that teenage restlessness mixed with profound trauma perfectly. It’s a messy, complicated living situation, and the show doesn't shy away from how awkward and difficult that is.
The Complexity of Casting Native Stories
It’s worth noting that Dark Winds isn't just a show with Native actors; it’s a show produced and directed by Native people. This shows up in the performances. There’s a lack of "Hollywood-ness" in how the actors carry themselves. When McClarnon or Gordon speak Navajo, it doesn't feel like a rehearsed gimmick. It feels like a piece of their identity.
The production also brought in veterans like Tantoo Cardinal, who is essentially royalty in Indigenous cinema. Even in smaller roles, having that kind of pedigree elevates the entire production. It's a reminder that representation isn't just about putting faces on screen; it's about the depth of the talent pool being utilized.
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Behind the Scenes: The Crew Supporting the Cast
You can't talk about the acting without mentioning the atmosphere created by showrunner John Wirth and the directing team. They use the landscape of Santa Fe and Camel Rock as a character itself. The actors are often dwarfed by the massive horizons, which emphasizes the isolation of their work.
The costume design in season 2 also deserves a shoutout. The 70s aesthetic is present but not "costumy." The flared jeans, the polyester shirts, the rugged turquoise jewelry—it all feels lived-in and dusty. It helps the actors disappear into the roles. When you see Jim Chee in his leather jacket, you don't see an actor; you see a guy trying way too hard to look like a cool PI in 1971.
Misconceptions About the Characters
Some viewers think Leaphorn is "too cold."
I’d argue he’s just guarded. If you look at the history of the Long Walk or the generational trauma the show hints at, his stoicism makes total sense. He’s a man who has lost a son and seen the worst of humanity. The way McClarnon peels back those layers in the finale—especially the scenes involving his son’s belt buckle—is some of the best acting on television in the last five years.
Another common mix-up is the role of the FBI. In season 2, the "feds" are mostly in the rearview mirror. This allows the local cast to shine without being overshadowed by the "big city" investigators. It makes the stakes feel much higher because you know help isn't coming. It's just Joe, Jim, and Bernie against a professional killer.
Looking Ahead
The way season 2 ended left the cast in a very different place. Bernadette is heading off to a new life. Chee and Leaphorn have reached a new level of mutual respect. Sally is trying to find her own way.
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If you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of Dark Winds, start by reading the source material. Tony Hillerman’s novels—specifically People of Darkness, which season 2 is loosely based on—provide a lot of the internal monologues that the actors have to convey with just their expressions.
Next, pay attention to the lighting. The show uses natural light almost exclusively for exterior shots. This forces the actors to work with the elements, which is why everyone looks so rugged and authentic. There’s no "studio glow" here.
Finally, watch the scenes between Emma and Sally again. They represent the bridge between the old ways and the new struggles of the 70s. It’s the most "human" part of a show that is otherwise filled with murder and conspiracy.
To truly appreciate the performances, track the career of Zahn McClarnon back to Fargo or Longmire. You'll see how he’s distilled his craft into the character of Joe Leaphorn, making it the definitive performance of his career so far. The same goes for Kiowa Gordon, who has grown significantly since his Twilight days. He’s turned into a formidable leading man.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Watch for the Nuance: Re-watch the Season 2 finale and focus specifically on the non-verbal cues between Joe and Emma. It’s a masterclass in acting.
- Explore the History: Look up the real-world history of the "Family Planning Services" acts of the 1970s. It provides the harrowing context for Emma's storyline this season.
- Follow the Cast: Keep an eye on Jessica Matten’s upcoming projects; her performance in Dark Winds has positioned her as one of the most compelling action-drama actresses working today.
- Read the Books: Pick up People of Darkness by Tony Hillerman to see how the showrunners adapted the 1980 novel into a 1971 setting.