Unveiling the Thrilling Adventure of Dark Winds EP & Director Chris Eyre in an Epic Season 2 Journey

Summary

Season 2 of Dark Winds has wrapped up, providing answers to the recent mystery while leaving room for future stories.

Dark Winds is an enthralling show that features a skilled cast and crew, notably including celebrated figures George R.R. Martin and Robert Redford as producers. The captivating storylines of the characters and the genuine depiction of Native American narratives make Dark Winds a truly compelling and captivating experience for its audience.

Dark Winds season 2 concludes abruptly, yet "Beauty is Restored" provides numerous answers while leaving room for future developments. The highly acclaimed AMC series is based on Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn & Chee Navajo detective novels, with Anne Hillerman continuing the series after Tony's passing. With renowned figures such as George R.R. Martin and Robert Redford as producers, the show's exceptional quality comes as no surprise. What truly sets it apart, however, is the abundance of Native talent involved both on and off-screen.

Zahn McClarnon takes the lead as Joe Leaphorn, a lieutenant on a 1970s Navajo reservation tormented by his son's recent death. Co-starring alongside him is Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee, a former deputy turned private investigator. Dark Winds also showcases several significant female characters with captivating story arcs, including Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito portrayed by Jessica Matten, Joe's wife Emma played by Deanna Allison, and Sally Growing Thunder portrayed by Elva Guerra, a young mother who found solace in their home. Season 2 delves into a new and intricate murder case, intricately connected to the tragic Drumco oil rig explosion that claimed the life of the Leaphorns' son.

Chris Eyre Talks Dark Winds Season 2

Screen Rant: As both producer and director, how do you ensure that you've set the tone that you really want for this season in the episodes you direct?

In season 2, we were able to form a stronger team with the addition of John Wirth and Billy Luther, who is a Navajo director. Michael Nankin did an excellent job directing episodes 3 and 4, and we have really developed the characters and their storylines. It's reassuring to hear that people are interested in knowing what happens to the characters, as it shows that they connect with their lives and stories. This is the point we have reached in season 2.

Personally, I have a deep connection with the characters. I am curious to find out what happens to Bernadette after she leaves and if she successfully reaches the border. I am also eager to see the impact of the longest walk on Joe Leaphorn's moral compass. Additionally, I am interested in exploring Emma's feelings towards her family and discovering the fate of Sally. Although we have made progress in season 2, I believe we still have more room to grow.

As an executive producer, my role is to support and empower the talented individuals involved in the project, including myself as the director. We work together as a cohesive group, striving to create a high-quality series that portrays Native characters in a multidimensional manner. The show offers a thrilling blend of drama, humor, and intense chases set in the 1970s Southwest, accompanied by captivating '70s music.

I appreciate your mention of Bernadette and Sally. Throughout the season, I was constantly concerned about the possibility of Bernadette leaving for border patrol, but she ultimately took the job. However, I want to clarify if this means the actor will be departing from the show or if we will continue exploring her character's storyline in that new setting.

Chris Eyre: I absolutely agree. When we wrap up season six, it's like, "Okay, time to head to the border." We can't leave Bernadette behind. Bernadette is an amazing character, and I'm eager to discover what unfolds on her journey.

I had a conversation with Jessica about the two endings, and it's truly captivating. She bids farewell to Leaphorn, and she bids farewell to Chee. Then, there's this incredible scene where she drives away, reminiscent of The Graduate, where they sit at the back of the bus and wonder, "What now?" In her car, she sits with the future ahead of her, contemplating, "What's next? My life is taking a new direction." Yet, she displays bravery by embracing it, and it's truly a beautiful moment.

I particularly appreciate the way season 2 unfolds, with our initial encounter with Colton Wolf and the subsequent task of unraveling the enigma surrounding him. The deliberate choice to introduce him in black-and-white adds a captivating element to the story, while the reverse engineering of the season brings an intriguing dynamic.

Chris Eyre explained that the entire season drew inspiration from the first season, with an emphasis on enhancing the film noir elements. To achieve this, they decided to use black-and-white visuals, reminiscent of iconic films like "Touch of Evil" and "Maltese Falcon." The film noir atmosphere, coupled with the presence of a police detective and intense drama, formed the foundation of the show.

An interesting creative choice made by John Wirth and Peter Chomsky was to introduce colorized elements within the black-and-white frames. These colored elements served as important clues for the audience, such as blue wires, red fingernails, blue eyes, and a red jacket. As the second season progressed, the creators also experimented with playing with the timeline. One standout aspect is the opening of the season 2 premiere, where episode 4 references it. In this scene, we see the inside of the trailer, Colton Wolf, Bernadette, and Leaphorn drive up. Colton spots them, turns off the lights, and employs a hidden hatch door, which was initially unknown to the audience in episode 1. He escapes through the hatch, returns, and destroys the trailer. Thus, the opening scene of episode 1 gains new significance when revisited in episode 4.

We decided to tweak the story's order, and I believe it perfectly complements the dark and mysterious atmosphere of Dark Winds. We kept experimenting with it, receiving valuable assistance from numerous individuals, resulting in something captivating.

Your earlier point about truly caring for the characters resonates with me, as I was equally invested in Emma's defiance against the LA Times journalist's portrayal of the Family Planning Services Act and the central mystery. Could you elaborate on Emma's current state at the conclusion of season 2, considering what she and Joe discovered about their son's death and her sentiments towards the work she's engaging in with women on the reservation?

Chris Eyre expresses his amazement at Emma's connection to her matriarchal Diné culture, highlighting Deanna Allison as the embodiment of a Diné woman who speaks Navajo. He emphasizes the fascinating journey that Emma is on, allowing viewers to witness her growth in real-time. Eyre believes that merely observing Emma's journey will enable her to overcome any obstacles.

In the opening scene of episode 1, Eyre recalls Emma's decision not to ask Joe about the ceremony, which was a crucial moment during the directing process. Emma's portrayal of a strong, matriarchal figure led her to approach the situation differently. Rather than posing it as a question, she played around with the dialogue and ultimately stated confidently, "We're having a ceremony." This display of power resonated with Joe Leaphorn, who understood the significance of her words, as he knows her well.

The shifts in her persona and her performance as a matriarchal Navajo woman hold immense significance. Observing her journey, I am filled with hope and confidence that she will be alright. Joe and Emma, in my opinion, serve as a moral compass - the type of people you would want as your grandparents or aunt and uncle. It is their trustworthiness and the integrity of their choices that truly resonate. This is the essence of our Native characters, who are no different from any other characters. We are simply crafting a family.

I have complete faith that Emma will thrive. Sally's story arc is equally fascinating. I vividly remember that one shot where she walks away, carrying the baby on her back - it felt as though the baby was performing for the camera. Sally, to me, symbolizes a resilient Native woman who is stepping out the door, at a pivotal moment in her life. The series takes pride in featuring strong, Native female characters such as Emma, Sally, and Bernadette.

Credit: Michael Moriatis/AMC

Sally's departure is truly impactful as it follows her confrontation with Emma regarding her true desires in life and the feeling of being restricted by the Leaphorns in ways she hadn't anticipated. Now, how would you describe their role in her life and the repercussions of her leaving on them? Particularly since she and her child have almost filled the void left by Joe Jr.'s tragic demise.

Chris Eyre is curious to know what will happen to Joe, Emma, and everyone else. In episode 4, there was a scene that was extremely uncomfortable and dramatic. Sally discusses her fears about her child realizing her mistakes and feeling ashamed. It is a painful moment to witness, resembling postpartum struggles. This young girl is trying her best to navigate motherhood, and it truly moves me. I genuinely want Sally to overcome her challenges. The show consistently presents these authentic moments that I have never witnessed before. This particular scene deeply empathizes with Sally, as it captures the experiences of many young mothers facing similar circumstances.

As the show progresses and the team expands, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself even more deeply in the intricacies of Navajo or Diné culture. How do the actors collaborate with your team? Do they have a say in certain moments for their characters?

Chris Eyre: Absolutely. We all eagerly anticipate what the writers will present, and our writers’ room consists primarily of Native American talents. Sally's mention of her child's potential shame struck me as completely unique. It was evident to me that this is a genuine drama that explores Native American experiences in ways not previously portrayed. Our Native writers, alongside John Wirth and the team, are creating remarkable scenarios that are groundbreaking.

The performers then enter the scene. Zahn McClarnon intervened during the final moments of episode 6, pulling me back from my impulse to have Leaphorn seek revenge on Vines. He firmly stated that it goes against his character's nature, prompting me to reconsider. After a couple of days, Zahn expressed his reservations about a particular scene where Joe was on the verge of shooting Vines, realizing that it would be out of line for his character to take such action.

Coming from a Game of Thrones background and with George R.R. Martin as one of our producers, I initially welcomed the idea. However, Zahn's intervention not only saved me from a potentially misguided decision but also benefited the team. Recognizing that the portrayal of characters holds importance, Zahn asserted that Leaphorn wouldn't act in that way. Hence, we followed his advice. While these are fictional personas, the aim is to genuinely portray Native American individuals within these narratives.

Given the tremendous success of season 2, how do you envision the future of the show? What are your long-term plans for its overarching journey?

Chris Eyre: With an abundance of source material and the ongoing writing by Anne Hillerman, I can envision continuing the show for many years. The character arcs have the potential to unfold over several years, offering captivating and intriguing storylines.

About Dark Winds Season 2

Above all, I am eagerly intrigued to witness the individual destinies of each character unfold. By the conclusion of episode 6, I become genuinely fond of all the characters. As I witness their departure on the motorcycle, my immediate thought is, "Alright, what awaits us in the next installment? Where can we find the next episode?"

In the vast and arid expanse of Navajo Country, Lt. Joe Leaphorn (McClarnon) finds himself joining forces with his former deputy, Jim Chee (Gordon), who has now become a private eye. Both driven by their own individual cases, they unexpectedly cross paths and unite in pursuing a common suspect. But little do they know that this elusive killer will stop at nothing to safeguard a devastating secret, one that reopens painful wounds and tests Leaphorn's unwavering moral and professional principles. Together with the assistance of Sgt. Manuelito (Matten) and Valencia County Sheriff Gordo Sena, Leaphorn and Chee must outsmart their would-be assassin and restore harmony not only to their own lives, but also to the reservation that relies on their protection.

All episodes of Dark Winds are now streaming on AMC+.