Dark Winds

This show is as good as advertised. I've never heard of the books so I had no expectations going in so I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I like this. Zahn McClarnon has been good in just about everything he's ever been in but he's finally given a chance to be a lead and he excels at it. I could actually see him getting nominated for an Emmy for his work here, he's that good. Kiowa Gordon is an unknown actor who also does an excellent job and should have plenty of opportunities and a bright career after this. The rest of the cast (Noah Emmerich, Rainn Wilson, Jessica Matten, A Martinez, Jenna Elfman, etc) all hold their own here too. There are not many shows built around Native Americans so I'm glad this one didn't flame out and disappoint.

When I saw in the opening credits that Robert Redford and George RR Martin were executive producers, I knew this would be a good series. The lead cast are very good and the script is believable, the plot is interesting and the dialog is good. The setting is the Navajo Nation in the 1970s and their tribal police. The contrast in cultures, science versus tribal superstitions and the remote and vast reservation all add to the great story.

Well written, well acted, well paced. Two episodes in and I'm hooked. So far there are three plots to follow - the murders of two reservation residents, a high-profile armored car robbery using a helicopter, and a possible conspiracy to blow up a mining operation. And then there's spooky stuff... It sounds like a lot going on, but because the writing is so good, it's very easy to follow the various intersecting plot lines.

The characters are quite appealing - I credit the fine acting for that - consequently you get invested in the show very quickly. The show doesn't pull any punches when it comes to showing the overt and systematic racism faced by Native Americans in the 1970's (not to suggest it's strictly a thing of the past), but so far it's not falling into the trap of portraying the native people as 'noble savages,' either.

This is simply good drama, and the fact that it's set on a Navajo reservation just enhances the drama rather than over-relying on it or using it as a shtick. I like this show and I think if you give it a try, you'll be hooked, too.

Can't wait for the next episode. This brings back So much, as I lived on the Navajo Reservation (near Shiprock) in a log cabin during the same time frame. I turned 21 there, & it was another world entirely. This show is really bring int all back. And McClarnon - so good It better be continuing on into another _. LONGER-season !

Now that it is done - I restate, very emphatically - it had BETTER have a 2cnd, LONGER season.

I liked this so much, I couldn't stop watching it, I Binged watched it all. I kept forgetting that it took place in the 70's and not a computer, cell phone, modern vehicle in sight. It did not take feel like it was in the 70's either. AMC is doing great things non stop. They take their time and get the job done unlike Netflix.