Dark Winds: 5 questions that need answering in season 3 of the Western noir drama

The American psychological thriller Dark Winds has successfully concluded two seasons and has already been renewed for a third. The show is based on Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn and Chee series and revolves primarily around these two characters and the cases they solve.

Dark Winds is primarily set within the Navajo Tribal Police and focuses on officers Joe Leaphorn, portrayed by Zahn McClarnon, Jim Chee, and Kiowa Gordon, and Bernadette Manuelito, played by Jessica Matten. The officers embark on investigations into crimes in their area.

The first season was based on Listening Woman and elements from People of Darkness, both of which are part of Hillerman's novels. However, the second season's storyline centered primarily on People of Darkness.

Fans eagerly await the third season, expected to be released in 2025. The second season left viewers with unanswered questions that they hope will be addressed in the upcoming season. We have highlighted dire questions about the show's storyline to jog your mind as you gear up for Dark Winds Season 3.

5 questions that need answering in Dark Winds Season 3

According to the New Mexico Film Office, shooting for the third season is underway in Santa Fe and Tesuque Pueblo, the primary filming locations for the first two seasons of Dark Winds. In the meantime, here are five key questions that need answering in the upcoming season.

1. Will Leaphorn finally achieve peace in his life?

The first two seasons of Dark Winds showcased Joe Leaphorn grieving the loss of his son. In season 2, however, he finally unraveled the mystery behind his son's death and exposed the mastermind behind the crime.

Leaphorn discovered that his son died in a bombing orchestrated by B.J. Vines. Realizing that "white justice" might let Vines walk free, Leaphorn kidnaps him and leaves him to freeze to death in the wilderness. In Dark Winds Season 3, it will be interesting to see if Leaphorn can finally find peace after the incident.

2. Will Bernadette return to the Navajo Tribal Police station?

Bernadette in Dark Winds (Image Source: AMC)

In season 2, Bernadette accepted a new job with the Border Patrol, leaving behind her people and the Navajo Police Station. She embarked on this new journey alone, though she shared a passionate kiss with Chee towards the end of the season.

The third season's storyline suggests she will work on a new case. It will be intriguing to see if she handles it alone or seeks help from her team. Moreover, will she continue with the Border Patrol or return to the Navajo Tribal Police?

3. Will the romance between Bernadette and Chee blossom in Dark Winds Season 3?

Another storyline that fans are eagerly anticipating is the potential romance between Bernadette and Jim Chee. Although they had a spark in the first season, they never pursued a relationship.

However, towards the end of season 2, Chee drove to see Bernadette as she prepared to leave for her Border Patrol job to say his final goodbye. They kissed, leaving fans speculating about their relationship in the upcoming season. What will be the fate of their relationship in Dark Winds Season 3?

4. What will be the next case of the officers?

Still from Dark Winds (Image Source: AMC)

Dark Winds Season 3 will center around a compelling new mystery involving two murders. The show will pick up six months after the events of season 2, with Leaphorn and Chee working on a new case. Meanwhile, Bernadette, who left for the border in season 2, will be involved in a case related to human and drug trafficking.

5. Will there be any new characters in Dark Winds Season 3?

Season 3 of Dark Winds will see the police officers investigating a new case, and considering the mysteries of the last two seasons, fans are hopeful for some new characters. However, details about guest stars remain under wraps. However, the three lead characters—Joe Leaphorn, Jim Chee, and Bernadette—and the rest of the stellar cast will return.

Here is the confirmed cast of Dark Winds Season 3: