“It's pretty good”: Dark Winds showrunner teases conflict between Chee and Bern in Season 4

As the third season of Dark Winds, with its tension-filled build-up, comes to a close, viewers are left with pent-up emotions and unresolved tensions, especially when it comes to the love lives of the main characters. Although the season finale revolves around solving big cases—rescuing George Bowlegs and shutting down drug and human trafficking rings—it also leaves personal matters in limbo.

A rich emotional journey in Dark Winds comes with Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and his troubled relationship with Emma and what happens after Bernadette's (Jessica Matten) near-death experience. With Bern coming back to Navajo land, there is a lot of anticipation about Bern's fate as well as her troubled history with fellow policeman Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) in Season 4.

During an interview with Collider, when John was asked about what the motivation was for keeping the two of them apart this season and how it would strengthen their relationship moving forward, he replied,

"You know, love stories don't really work on television or in movies or probably even in novels if there's no conflict. So, we've had to kind of figure out what the conflict is between Chee and Bern for Season 4, and I think it's pretty good what we've got going."

Though Dark Winds showrunner John Wirth hasn't exactly said that an underlying tension is brewing between Bern and Chee, his declaration makes it seem like working relationships and personal friendships will be turned around completely in season two.

Although "It's pretty good" was never said about him, it's clear from the way the characters have been established that Chee-Bern tensions are still teetering on a knife's edge. In season three, their relationship is more characterized by their competing definitions of justice, with Chee often embracing a more old-fashioned, moral compass style and Bern's autonomy and pragmatism keeping her at a distance.

Whether or not this tension will eventually come to a head in a full-blown conflict remains to be determined, but the set stage certainly looks that way.

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Dark Winds Season 3 recap: Bern's independence and Joe's emotional journey

Bern's Dark Winds' third-season finale bravado is featured as she, single-handedly, takes down a large trafficking ring, proving herself strong and independent. Having been buried alive in a traumatic experience, she subsequently chooses to go back to her Navajo heritage, leaving Ivan behind, and live on comfortable turf.

This move proves her increased independence and absence of Ivan's control, a critical milestone in character development. As Chee assists in cracking the cases, his conflict with Bern is more a professional issue than tension, and their differing visions regarding justice are only suggested in moments of barely perceptible tension throughout the season.

Joe's narrative also comes into view as he struggles to deal with his emotional breakdown after Emma's departure. The last episodes of the season provide a glimmer of hope for their relationship, particularly with the emotional breakthrough from Emma's tape, which holds the promise of reconciliation.

The season, however, leaves much unresolved, particularly Joe's inner turmoil and conflicted emotions about his marriage. This emotional arc is bound to continue in Season 4, with redemption and healing as key pillars in the narrative of Joe.

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What to watch for during Dark Winds Season 4: Character developments and teed-up angst

While no official rumors about a struggle for power or ideological confrontation during Dark Winds Season 4 between Chee and Bern, their dynamic is sure to advance further. Bern, now based back in Navajo territory where Chee's currently assigned, serves as the almost unavoidable setup that they will keep crossing paths and crossing each other's paths, increasing the times.

This chemistry has the potential to escalate to something more than just work colleagues—whether more work together or more personal animus remains to be seen. Season 4 could involve the consequences of Bern's homecoming and Chee's pathfinding through the evolving world of law enforcement. These two have tricky moral compasses. So, ongoing interaction on their part might add new difficulties.

Furthermore, Joe's personal story, particularly his attempts at repairing his marriage, will remain a core concern as the unresolved questions of trust and fidelity continue to haunt his job and life.

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The redemption and moral complexity themes in Dark Winds

Perhaps the most powerful theme of Dark Winds is redemption and moral complexity. The season 3 finale is absolutely about the layers of its characters, as Joe and Shorty Bowlegs have a moment of redemption. These will probably carry over into Season 4, as characters deal with their pasts and try to create a way for personal redemption.

Chee and Bern's relationship, while professional by Season 3's end, could offer rich soil to explore these themes even further, particularly as both have to contend with the issues of their own cultural and moral identities.

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Finally, even as much about personal agendas in Dark Winds Season 3 remained uncertain. It left Season 4 with the possibility of being an untapped and compelling one. Its complex character dynamics, and more so Bern and Chee's, provide ample space for future growth, though any concrete conclusions regarding the conflict between the two are conjectural at this time.

As the series goes on, viewers can expect to see more justice, redemption, and personal conflicts for its characters. One thing's definite, anyway: Dark Winds will keep holding viewers' attention through its complicated narrative and compelling character arcs.

Also read: Dark Winds Season 3 finale ending explained: Bernadette's resilience, Emma's forgiveness and Dr. Reynolds is taken down