‘Dark Winds’ Recap: ‘Monster Slayer’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Dark Winds’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that Indigenous Americans tend to be shown in a supremely negative light in film and television. For they are oft portrayed as warmongers and/or token warriors depending upon the story. Or they’re portrayed as afterthoughts or belligerent or drunks or whatever negative stereotype you’ve ever heard come to mind and that’s… horrifying to say the least. Because none of those stereotypes are true in the slightest and the propagation of them in popular media has only helped to keep people that had land stolen from them, out of sight and out of mind for the everyday person. 
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But thankfully, the times are changing in the industry and outdated, and incorrect, and outright inappropriate cultural depictions are starting to come to an end. Which is allowing for diversity and representation to win the day on the silver and small screen, since we are finally seeing the world, as it truly is, represented in these mediums, and thankfully… that is starting to include Indigenous Americans. For we are finally seeing stories that celebrate the culture of American Indians and the characters played by Indigenous American actors aren’t stereotypical and uncomfortable. They’re respectful and authentic and realistic at last, and these stories are now celebrating the culture and educating audiences in the process.

If anything, the upside to this change in storytelling is top of mind today, simply because an incredible story in that vein made its debut on AMC last night, entitled Dark Winds. Now in this particular tale, we are transported back to 1971, wherein the police force that patrols the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico, is dealing with quite the set of problems. For not only are the FBI pressing to make a robbery investigation the core focus of Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn’s time in 'Monster Slayer', but a brutal double homicide at the local hotel… has the community up in arms. Forcing Joe to balance his minimal resources as best he can to solve both crimes and well… that simple plot, gives way to quite the powerful and complex story… one that is host to some incredible commentary on prejudice and racism in our world, whilst setting the stage for a grand exploration into Navajo culture.

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For the fact that the FBI is more concerned with the robbery in question, over lives taken… speaks volumes to how Indigenous Americans and their plight, simply aren’t seen by the average American and are an afterthought of sorts. A problem that still exists today, making what we see here, an embarrassing parallel that clearly needs to be rectified and the show deserves credit for pointing that out, and for doing its best to wipe that away by showing us the struggles of American Indians and by plunging us into the Navajo culture. Since a great deal of this story does examine the beliefs of the Navajo, and how they view their place in the world. Giving us incredible perspective on the faith the Navajo embrace, and the isolation they deal with, that has been created by modern America’s inability to truly embrace inclusion. 
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However, while those elements make this a poignant story through and through… its wonders extend beyond that. For this is also a genuinely engaging murder mystery. One that has implications of some sinister goings on within the borders of the Reservation. The kind that could include magic and offended spirits, or just relate to incredible guile, and a desire from the killer to remain unseen, and by setting this in 1971, the removal of modern technology to solve a crime… only adds to the air of mystery. For Joe and his team are in the dark evidence wise and will need to use their wits alongside what little resources they can pull together, to solve this mess and bring justice to the fallen and well, everything we've discussed here today, helps to make this a special premiere for certain.

Because that is an original and engaging plot, one that is as intelligent as it gets. Not to mention, the amazing twists and turns present here, only suck the viewer in further… since the one at the end has you dying to know where Jim Chee’s loyalties will lie when the dust settles and of course, where that revelation regarding the lake will take us. But while we wait with bated breath to enjoy another chapter in this fascinating story, we can celebrate the magnificent wonder of a quality story about Indigenous Americans. One that shatters tropes and stereotypes revolving around American Indians. Because that alone is revolutionary and everything that happens past this point will be a landmark moment for television… since viewers will be eagerly tuning in to see a story that simply presents the Navajo and all Indigenous Americans... in an honest and earnest light. Until next time.  

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