Dark Winds Episode Explores Trauma and Mythology in Haunting Narrative

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – *Dark Winds* continues to push boundaries in its third season, particularly in Episode 6, titled “Ábidoo’niidënëë (What He Had Been Told),” now available for streaming on AMC. This episode delves deep into the complexities of trauma, mythology, and the psyche of its protagonist, Joe Leaphorn, portrayed by Zahn McClarnon.

Since the season’s inception, Leaphorn has been haunted by the Ye’iitsoh, a monstrous figure rooted in Navajo mythology that symbolizes his inner demons. The torment follows his actions in Season 2, where he was forced to kill the corrupt businessman B.J. Vines (John Diehl). As the series unfolds, viewers are left questioning the nature of Leaphorn’s encounters with the creature: are they real, or mere hallucinations?

The episode’s director, who collaborated closely with the writing team, sought to explore this haunting through a fever-dream narrative that takes Leaphorn back to his childhood home, meeting his parents and his younger self. Central to this exploration is the sensitive portrayal of childhood trauma, particularly a traumatic incident where Leaphorn witnesses the abuse of his cousin Will by a Catholic priest.

“We understood the weight of responsibility in depicting this type of historical trauma,” the director said. “It was crucial for us to highlight these experiences without sensationalizing them.” Initially, the team considered setting the episode in a boarding school, but they pivoted to a church context after discussions revealed the need to approach the subject matter with depth and care.

Navajo writer and director Billy Luther noted that growing up amid Diné folklore influenced the storytelling. “We wanted to weave together narratives of the Hero Twins confronting the Ye’iitsoh with Leaphorn’s current struggles and his past trauma. The episode begins with a school play about Navajo monster mythology, setting the stage for these interconnected tales,” he explained.

Discussions surrounding the episode’s themes reflect the writers’ commitment to authenticity. The show aims to express the historical trauma experienced by indigenous peoples while avoiding re-traumatization of its viewers. “We often sought to ensure that we were telling these stories in a way that felt respectful,” McClarnon confirmed.

Notably, the team chose to implement a closed set for sensitive scenes, prioritizing the well-being of young actor Enzo Okuma Linton, who played Will. They brought in an intimacy coordinator to foster a safe environment, enabling all involved to deliver genuine performances.

“It was important for us to create a space where actors could feel safe to explore these intense emotions,” said the show’s director. “The dynamics between Zahn and Enzo, especially during key scenes, were powerful. They captured the complexity of their characters’ relationships, rooted in shared trauma.”

The transformative nature of the episode is also influenced by external cinematic inspirations. The director cited David Lynch’s stylistic approach and his immersive visual storytelling as crucial influences while crafting dream-like transitions. “I drew upon various films, such as ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ and ‘Perfect Blue,’ to guide our exploration of complex emotional landscapes,” they shared.

Throughout the episode, the audience witnesses Leaphorn grappling with his past, symbolized by visions of the priest and his childhood home. As he reconnects with painful memories, he confronts the nature of violence perpetuated against Native Americans throughout history, realizing that the true monsters are often human.

As they processed these heavy themes, the writers and director worked diligently to create a narrative that honors indigenous experiences while maintaining entertainment value. This balance is vital, as McClarnon summarized: “We’re not just creating content; we’re sharing authentic, profound stories that haven’t always had a platform.”

The episode closes on a note of clarity, as Leaphorn understands the complexity of his guilty feelings over B.J. Vines’ death. The lessons learned are as intricate as the narratives woven throughout the episode, reflecting the profound impact of past abuses and ongoing struggles for justice within Native communities.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.