Investigative detective thrillers are a specific category of shows that help one see society from a closer lens. They involve strong characters in the form of cops, often not perfect, with a dark past and a grey zone. They are assigned with a heinous crime and need to tap the criminal before the time runs out.
If you think of any thriller show, the next season becomes more challenging than the first. One can proudly say that Dark Winds stood the test of time. It got a 100% liking on Rotten Tomatoes and has a 7.6/10 IMDb rating. A Psychological thriller and a crime drama, it also ventures into the native genre of Western noir thriller. With season two’s finale around the corner, the fans are already waiting for an announcement for season three. The wait ends and here is all we know about Dark Winds season 3.
Renewal status of Dark Winds Season 3:
With season two still coming to an end and the killer not being caught, the show shall return for a season three due to the success of the last two installments. The show is inspired by a novel series that was started by Tony Hillerman and is continued by his daughter Anne. In an interview, Chris Eyre mentioned the production process and commented on the storyline as well as the possibility of a season three.
He says, and we quote, “In the case of the books, that’s a group effort to decide which books we’re going to follow and how to follow them. And then John is the one who really makes the final decision as the showrunner on how to do that. We started with ‘Listening Woman’ and ‘People of Darkness.’ Hopefully we’ll get a third season, there’s enough source material. I think Tony wrote 18 books. And his daughter, Anne Hillerman, is continuing the series, and she has about five books, I think. So there’s 23 novels to cull from.”
Looking at this, we can be relieved the show will return for season 3.
Release Date of Dark Winds Season 3:
The show will not return anytime before 2024 for the following reasons.
- Season two has not yet seen a finale.
- It is too early to talk about the audience’s overall perception of the season.
- Makers are unsure whether the novel plots need to be followed in order.
- The writer’s strike can lead to delays.
For the above reasons and looking at the past releases and timelines, the show can be expected in early 2024.
Expected Cast of Dark Winds Season 3:
With no announcement on any official exits or additions, the upcoming months and the social media handles of the makers will keep updating us on the cast after the official renewal. However, until then, based on season two, the following can be expected to return.
- Zahn McClarnon playing Joe Leaphorn
- Kiowa Gordon playing Jim Chee
- Jessica Matten playing Bernadette Manuelito
- Deanna Allison playing Emma
- Rainn Wilson playing Devoted Dan
- Elva Guerra playing Sally Growing Thunder
- Jeremiah Bitsui playing Hoski
- Eugene Brave Rock playing Frank Nakai
- Noah Emmerich playing Whitover
- Rob Tepper playing Pete Samuels
Expected plot of Dark Winds Season 3:
With no clue on the finale of season 2, it is too soon to comment on season three’s plot. We need to wait until the finale comes out on September 3, 2023.
What happens in the finale of Dark Winds Season 2?
The official synopsis of the episode titled Hozho Nahasdl?? reads “Leaphorn and Chee discover evidence that connects their cases, only for Leaphorn to realise justice won’t be easily served. Meanwhile, Manuelito prepares for a big life change.”
The finale sneak peek hints at the confessions, investigation, and who can be the criminal, but not before a lot of violence unfolds.
Recap of Dark Winds Season 1 and 2:
The first season follows a heist in 1971 New Mexico. However, things unfold as more crimes add on, from a simply executed white-collar crime to cold-blooded murders. The detectives get on a journey to unfold all aspects, taking some tough challenges on their way. They even get juvenile suspects to question. In the second season, a detective and a private investigator come together when two different crimes lead to the same suspect. What happens when the mind games begin? Fast-paced with 11 episodes across both seasons, it brings in the touch of the retro cowboy era but also adds the contemporary element of thrill.
Where to watch Dark Winds Season 3?
The show can be seen on the official website of AMC Network and Amazon Prime Video.
Five shows to watch if you liked Dark Winds:
- The Sinner
- The Chestnut Man
- Tribal
- The Valhalla Murders
- True Detective