Dark Winds

Ye'iitsoh is a single‑episode drama that drops you straight into the dusty world of Navajo Country, starring Adam Beach as the seasoned detective Joe Leaphorn and Kiowa Gordon as his eager partner Jim Chee. Alongside them is the newly introduced border‑patrol rookie Manuelito, played by Michael Spears, who’s still learning the ropes. The premise is simple enough: a young Navajo boy vanishes, and the trio must untangle a web of cultural tension and cross‑border intrigue. Think of it as a cross‑between “Longmire” and the more contemplative “Twin Peaks” – the scenery is gorgeous, the mood brooding, and the stakes feel oddly personal. The episode follows Leaphorn and Chee as they canvass the reservation, interviewing elders, schoolteachers and a handful of suspicious outsiders, while Manuelito wrestles with his own doubts after stumbling on a disturbing clue in a desert checkpoint. The narrative weaves the two investigations together, gradually revealing how the boy’s disappearance might be linked to a smuggling ring that’s been slipping through the border for years. The pacing is measured, giving the story room to breathe, and there’s a decent amount of tension without ever feeling melodramatic. Honestly, it’s not a masterpiece, but it’s surprisingly good for a one‑off. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of the landscape, and the chemistry between Beach and Gordon feels genuine – they’re both solid, even if the script leans on a few clichés. The biggest gripe is the occasional slow‑burn; you’ll need patience for the quieter moments. Still, if you enjoy slow‑paced, character‑driven mysteries with a strong sense of place, it’s worth a watch. Fans of Tony Hillerman’s novels will recognise the reverence for Navajo culture, though the show sometimes simplifies complex issues for the sake of drama. Rated TV‑14. Expect some intense language, mild violence and a few scenes that hint at drug smuggling – not for the faint‑hearted or very young viewers. This is the first terrestrial broadcast of the series, which originally premiered on a streaming platform last year, so it’s a chance to see it on a traditional TV schedule. If you’re after a proper, thoughtful mystery with a hint of border‑politics, give Ye'iitsoh a go.