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The Best Episodes of Dark Winds

Every episode of Dark Winds ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Dark Winds!

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This psychological thriller follows two Navajo police officers, Leaphorn and Chee, in the 1970s Southwest as their search for clues in a grisly double murder case forces them to challenge their own spiritual beliefs and

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Dark Winds Season 4 Episode 8 - Ni' Hodisxǫs (The Glittering World)
    8.0/10(2 votes)

    #1 - Ni' Hodisxǫs (The Glittering World)

    S4:E8

    Leaphorn engages Vaggan in a battle of wills in order to and save himself and Billie from a grisly fate.

    Director:Erica Tremblay
    Writers:Max Hurwitz, Thomas Brady

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  2. Dark Winds Season 1 Episode 4 - Hooghandi
    7.7/10(12 votes)

    #2 - Hooghandi

    S1:E4

    Leaphorn suspects all of the crimes on the reservation are related.There is a big break in the case. Leaphorn invites Chee over for dinner. Meanwhile, Manuelito makes a discovery of her own.

    Director:Sanford Bookstaver
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Dark Winds Season 3 Episode 4 - Chahałheeł (Darkness Falls)
    7.7/10(6 votes)

    #3 - Chahałheeł (Darkness Falls)

    S3:E4

    Chee pays Manuelito a visit after discovering a link between their cases. Leaphorn pursues a fugitive suspect. Special Agent Washington interviews an eyewitness to the crime she's investigating.

    Director:Chris Eyre
    Writers:Thomas Brady, Erica Tremblay

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  4. Dark Winds Season 3 Episode 6 - Ábidoo'niidę́ę́ (What We Had Been Told)
    7.7/10(6 votes)

    #4 - Ábidoo'niidę́ę́ (What We Had Been Told)

    S3:E6

    Leaphorn is forced to confront his worst fears and darkest memories when he puts his life on the line to prevent another murder.

    Director:Erica Tremblay
    Writers:Billy Luther, Max Hurwitz

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  5. Dark Winds Season 2 Episode 1 - Na'niłkaadii
    7.6/10(9 votes)

    #5 - Na'niłkaadii

    S2:E1

    Navajo Tribal Policeman Joe Leaphorn investigates the death of a man involved in a mysterious cult. While Jim Chee, moonlighting as a PI, works a case of his own. When their investigations collide Leaphorn and Chee find themselves in grave danger.

    Director:Chris Eyre
    Writers:John Wirth, Rhiana Yazzie

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  6. Dark Winds Season 3 Episode 5 - Tsékǫ̨' Hasą́ní (Coal Mine Canyon)
    7.5/10(6 votes)

    #6 - Tsékǫ̨' Hasą́ní (Coal Mine Canyon)

    S3:E5

    Following a grisly murder, Leaphorn and Chee strike out on their own when the FBI take over their case. Special Agent Washington pays the Leaphorns an unexpected visit. Manuelito searches for evidence south of the border.

    Director:Billy Luther
    Writers:John Wirth, Steven Judd

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Dark Winds

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  7. Dark Winds Season 3 Episode 7 - T'áá Áłts'íísígo (Just a Small Piece)
    7.5/10(6 votes)

    #7 - T'áá Áłts'íísígo (Just a Small Piece)

    S3:E7

    Leaphorn and Chee retrace their steps after uncovering a vital clue; Special Agent Washington presses for more information; Manuelito moves quickly to execute a search warrant.

    Director:Steven Judd
    Writers:Thomas Brady, Erica Tremblay

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  8. Dark Winds Season 3 Episode 8 - Béésh Łį́į (Iron Horse)
    7.5/10(6 votes)

    #8 - Béésh Łį́į (Iron Horse)

    S3:E8

    Leaphorn and Chee call upon all their resources to solve the case and serve justice after learning the identity of the killer. Bernadette fights for her life after coming face-to-face with the truth.

    Director:Chris Eyre
    Writers:John Wirth, Steven Judd

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  9. Dark Winds Season 2 Episode 2 - Wonders of the Unknown
    7.4/10(8 votes)

    #9 - Wonders of the Unknown

    S2:E2

    Leaphorn explores personal ties to an increasingly mysterious case, while Chee is questioned by a reluctant Sgt. Manuelito. The discovery of a body sends Leaphorn and Manuelito in pursuit of a child in danger.

    Director:Chris Eyre
    Writers:DezBaa', Max Hurwitz

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  10. Dark Winds Season 1 Episode 3 - K'e
    7.3/10(10 votes)

    #10 - K'e

    S1:E3

    Leaphorn's niece celebrates her Kinaaldá as Leaphorn retrieves the bodies of the murder victims. Meanwhile, Manuelito and Chee investigate the whereabouts of the missing Mormon family.

    Director:Sanford Bookstaver
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Dark Winds Season 2 Episode 3 - Antigonish
    7.3/10(6 votes)

    #11 - Antigonish

    S2:E3

    After facing off with a dangerous man, Chee strikes out on his own. Meanwhile, Leaphorn and Manuelito partner with the sheriff's department, leading Leaphorn to identify a vital clue.

    Director:Michael Nankin
    Writer:Steven Judd

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  12. Dark Winds Season 2 Episode 4 - The March
    7.3/10(6 votes)

    #12 - The March

    S2:E4

    Leaphorn risks his life in pursuit of a suspect, while Manuelito stands up to the sheriff in a bid to rescue her boss. Seeking answers on a case, Chee considers a dangerous proposition.

    Director:Michael Nankin
    Writer:Jason Gavin

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  13. Dark Winds Season 1 Episode 6 - HózhóoNaasháa
    7.2/10(10 votes)

    #13 - HózhóoNaasháa

    S1:E6

    Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito descend on the hiding place of the Buffalo Society, only to be confronted with hard decisions that could change the outcome of the rest of their lives.

    Director:Chris Eyre
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Dark Winds Season 2 Episode 5 - Black Hole Sun
    7.2/10(6 votes)

    #14 - Black Hole Sun

    S2:E5

    With his suspect in custody, Leaphorn races against the clock to get a confession, while Chee goes under cover at the cult that ties their investigations together. Meanwhile, Manuelito counsels a teenager nervous about the draft.

    Director:Billy Luther
    Writers:Billy Luther, Max Hurwitz

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  15. Dark Winds Season 4 Episode 3 - Ahááldláádígíí (That Which Has Been Torn Apart)
    7.0/10(4 votes)

    #15 - Ahááldláádígíí (That Which Has Been Torn Apart)

    S4:E3

    Leaphorn tracks the killer and discovers that he's the object of her dangerous obsession. Chee contemplates his future with Manuelito and the NTP while they investigate new leads. Billie faces an uncertain future.

    Director:Chris Eyre
    Writers:Thomas Brady, Erica Tremblay

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  16. Dark Winds Season 4 Episode 6 - Shíká Nidanitáhą́ą́ (Those Who Were Searching for Me)
    7.0/10(2 votes)

    #16 - Shíká Nidanitáhą́ą́ (Those Who Were Searching for Me)

    S4:E6

    When Chee's new intel provides a clue to Vaggan's identity, Leaphorn enlists the FBI to help ambush the killer. Manuelito and Emma help Chee with his recovery from a close call while he is haunted by a specter from his past.

    Director:Steven Judd
    Writers:Thomas Brady, Erica Tremblay

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  17. Dark Winds Season 4 Episode 7 - Nániikai (We Came Back)
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #17 - Nániikai (We Came Back)

    S4:E7

    Leaphorn and Manuelito find themselves racing against the clock to save Billie from Vaggan. Chee recovers as he confronts the difficult truth about his past. Billie reconnects with a long-lost family member.

    Director:Chris Eyre
    Writers:Shaandiin Tome, Shandton Williams II

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  18. Dark Winds Season 1 Episode 1 - Monster Slayer
    6.8/10(15 votes)

    #18 - Monster Slayer

    S1:E1

    Navajo Tribal Policeman Joe Leaphorn must solve a series of crimes. He partners with new deputy, Jim Chee, who is back on the reservation for the first time since he was a child. Together they face down evil forces both earthly and supernatural.

    Director:Chris Eyre
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Dark Winds Season 2 Episode 6 - Hózhó náhásdlįį
    6.8/10(6 votes)

    #19 - Hózhó náhásdlįį

    S2:E6

    Leaphorn and Chee discover evidence that connects their cases, only for Leaphorn to realize justice won't be easily served. Meanwhile, Manuelito prepares for a big life change.

    Director:Chris Eyre
    Writers:John Wirth, Graham Roland

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  20. Dark Winds Season 3 Episode 1 - Ye'iitsoh (Big Monster)
    6.8/10(8 votes)

    #20 - Ye'iitsoh (Big Monster)

    S3:E1

    Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Sgt. Jim Chee investigate the disappearance of a Navajo boy. Manuelito makes a sinister discovery while adjusting to life on the border patrol. An FBI agent comes to solve a case linked to Leaphorn's recent past.

    Director:Chris Eyre
    Writers:John Wirth, Steven Judd

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  21. Dark Winds Season 3 Episode 3 - Ch'į́į́dii (Ghosts)
    6.8/10(8 votes)

    #21 - Ch'į́į́dii (Ghosts)

    S3:E3

    After a close call, Leaphorn and Chee follow the trail of a new suspect. The discovery of a body sends Special Agent Washington in a different direction. Manuelito puts a target on her back as she digs deeper into the mystery.

    Director:Michael Nankin
    Writers:Billy Luther, Max Hurwitz

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  22. Dark Winds Season 3 Episode 2 - Náá'tsoh (Big Eyes)
    6.6/10(8 votes)

    #22 - Náá'tsoh (Big Eyes)

    S3:E2

    Leaphorn and Chee find themselves on a manhunt after making a shocking discovery. Special Agent Washington questions Leaphorn about a person of interest. Manuelito puts her job on the line when she searches for answers at a local ranch.

    Director:Michael Nankin
    Writer:Rhiana Yazzie

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  23. Dark Winds Season 1 Episode 5 - Ha'i'i'nlni
    6.5/10(15 votes)

    #23 - Ha'i'i'nlni

    S1:E5

    With a major suspect in custody, Leaphorn discovers that there is more to this crime than he would have ever imagined. Manuelito faces her worst fears. Chee must make a choice between his career and his people.

    Director:Chris Eyre
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Dark Winds Season 4 Episode 1 - Kǫ' Tsiitáá Álnééh (Baptism by Fire)
    6.5/10(2 votes)

    #24 - Kǫ' Tsiitáá Álnééh (Baptism by Fire)

    S4:E1

    Leaphorn, Chee and Bernadette search for a runaway girl.

    Director:Craig Zisk
    Writers:John Wirth, Steven Judd

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  25. Dark Winds Season 4 Episode 4 - Ni' Ániidí (The New World)
    6.5/10(2 votes)

    #25 - Ni' Ániidí (The New World)

    S4:E4

    Leaphorn, Chee and Manuelito search for Billie in Los Angeles. Chee is confronted by memories of his past while Leaphorn reconnects with Emma. Vaggan returns to the hunt when she learns that Billie is in town looking for her remaining family.

    Director:Jim Chory
    Writers:John Wirth, Steven Judd

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Best Episodes Summary

"Ni' Hodisxǫs (The Glittering World)" is the best rated episode of "Dark Winds". It scored 8/10 based on 2 votes. Directed by Erica Tremblay and written by Max Hurwitz, Thomas Brady, it aired on 4/5/2026. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "Hooghandi".