Movies

Dark Winds Fans: This Overlooked Western Has 6 Seasons & More Zahn McClarnon to Obsess Over

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heads up! this article discloses plot points from Dark Winds season 3. For those who can’t get enough of Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn, there’s an engaging substitute series to fill the gap until season 4 arrives. The upcoming season 4 of Dark Winds was already confirmed prior to the start of season 3. But with the conclusion of season 3, it seems a long road ahead before we see Leaphorn, Chee (Kiowa Gordon), and Bernadette (Jessica Matten) again. Anticipation builds for intriguing storylines in Dark Winds season 4, such as the blossoming romance between Bernadette and Chee, and Joe’s efforts to gain Emma’s (Deanna Allison) pardon, so the wait could be challenging for some fans.

Dark Winds is truly one-of-a-kind, making it difficult to find a direct comparison. Few shows delve into Navajo culture and tradition as deeply or offer the same level of captivating and unpredictable storytelling found in Dark Winds. However, there’s another series that shares some striking similarities with Dark Winds, which may keep fans occupied until season 4. Remarkably, this show features Zahn McClarnon and A Martinez (Sheriff Gordo Sena) in earlier roles, and all six seasons of it are currently available for streaming.

Dark Winds Fans Will Love Longmire (& Zahn McClarnon Plays Another Tribal Police Officer In It)

McClarnon Played Mathias In Longmire A Decade Before He Played Leaphorn In Dark Winds

If you’re in search of an engaging show similar to Dark Winds before its fourth season arrives, consider giving Longmire a try, which boasts six seasons on Paramount+. This series revolves around Sheriff Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor) and his small law enforcement team as they tackle murders and other crimes in rural Wyoming. Similar to Dark Winds, Longmire is a detective procedural, but it presents a fresh mystery with each episode rather than continuous storylines throughout the seasons. Additionally, it shares a focus on Indigenous communities: Walt’s county borders the Cheyenne reservation, and many of his cases involve events that extend onto the reservation.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice the striking resemblance between “Longmire” and “Dark Winds”. It’s not just the structural similarities that catch my eye, but the profound connections that run deeper. Zahn McClarnon, a familiar face from all six seasons of “Longmire”, portrayed Mathias, another tribal police officer much like Joe Leaphorn in “Dark Winds”. Interestingly, A Martinez, who plays Gordo in “Dark Winds”, also graced our screens as Jacob Nighthorse in “Longmire”.

The protagonists themselves seem to share a striking resemblance. Walt, with his leadership of an understaffed police force, mirrors the character in “Dark Winds”. Moreover, his wife’s unsolved murder echoes the circumstances surrounding Joe Junior’s death. These parallels are so numerous that “Dark Winds” seems to be a spiritual successor to “Longmire”.

Zahn McClarnon Was Great In Longmire, But He’s So Much Better In Dark Winds

McClarnon Stood Out In Longmire, But Dark Winds Proved He’s An Emmy Contender

Previously stated, Zahn McClarnon portrayed a recurring character in the series Longmire. His role, Mathias, gained significance as the storyline unfolded, and McClarnon delivered an exceptional performance in his limited screen time. However, it’s worth noting that McClarnon shines even brighter in Dark Winds. In this series, he is flawlessly cast as Joe Leaphorn, serving as the emotional heart of the show. For example, the dream sequence featured in Dark Winds season 3, episode 6 would not have been as impactful without McClarnon’s exceptional talent. His performance has been so impressive that many viewers believe McClarnon deserves an Emmy award for his work.

In the TV show Dark Winds, Zahn McClarnon delivers a stunning performance, but it’s important for fans of Longmire not to overlook it. McClarnon may not have as significant a role in Longmire as he does in Dark Winds, but he breathes life into an otherwise ordinary character, making him a standout. Initially, Mathias serves as a contrast to Walt, but by the end of Longmire, he transforms into a multidimensional ally and a man of justice. At minimum, if McClarnon wins an Emmy for his work in Dark Winds, then his talent in Longmire will be evident, showcasing that it has always been present.

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2025-05-01 13:37

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