Dark Winds season 2: next episode, recaps, cast and everything we know about the drama

Jessica Matten and Zahn McClarnon in Dark Winds
Jessica Matten and Zahn McClarnon in Dark Winds (Image credit: Michael Moriatis/AMC)

Leaphorn and Chee are back on the case in Dark Winds season 2, as the mystery series returns after the critically-acclaimed Dark Winds season 1.

Based on the book series by Tony Hillerman, Dark Winds has some big names behind it, including Graham Roland (Jack Ryan, Fringe) and John Wirth (Hell on Wheels, Hap and Leonard) as the main creatives, while among the executive producers are Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin and Robert Redford.

All that pedigree helped create a story that received a strong bit of buzz, as the first season received a 100% "Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Here is everything that you need to know about Dark Winds season 2, whether you're already a fan or if you want to try and catch up with the series.

When's the next Dark Winds season 2 episode?

The Dark Winds season 2 finale is set to air on AMC on Sunday, September 3. It'll also be available to stream on AMC Plus.

Dark Winds season 2 plot

Here is the official synopsis for Dark Winds season 2:

"Lt. Joe Leaphorn reunites with Jim Chee, his former deputy turned private eye, when their separate cases bring them together in pursuit of the same suspect. They find themselves in the high desert of Navajo Country chasing a killer who’s turned his sights on them to protect a secret that rips open old wounds and challenges Leaphorn's moral and professional code. With the help of Sgt. Manuelito and Valencia County Sheriff Gordo Sena, Leaphorn and Chee must thwart their would-be assassin and restore balance not only to their own lives, but to the reservation that depends on them."

Dark Winds season 2 recaps

Here are the synopses and recaps to the Dark Winds season 2 episodes that have been released so far:

Dark Winds season 2 episode 1, "Na'nilkaadii"
"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 the investigations collide, Leaphorn and Chee find themselves in grave danger." Read WTW's Dark Winds season 2 episode 1 recap.

Dark Winds season 2 episode 2, "Wonders of the Unknown"
"Leaphorn explores personal ties to an increasingly mysterious case; Chee is questioned by a reluctant Sgt. Manuelito; the discovery of a body sends Leaphorn and Manuelito in pursuit of a child in danger." Read WTW's Dark Winds season 2 episode 2 recap.

Dark Winds season 2 episode 3, "Antigonish"
"After facing off with a dangerous man, Chee strikes out on his own; Leaphorn and Manuelito partner with the sheriff's department, leading Leaphorn to identify a vital clue." Read WTW's Dark Winds season 2 episode 3 recap.

Dark Winds season 2 episode 4, "The March"
"Leaphorn risks his life in pursuit of a suspect; Manuelito stands up to the sheriff in a bid to rescue her boss; seeking answers on a case, Chee considers a dangerous proposition." Read WTW's Dark Winds season 2 episode 4 recap.

Dark Winds season 2 episode 5, "Black Hole Sun"
"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; Manuelito counsels a teenager who is nervous about the draft." Read WTW's Dark Winds season 2 episode 5 recap.

Dark Winds season 2 cast

The main trio of Dark Winds are all back for season 2, with Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn, Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee and Jessica Matten as Bernadette Manuelito.

Many TV and movie fans likely recognize McClarnon from his roles on big series like Reservation Dogs (he'll be starring in Dark Winds season 2 and Reservation Dogs season 3 simultaneously), Westworld and Hawkeye. He also previously starred in the Fargo TV series, Bone Tomahawk and Longmire.

Gordon's credits outside of Dark Winds, meanwhile, include an episode of the Fox series Accused and Reservation Dogs, as well as a multiple-episode run on Roswell, New Mexico.

Matten's previous work saw her star in the TV series Tribal, Burden of Truth and Frontier.

Other cast members returning to the show include Deanna Allison (Accused, Edge of America) as Emma Leaphorn and Elva Guerra (Reservation Dogs, Rutherford Falls) as Sally Growing Thunder.

Joining Dark Winds for season 2 is going to be A Martinez (Longmire, Days of Our Lives) as Valencia County Sheriff Gordo Sena, Joseph Runningfox (The Politician, The Valley of the Gods) as Henry Leaphorn, Jeri Ryan (Star Trek: Picard, Bosch) as Rosemary Vines and Nicholas Logan (Dopesick, Creepshow) as Colton Wolf.

Dark Winds season 2 trailer

The Dark Winds season 2 trailer offers a great look at what Leaphorn is up against this season and what he is going to have to do to find the person responsible for these killings. Give it a look for yourself directly below. 

How to watch Dark Winds

Dark Winds airs on TV on AMC, a cable channel available through most traditional pay-TV packages, as well as offered by live TV streaming services like Sling TV, YouTube TV and more. You can also stream the show on AMC Plus, which requires a monthly subscription. 

If you want to sample the show before you commit to watching it, the series premiere is available to watch online for free on the AMC Plus YouTube channel

Dark Winds season 2 poster

Dark Winds season 2 (Image credit: Courtesy of AMC Networks/Michael Moriatis)
Michael Balderston

Michael Balderston is a DC-based entertainment and assistant managing editor for What to Watch, who has previously written about the TV and movies with TV Technology, Awards Circuit and regional publications. Spending most of his time watching new movies at the theater or classics on TCM, some of Michael's favorite movies include Casablanca, Moulin Rouge!, Silence of the Lambs, Children of Men, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and Star Wars. On the TV side he enjoys Only Murders in the Building, Yellowstone, The Boys, Game of Thrones and is always up for a Seinfeld rerun. Follow on Letterboxd.