Last week, I was firmly convinced that Ivan Muños, Bernadette’s new romantic interest, was a traitor in the third season of Dark Winds. However, following the latest episode, my suspicions have shifted. Now, I believe that Agent Eleanda Garza could be the true culprit. The tension between these two characters raises intriguing questions, and it appears that the show is skillfully crafting misdirection regarding both Ivan and Garza.
In the previous installment, it was revealed that the “chili farmers”have a connection to Spenser’s nefarious schemes, linking the case being pursued by Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee with Bernadette Manuelito’s independent investigation. While the threads of the plot seem to tie back to Tom Spenser, the full extent of his machinations remains ambiguous. It’s evident that someone within Bernadette’s Border Patrol unit is corrupt, and now it seems the spotlight is on both Garza and Ivan as potential suspects.
Potential Misdirection in Dark Winds Season 3 Regarding Ivan
Could the Misdirection Be a Misdirection in Itself?
Initially, all indications pointed to Ivan being a suspicious figure within the narrative, suggesting he might be spying on Bernadette and ultimately betray her. He has consistently attempted to divert her attention from investigating Tom Spenser’s operations, undermining her concerns about a potential human trafficking ring. His overly eager demeanor and the unnerving late-night encounter depicted in Season 3, Episode 3, made him appear like a stalker who may have even tampered with her tire.
However, in the recent episode, the narrative seems to take a surprising turn, indicating that Ivan might not be guilty after all and could simply be genuinely interested in Bernadette. Yet, Dark Winds is known for its unexpected twists, so it’s entirely plausible that this shift could itself be a deliberate misdirection, ultimately revealing Ivan as the true antagonist. Additionally, there is a possibility that any past sabotaging actions taken by him were not in league with Spenser, but rather motivated by a desire to shield her from danger.
Garza and Ivan: The Main Suspects – Garza May Have Betrayed Bernadette
Suspicious Behavior from Garza
Agent Eleanda Garza has emerged as a second major suspect. Despite not commanding as much screen time as Ivan Muños, her dismissive reactions to Bernadette’s concerns about Spenser’s activities warrant scrutiny. Garza, who shares a living space with Bernadette, possesses intimate knowledge about her professional life, including access to crucial Border Patrol documents that could potentially reach Spenser or the chili farmers.
There was a particularly telling scene in Season 3, Episode 4, where Garza watches Bernadette converse with Chee, apprehension clearly etched on her face. Earlier, when Bernadette voiced her suspicions regarding Ed Henry potentially leaking her photo, Garza cautioned her against confronting him, framing it as a strategic decision yet suggesting ulterior motives. Her behavior hints at a growing unease concerning Bernadette’s investigations. As the final two episodes unfold, viewers will likely uncover whether Garza or Ivan is the true betrayer lurking within the Border Patrol.