Dark Winds Season 3 Episode 4 Recap and Ending Analysis: What Became of Halsey?

Warning: This article includes SPOILERS for Dark Winds season 3, episode 4.

In the latest episode of Dark Winds, titled “Chahałheeł (Darkness Falls),”Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) face both progress and significant challenges in their ongoing investigation. While they establish a connection between their case and Bernadette Manuelito’s (Jessica Matten) probe into Tom Spenser (Bruce Greenwood), the solution remains elusive. Though the enigmatic farmers appear to be tied to Ernesto Cata’s death, it’s clear that the duo must navigate numerous obstacles before achieving justice.

In addition to crucial developments, Dark Winds season 3, episode 4 introduces several complications. FBI Special Agent Sylvia Washington (Jenna Elfman) inches closer to linking Leaphorn with the murder of BJ Vines. Furthermore, emotional tensions rise as Chee encounters setbacks in his relationship with Bernadette, and Joe’s personal life with Emma (Deanna Allison) deteriorates. The episode concludes with a shocking twist: Halsey (Phil Burke), a pivotal witness for Leaphorn and Chee, is murdered in his holding cell.

Connecting Halsey & The Farmers to Tom Spenser in Dark Winds Season 3

Shared Ownership: Halsey’s Farm and Spenser’s Oil Company

Following the revelation at the end of season 3, episode 3, Leaphorn and Chee uncover the involvement of the mysterious farmers in the broader narrative. Suzanne (Casimere Jollette), Halsey, and their associates operate on land owned by AGS Industries, the same parent corporation behind Spenser Oil. While this connection may seem circumstantial, Chee’s discovery of cocaine on the farm hints at a deeper link to drug trafficking involving Tom Spenser.

Halsey appeared ready to negotiate a plea deal, willing to testify against Spenser regarding drug-related offenses. With Halsey’s untimely death, Chee and Bernadette are left with the urgent task of pursuing their last lead at the Sol de Oro Refinery in Juarez, Mexico. This presents a dangerous scenario, as Bernadette will be operating outside her jurisdiction, especially with Budge de Baca (Raoul Max Trujillo) holding significant power in that area. Their exploration of the refinery may yield critical evidence linking Spenser to criminal activities, including human and drug trafficking.

Did Sylvia Washington Overlook Joe’s Alibi for BJ Vines’ Murder?

Uncovering the Alibi: Washington’s Missed Chance

Agent Sylvia Washington has been inching closer to solving BJ Vines’ murder but missed a significant opportunity in episode 4. She identified that the vehicle involved in Vines’ disposal was a GMC—owned solely by Joe Leaphorn—indicating a strong link to her prime suspect. With Emma’s potential testimony serving as the key to corroborating Leaphorn’s whereabouts, Washington had a chance to apprehend him.

The choice not to question Emma that evening may stem from Washington’s strategy to apply pressure on Leaphorn, hoping for a confession or additional evidence. Instead, Washington allowed Leaphorn to solidify a false alibi with Emma, potentially squandering a crucial moment in her investigation. This decision raises questions about Washington’s confidence in securing a truthful confession that could outweigh the validity of a mere alibi.

Bernadette’s Visit to Ivan’s: A Step Toward Independence

Proving Independence: Bernadette’s Intentions

After Chee’s visit, which revealed vital information about the farmers, Bernadette finds herself torn. Following a night out with Chee, where he expresses a desire to rekindle their romance, Bernadette’s choice to visit Ivan Muños (Alex Meraz), her new love interest, is a significant moment of assertion. By engaging with Ivan, Bernadette seeks to demonstrate her ability to forge a new life independent of Chee.

The Deterioration of Emma & Joe’s Marriage

The Burden of Secrets: Emma and Joe’s Crisis

In recent developments, Emma grapples with the weight of Joe’s actions surrounding BJ Vines’ murder. After demanding a full account from Joe about his involvement, Emma acknowledges that she struggles to bear the moral burden of his choices. Compounding their issues, Joe’s request for Emma to provide a false alibi to Washington only intensifies her moral dilemma and illustrates the profound rift between them.

Halsey’s Mysterious Death: Exploring Potential Suspects

The Investigation: Halsey’s Assailant

The conclusion of season 3, episode 4 presents a dramatic twist with Halsey’s violent death. He was found in police custody, his throat cut, just as Leaphorn returned amidst an unexpected power outage. The identity of Halsey’s killer remains uncertain, but two primary suspects emerge: Budge de Baca and the supernatural entity known as the Ye’iitsoh.

The build-up to this alarming event is steeped in an eerie atmosphere, underscored by ominous sounds and flickering lights. While some viewers may speculate that the Ye’iitsoh’s intervention played a role, Budge emerges as the more likely culprit, potentially using the chaos to carry out the murder. With Halsey dead, Budge stands to benefit immensely, as he can no longer be implicated in Spenser’s criminal activities.

With Halsey’s murder complicating matters, Leaphorn, Sera, and Chee now face a formidable challenge in linking Tom Spenser to the notorious farmers. Halsey had initially provided Leaphorn with crucial information through Suzanne’s assistance, but with the farmers likely on the run, the responsibility of uncovering the truth about Spenser now rests primarily with Bernadette. In the world of Dark Winds, Bernadette’s pursuit of justice may determine how much power Spenser actually wields.

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