Dark Winds, the gripping neo-noir thriller on AMC, stars Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee, who, alongside John Wirth, the showrunner, has discussed the evolving relationship between Chee and Bernadette Manuelito. Adapted from Tony Hillerman’s acclaimed Leaphorn & Chee novels, the series delves into crime-solving intricacies set against the backdrop of the 1970s Navajo Nation. Although Chee (played by Gordon) is entangled in local investigations, his heart remains distant, as Bernadette (Jessica Matten) has taken a position with the U.S. Border Patrol far from the reservation, especially following the events of season 2.
In a recent interview with Screen Rant’s Tatianna Hullender, Kiowa Gordon shared insights into Jim Chee’s steadfast loyalty towards Bernadette. Meanwhile, showrunner John Wirth hinted at a potentially significant development at the conclusion of season 3, which may pave the way for a reunion in the much-anticipated Dark Winds season 4. Below are key highlights from their conversation:
Kiowa Gordon: “I often recall the phone call in episode 2. We filmed it over two days; she did her coverage first, and I recorded mine afterward. I was lying on the floor beside her desk, reading lines to her, and it hit me emotionally – it was an intense moment, even though I wasn’t directly involved in that scene.”
“As I listened to her, I could sense our characters’ longing for one another. This will surely come to a critical point; Jim has been quite forthright with her. They aren’t technically together right now, but if she desires to explore other connections, that’s her choice.”
“Nevertheless, retaining hope is crucial; it reflects Jim’s state of mind. He’s not easily letting go of Bernadette.“
John Wirth: “Bernadette won’t be distant from the reservation indefinitely, so wipe those tears away and stay hopeful. There’s a compelling twist at the end of season 3 that will leave audiences eager for season 4.”
“Their dynamic mirrors that of young people everywhere, navigating attraction and relationships amid challenges.”
Implications for Dark Winds
Chee and Bernadette’s Separation Sets the Stage for Season 4
The romantic tension between Jim Chee and Bernadette Manuelito has served as a captivating subplot throughout Dark Winds. Their breakup in season 1 was marked by witty exchanges, yet Bernadette’s new role in the Border Patrol has physically separated them. Since season 3 commenced, she’s been miles away from Chee and their shared life on the reservation. Notably, an emotional phone call in season 3, episode 2, poignantly encapsulated their unresolved feelings, with Bernadette’s heartfelt response to Chee’s voice, and the palpable silence that followed.
As the story unfolds post the third episode of season 3, a promising reunion between the star-crossed officers appears inevitable. In this episode, Chee and Leaphorn stumble upon a compound unveiling a connection between Border Patrol agents and their murder investigation related to the case of Ernesto Cata, with Bernadette’s work on human trafficking intricately woven in. As Wirth emphasizes, Bernadette “can’t remain absent from the reservation forever.”Rather than concluding their narrative, Dark Winds is skillfully escalating the anticipation for a significant development in season 4.
Our Perspective on Bernadette and Che in Dark Winds
Indomitable Chemistry Among Chee, Bernadette, and Leaphorn
This season, Dark Winds draws heavily from Hillerman’s novel, The Sinister Pig, where the romantic relationship between Chee and Bernadette reaches a pivotal point. As the series progresses, there is an opportunity for that emotive climax to be mirrored onscreen. Notably, the show thrives when Chee, Bernadette, and Leaphorn collaborate. With the interconnected narrative presented in episode 3, it suggests that the Dark Winds storyline—and the complex romance between Chee and Bernadette—is heading toward a much-anticipated reunion.