The third season of AMC+ thriller Dark Winds is now available for streaming. Showrunner Graham Roland has introduced a powerful new challenge for Navajo Nation Police officers Joe Leaphorn, played by Zahn McClarnon, and Jim Chee, portrayed by Kiowa Gordon. This season promises intense suspense as the two officers face their most terrifying case yet.
The show is based on the Leaphorn & Chee novel series written by Tony Hillerman. With well-known figures like Robert Redford and George R.R. Martin as executive producers, the series has gained significant popularity. Both of these producers make unexpected cameo appearances in this new season, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.
The season sets a chilling tone right from the first episode. Leaphorn finds himself in a terrifying situation as he encounters a mysterious creature in the dark desert. This moment creates an eerie atmosphere and hints at a new threat that will play a significant role in the story. As the season progresses, the characters learn that they might be facing the ancient and legendary Navajo entity known as Ye’iitsoh.
The series slowly introduces glimpses of this entity, keeping the mystery alive. After just two episodes, it becomes clear that Roland is carefully building suspense. Leaphorn and Chee’s investigation will reveal more about this supernatural force as the season unfolds.
Also Read: ‘Dark Winds’ Season 2 Recap: What To Remember From Season 2 Before Season 3
Who or What Is Ye’iitsoh in Dark Winds?
In Dark Winds Season 3, Ye’iitsoh is introduced as a legendary monster from Navajo mythology. In the Navajo language, the name Ye’iitsoh translates to “Big Monster” or “Big God.” According to local beliefs, this creature is incredibly powerful and feared by many.
Leaphorn and Chee learn about this being when they investigate the disappearance of two young Navajo boys. The elders in the community warn them that the Ye’iitsoh might be responsible for taking the children. In Navajo folklore, Ye’iitsoh is often compared to well-known mythical beings like the Sasquatch, the boogeyman, or La Llorona, a famous ghostly figure in Hispanic culture.
Stories passed down for generations describe Ye’iitsoh as one of the most dangerous creatures ever known to the Navajo people. It is said to be part of a group of powerful, god-like monsters known as the Anaye. This creature had an insatiable hunger for human flesh and roamed the land, attacking the Diné, or Navajo people.
According to legend, Ye’iitsoh posed a great danger, threatening to destroy the Diné by either consuming all their food or devouring them entirely. Stories describe him as having enormous hands that could grab multiple people at once, shoving them into his jagged, sharp-toothed mouth.
However, the legend also tells of a heroic battle that ended Ye’iitsoh’s reign of terror. Two courageous twin brothers believed to be the sons of the Sun Carrier god, Tsohanoai, set out to defeat him. In some versions of the story, the twins are the children of the Sun himself, known as Jóhonaaʼéí.
Their father granted them powerful gifts, including lightning bolts and arrows made of sunbeams. Using these supernatural weapons, they managed to weaken and ultimately destroy Ye’iitsoh.
This ancient story serves as an important backdrop in Dark Winds Season 3. The first episode introduces the legend, and references to it continue throughout the season, making it a central mystery for the characters.
Episode 2 Strengthens the Mystery Around Ye’iitsoh
At the beginning of the season, both Leaphorn and Chee are skeptical about the idea that a legendary monster could be responsible for real-world crimes. However, as the episodes progress, Leaphorn starts to question his doubts. His investigation leads him to unsettling discoveries that cannot be easily explained.
In Episode 2, Leaphorn begins experiencing strange visions of what appears to be Ye’iitsoh. These visions disturb him deeply, making him wonder whether the creature is truly real or if it is a creation of his own mind.
By the end of the episode, Leaphorn is convinced that they are not dealing with an ordinary human. In the final scene, he looks at something unseen by the audience and says, “It’s him.” With this chilling line, the screen fades to black, leaving viewers in suspense as the episode ends.
This moment signals a turning point in the season. Leaphorn’s growing belief in the legend suggests that the mystery surrounding Ye’iitsoh will continue to unfold in unexpected ways. The show has carefully introduced this supernatural element, making it an important part of the season’s storyline.
A New Challenge for Leaphorn, Chee, and Bernadette Manuelito
This season brings a unique supernatural theme that Dark Winds has not shown before. While the previous season touched on elements of witchcraft and skinwalkers, the introduction of Ye’iitsoh feels more intense and frightening.
Leaphorn and Chee are not the only ones affected by this case. Bernadette Manuelito, played by Jessica Matten, is also involved in this season’s events. She has taken on a new role as a Texas Border Patrol officer, but it remains to be seen how her story will connect to the unfolding mystery.
Beyond the supernatural elements, this season also explores deeper emotional struggles. Leaphorn is still dealing with the consequences of his past actions. At the end of Season 2, he left B.J. Vines (played by John Diehl) to die in the desert. This decision continues to haunt him, and the Ye’iitsoh mystery may be connected to his inner guilt.
The idea that Ye’iitsoh might be more than just a physical creature adds another layer of suspense. It could represent Leaphorn’s psychological torment, making this season both a thrilling crime story and a powerful character study.
What to Expect in the Coming Episodes
The slow and careful introduction of Ye’iitsoh suggests that the mystery will develop throughout the season. Graham Roland has taken a deliberate approach to storytelling, keeping audiences engaged with suspenseful and eerie moments.
As Leaphorn and Chee continue their investigation, they will have to determine whether they are facing a supernatural force or something more grounded in reality. The show has always balanced traditional beliefs with real-world crime, and this season seems to be no different.
Fans can expect more chilling encounters, shocking discoveries, and intensely emotional moments as the season progresses. The introduction of Ye’iitsoh has added a fresh and terrifying element to the series, ensuring that Dark Winds Season 3 will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
New episodes of Dark Winds stream every Sunday on AMC+ in the U.S.
Also Read: Dark Winds is the Unmissable Crime Thriller Everyone is Talking About Now Streaming on Netflix
