Steven Mlodinow

I read all of the Tony Hillerman books back when. They are tightly written with complex characters in an accurately and richly created Navajo/4 Corners context. Simply wonderful. Dark Winds is every bit as good and true to the books (even if plots aren't precisely the same). The characters are vivid and real, the cinematography (not just the landscape shots) is superb, the plots riveting. Sumptuous and spell-binding. The vivid quality of the series is enhanced by the use of Native American actors of splendid talent. Zahn McClarnan is Joe Leaphorn as I had imagined him. His acting is spectacular and is able to withstand prolonged closeups of his face. Jessica Matten's portrayal of Bernadette Manuelito is equally excellent, portraying a tough woman Navajo police officer; I am glad that her role was expanded from that in the book as her character adds much. Emma Leaphorn (Deanna Taushi Allison) also gave a star performance as Joe's wife, full of deep and rich emotion as well as strength. Some of the secondary characters, such as B. J. Vines (portrayed by John Diehl), James Tso (Jeremiah Bitsui), and others are also richly enacted. I am not as convinced, as of yet, by Kiowa Gordon's representation of Jim Chee, but I could be swayed. My only "complaint" is that Dark Winds lacks some of the details of Navajo culture described in the books, especially religious ceremonies. Perhaps that is out of deference to the Dineh, and I get that. If you want to lose yourself in another place and gripping plots, you'll enjoy Dark Winds.