Dark Winds Season 3, Episode 4, titled “Chahałheeł (Darkness Falls),” aired on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET on AMC and was available for streaming on AMC+. In “Chahałheeł (Darkness Falls),” the storyline continues to follow Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and his partner Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) as they investigate the disappearance of two boys, a case that has been central to Season 3. This episode specifically involves Chee visiting Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten), who is now working with the Border Patrol, where they uncover a connection between their separate investigations.
Dark Winds Season 3 has been praised for its gripping neo-Western noir narrative and strong performances, maintaining the series’ perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score from its first two seasons. The show, set in the 1970s on a Navajo reservation, blends crime drama with cultural storytelling, and this episode promises to deliver more suspense and character-driven moments as the investigations converge.
At TV Acute, we’re delving into the action, revealing twists, tension, and an abundance of unexpected moments. Ready to see how it all unfolds? Let’s jump right in!
Dark Winds Season 3 Episode 4 Recap
Joe Leaphorn’s Hunt Heats Up
Joe Leaphorn, played by the incredible Zahn McClarnon, is on fire this episode. After last week’s cliffhanger tied the chili farm to Ernesto Cata’s murder, Leaphorn’s chasing every lead he can get. He starts with Suzanne, who dropped a bombshell about Halsey using her red pickup truck the night Ernesto died. That’s enough for Leaphorn to storm the farm, only to find it totally cleared out. Halsey’s on the run, calling AGS Industries’ Budge to say he’s ditched everything. But Budge? He just wishes Halsey luck and hangs up—talk about cold!
Halsey burns the truck and bolts, thinking he can outsmart the cops. Not so fast, though. Leaphorn catches up with Suzanne again, who’s recovering from an overdose in the hospital. She shares a creepy story about nearly dying and sensing something dark waiting for her. The flickering lights don’t help Leaphorn’s nerves, but she gives him a clue about Halsey’s hideout. Boom—Leaphorn tracks him down and locks him up.
Here’s where it gets wild. Halsey spills that the chili farm was a front for cocaine trafficking, tying it to Tom Spenser and AGS Industries. He wants immunity for the drug charges and swears he didn’t kill Ernesto. While Gordo sorts the paperwork, Leaphorn pulls night duty. Then, the lights cut out. When they flicker back on, Halsey’s throat is slit, and he’s choking on his own blood right in front of Leaphorn. Who did it? That’s the question buzzing online, and it’s a brutal twist that ramps up the suspense.
Agent Washington Closes In
Meanwhile, Agent Sylvia Washington’s digging into BJ Vines’ death, and she’s not messing around. She tracks down a witness who saw a car the night Vines vanished. Leaphorn translates since the guy doesn’t speak English, and the witness nails the car’s make and model. Washington runs the numbers—thousands own that car statewide, but only a handful are at the rez police station. Narrow it further, and just one cop has a family tie to Vines’ death: Leaphorn.
She confronts him straight-up about where he was that night. Leaphorn says Emma’s his alibi, but Washington’s not buying it. Later, Emma forces Leaphorn to spill the truth at home. He admits he didn’t kill Vines himself but played a part—and used her as his cover. Emma’s furious and torn. If Washington comes knocking, what will she say? This subplot’s got tension you can feel, and it’s setting up some serious drama ahead.
Chee and Bernadette: Sparks and Secrets
Now, let’s talk about Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) and Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten). Chee spots Bernadette’s Border Patrol photo pinned up at the chili farm and calls her ASAP. That pic? Only an insider could’ve leaked it, meaning someone close to her can’t be trusted. Chee drives out to see her, and their reunion’s got all the feels. They establish a connection: AGS Industries, associated with Spenser, owns the farm, and Bernadette has been investigating their oil tank operations. That’s why she’s a target.
They catch up over drinks, running into Ivan at the bar. Awkward vibes hit hard. Chee collapses onto her couch, venting her feelings about Ivan. He begs her to come back home, but she’s firm—she’s moved on. To prove it, she heads to Ivan’s place for the night. Ouch, Chee! Still, there’s a twist. Someone in her department leaked that photo, and while she suspects her chief, it might be someone closer. This love triangle’s messy, and the betrayal angle keeps you guessing.
What’s Next?
The stakes are extremely high with four episodes remaining. Who killed Halsey in custody? Will Washington pin Vines’ death on Leaphorn? And can Chee and Bernadette crack the trafficking case before it’s too late? The clues are aligning, yet in Dark Winds, the pursuit of truth carries a price. Stick with us as we unpack every jaw-dropping moment!
Got thoughts on this episode? Drop them below—I’d love to hear what you think! Let’s keep the Dark Winds hype alive.
Also Read: Dark Winds Locations: Where does Dark Winds take place?
