Dark Winds Season 2 Episode 1 Review: Na’niłkaadii
This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
AMC’s acclaimed drama, Dark Winds, is back with a new case on Dark Winds Season 2 Episode 1, “Na’niłkaadii.”
Written by John Wirth and Rhiana Yazzie and directed by Chris Eyre, the episode wastes no time setting the stakes. It quickly reminds viewers why Dark Winds was one of the best-reviewed series of 2022.
The Flash-Forward
Like the Season 1 premiere, Dark Winds Season 1 Episode 1, “Moster Slayer,” “Na’niłkaadii,” jumps right into the action. It opens with an intense shoot-out between Joe, Bernadette, and the character that appears to be the season’s main villain.
Unlike Season 1, though, we find out that the opening scene is a flash-forward to six days later. This adds a nagging layer of foreboding to everything that happens on the episode.
Something that will no doubt continue throughout the season. Or at least until we catch up to the flash-forward.
Similarly, the flash forward suggests that the season will lean even more into the suspense aspects of the series by giving viewers a privileged perspective the characters do not have.
The perfect example of how the flash-forward frame impacts the viewing experience is the scene in the diner with the man from the shoot-out, and his PI(?) turned victim.
Because we know the blonde man will be shooting at Joe and Bernadette in just six days, the stakes of that scene feel automatically higher than they would otherwise. As a viewer, you pay attention to all the details and potential clues more closely than if we had no earlier context.
There is a sense of danger that just wouldn’t be there had that scene been the first time we meet this character rather than the second.
I did not predict that he would kill the PI. However, knowing the blonde man is dangerous makes his abrupt shooting of someone that appeared to be helping him the climax of building anxiety rather than a shocking twist.
Visual Flair
Before moving on from the opening scene, I must say how stylistically cool it is. The show’s visual style has always been one of its strengths. Yet, this scene stands out even on a show that consistently gives viewers great cinematography.
I am curious to see if the details of the opening scene highlighted in color have any significance to the larger mystery later on. Whether or not those little flourishes of color mean something, it is a fantastic visual.
It instantly grabs viewers’ attention and draws them into the action, despite having no idea what is happening.
The Ongoing Mystery
Most of “Na’niłkaadii” sets the stage for the ongoing mystery and re-establishes the characters from season 1. There isn’t a lot to theorize about yet. There are important reveals that will undoubtedly drive the rest of the season, though.
We learn that the blonde man is looking for a mystery woman, and Jeri Ryan’s character is introduced. We also find out there is a connection between the case Ryan’s character hires Chee for and the murder Joe is investigating.
Perhaps most significantly, we learn that there is a connection between this season’s mystery and the death of Joe’s son.
It’s intriguing, even if it’s too early to know what any of it means.
Re-establishing Characters
There isn’t much in the way of character development for anyone yet, either. Still, every character does get time to shine. They all have enough screen time to remind viewers why they were so compelling in Season 1.
We learn the least about Bernadette’s character arc for the season on “Na’niłkaadii.” Despite that, seeing Bernadette again is one of the episode’s highlights.
I may be slightly biased since Bernadette has always been my favorite character, but her scenes are easily the most entertaining of the episode. It doesn’t hurt, of course, that Jessica Matten is so good in the role.
I know we will have good stories for Joe and Chee, but I hope they give Matten something good to sink her teeth into this season too.
“Na’niłkaadii” kicks off what promises to be a gripping, beautifully filmed mystery. If the rest of the season is as good as its first episode, Dark Winds will again be one of the best dramas on TV.
What did you think of this episode of Dark Winds? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Dark Winds airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC, with early access for AMC+ subscribers on Thursdays.
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Sarah Fields
Sarah is an obsessive geek who likes to get into the weeds and over think things. She is passionate about Sci-Fi and comics and is a giant classic film nerd. Sarah cares deeply about media representation and the power of telling diverse stories. When she's not writing or watching her favorite shows she spends her days working in the non-profit world trying to make life a little better for those that need some extra help.