Dark Winds’ Kiowa Gordon Reveals Why Jim Chee Might Join the FBI in Season 5

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During the fourth season, Jim Chee, portrayed by Kiowa Gordon, teams up with Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten) to search for a missing teenager. As they investigate, Chee’s history with the FBI comes to light, causing him to question his place in life.

He’s feeling a bit resentful because he didn’t get the job with the Navajo Tribal Police. He’s questioning whether he’s valued where he is, but also recognizes that the FBI really wants what he brings to the table – his unique skills, connections, and even his appearance – and would be eager to utilize them.

Finding out that Joe would have wanted Bern to take over after him really shook Chee, making him doubt himself and his faith in others. While they eventually reconcile, the news leaves Chee questioning where he truly belongs – maybe somewhere he can make a difference for Indigenous communities who are often ignored by the justice system.

He seems to be caught in a difficult situation, potentially being used by the FBI, but more importantly, he’s questioning his future. He’s wondering if he should commit to a life on the reservation, or explore other options now before it’s too late and he regrets it. He appeared lost, trying to decide whether to fully embrace his cultural traditions or distance himself from them. This internal struggle stems from his dual identity as both a white man and a Native person, a conflict he’ll likely always grapple with.

Kiowa Gordon Has His Own Hopes for Chee’s Future

It’s taken Chee a while to rediscover his spiritual and cultural roots. Unlike Joe and Bernadette, he’s always been more doubtful, which has often set him apart. For Gordon, Chee’s current path seems to be focused on the reservation, rather than any involvement with the FBI.

Gordon explained that this experience is bringing out a new side of him. He’s becoming more open to Bernadette’s traditions, joining her for ceremonies and spiritual practices with Joe, and letting go of his previous dismissive attitude and skepticism about beliefs he once considered superstitious.

Gordon is concerned Chee might revert to past behaviors, suggesting this could be a key part of his character arc. He also believes Chee is seeking a deeper connection with his heritage. Gordon hopes to see Chee develop as a person, especially by embracing the healing traditions of his family, since he comes from a lineage of healers. He feels now is the time for Chee to learn those skills and practices.

You can now watch Season 4 of Dark Winds on AMC+. It will also be available on Netflix starting July 4th. Plus, a fifth season is currently being planned.

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2026-04-07 17:09