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Dark Winds Season 3 Premiere: A Star-Studded Cameo Surprises Fans
[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for Dark Winds Season 3 Episode 1, “Ye’iitsoh.”]
The much-anticipated return of Dark Winds brings Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn, portrayed by Zahn McClarnon, into a thrilling new case alongside detective Jim Chee, played by Kiowa Gordon. The premiere not only revives the gripping narrative of the series but also treats viewers to a remarkable cameo featuring two iconic figures from the entertainment industry, executive producers Robert Redford and George R.R. Martin, who make a brief yet memorable appearance as inmates.
As the plot unfolds, Leaphorn investigates a concerning case involving blood stains and the mysterious disappearance of a boy in the desert. Upon returning to the station, he observes a friendly game of chess being played among the inmates. In a playful exchange, Redford, who plays one of the prisoners, instructs Martin to make a decisive move in the game, saying, “George, the whole world’s waiting. Make a move!” Leaphorn can’t help but offer a suggestion, giving Martin an advantage over his opponent. Redford graciously expresses his gratitude, reflecting the camaraderie established in this unique moment.
The significance of this appearance isn’t lost on McClarnon, who expressed his enthusiasm in an interview, stating that it was a dream come true to work alongside two legends of cinema and literature. He reminisces fondly about growing up during an era influenced by Redford’s films, citing Little Fauss and Big Halsey as a pivotal inspiration from his childhood, even recalling how he mimicked Redford’s character by walking around with a toothbrush in his mouth.
McClarnon’s admiration extends to Martin, whom he regards as one of the foremost fantasy and science fiction writers of his generation. The actor shares that the warmth and generosity of both Redford and Martin left him in awe, underscoring the honor he felt to share the screen with them.
Gordon also observed McClarnon’s delight during filming, noting that his enthusiasm was palpable with every cut of the camera. He added that it’s inspiring to see McClarnon fulfill a childhood dream, making the moment special not just for him but for all involved in the production. Gordon commented on the significance of having such esteemed figures contribute to the show, pointing out that Martin, typically averse to cameos, was willing to participate out of his love for Dark Winds.
The line delivered by Redford, which humorously alludes to Martin’s writing schedule for Game of Thrones, was an unexpected twist that showrunner John Wirth found amusing. Reflecting on the creative collaboration, Wirth mentioned that the idea of having the two men share a scene as chess-playing inmates originated from Martin himself, illustrating the thoughtful approach taken in integrating them into the storyline.
Wirth admits he’s not entirely sure how these characters found their way into a jail cell with a chessboard, but the concept ultimately resonated with the show’s tone. He described the cameo as delightful, appreciating the brief but impactful interplay between the two icons and the lead character, which adds a unique layer to the series.
This unexpected cameo is just one of the many exciting elements that Season 3 of Dark Winds promises to deliver as the story progresses. Fans are invited to share their thoughts about the surprise appearances and can look forward to more thrilling developments in the upcoming episodes.
Dark Winds, Season 3, Sundays, 9/8c, AMC and AMC+
Source
www.tvinsider.com