Joe Leaphorn Asks Bernadette to Take Over His Position as Lieutenant in Sneak Peek of "Dark Winds" Season 4 Premiere (Exclusive) Liza EsquibiasFebruary 12, 2026 at 10:30 PM 0 PEOPLE has an exclusive sneak peek of the first episode of Dark Winds season 4, which premieres on Sunday, Feb. 15 In the clip, Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) proposes that Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten) take over his role When Bernadette expresses hesitation, Leaphorn tries to change her mind Changes are in the air in Dark Winds season 4.
- - Joe Leaphorn Asks Bernadette to Take Over His Position as Lieutenant in Sneak Peek of "Dark Winds" Season 4 Premiere (Exclusive)
Liza EsquibiasFebruary 12, 2026 at 10:30 PM
0
PEOPLE has an exclusive sneak peek of the first episode of Dark Winds season 4, which premieres on Sunday, Feb. 15
In the clip, Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) proposes that Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten) take over his role
When Bernadette expresses hesitation, Leaphorn tries to change her mind
Changes are in the air in Dark Winds season 4.
PEOPLE has an exclusive look at the Navajo detective thriller's premiere, where Zahn McClarnon's Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn reveals some shocking news to Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten).
"What is it?" a suspicious Bernadette asks, before Leaphorn replies, "I'm retiring. Bern."
While she doubts his claims, noting, "it's not the first time I've heard that," he assures her that "it's real this time."
Zahn McClarnon in 'Dark Winds'
AMC+
"Paperwork's in. Captain Largo's aware," Leaphorn says of their boss. "Come fall, I'm gone."
"To where, Los Angeles?" Bernadette speculates, knowing that is where his wife, Emma (Deanna Allison), went in season 3 after Leaphorn confessed to his role in B.J. Vines' death and the lies he told in an attempt to cover it up.
Taking his silence as confirmation, Bernadette continues: "You know, Emma left for a reason, Joe. I'm not sure you trying to move out there is going to make her change her mind."
"She left because she didn't want to be with the guy I was anymore, Bern," Leaphorn agrees. "I don't either. It's time for a change. New blood, new ways of doing things, new leadership."
Jessica Matten in 'Dark Winds'
AMC+
When Bernadette realizes that Leaphorn is insinuating that she take over his position as Lieutenant, she exclaims, "What? No."
"Just think about it," he says, but she pushes back: "I don't have to think about it."
She notes that Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) has been part of the force longer than she has, but Leaphorn only wants Bernadette to do the job.
"I am not saying he is incapable. He's a good cop, well-trained. He's serious," Leaphorn acknowledges. "But I've come to realize you cannot separate spirituality from upholding the law here. You understand the land, the people who live on it. He's still working on that part, Bern.
"I don't know, Joe. Really?" she wonders.
"Yeah," he reassures. "You're the right choice. If you don't know why, now you will."
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Dark Winds season 4 premieres on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 9 p.m. ET on AMC and AMC+.
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Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: February 12, 2026 at 07:09PM on Source: RED MAG
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