Dark Winds Season 4, Episode 4 Ending Explained: Who Attacked Leaphorn

Dark Winds reveals its shadowy new antagonist

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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In Dark Winds season 4, episode 4, Joe Leaphorn is attacked by two unknown assailants after he notices a camera and binoculars in an adjacent building while surveilling Sonny Bear Heart's club. The attack raises questions about who the attackers are, with speculation that they could be law enforcement investigating Sonny's criminal ties. Meanwhile, Chee's ghost sickness is revealed to be only affecting his mind, not physically manifesting. The episode also delves deeper into the backstory of Franka Potente's character Irene, an assassin working for a mysterious prisoner named Dominic McNair who is facing an upcoming trial.

Why it matters

The attack on Leaphorn and the revelations about Irene's shadowy employer set up intriguing new plot threads for the rest of Dark Winds season 4. The show continues to explore the complex web of relationships and criminal activities in the Navajo Nation, while also delving into the personal struggles of its main characters.

The details

After Billie Tsosie took off for Los Angeles in the previous episode, Leaphorn, Manuelito, and Chee followed her trail. In this week's episode, most of the cast conducted an unofficial search for Billie. Leaphorn also briefly reunited with his estranged wife, Emma, in an emotional interaction. The mystery surrounding Franka Potente's character Irene also deepened, as we learned she is carrying out contract killings for a prisoner named Dominic McNair who is facing an upcoming trial. Chee's ghost sickness was also further explored, with the revelation that the physical effects are only in his mind and not manifesting in reality.

  • Dark Winds season 4, episode 4 aired on March 8, 2026.

The players

Joe Leaphorn

A Navajo police officer who is the main protagonist of the Dark Winds series.

Irene

A German assassin with a fascination for Leaphorn, who is working for a mysterious prisoner named Dominic McNair.

Dominic McNair

The prisoner who is employing Irene to carry out contract killings, and who is facing an upcoming trial that is drawing the attention of the FBI.

Jim Chee

A Navajo police officer who is experiencing ghost sickness, which is only affecting his mind and not manifesting physically.

Sonny Bear Heart

A criminal figure that Leaphorn and the others are investigating, whose club is being monitored by both Leaphorn and the unknown assailants who attack him.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.