Dark Winds S3 Ep6: Joe’s Trauma, Truth & the Power of Storytelling, Ep. 261

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana and Renee Hansen break down Dark Winds Season 3, Episode 6, “Ábidoo’niidę́ę́ (What We Had Been Told).” They explore Joe Leaphorn’s haunting, a dreamlike journey — where past trauma, Navajo legend, and present-day reckoning unfold in parallel, colliding in a powerful episode.

They discuss the emotional weight of the episode, themes of memory suppression and cultural storytelling, and the care taken in portraying childhood trauma — both on screen and behind the scenes. Plus, they wrap up with some favorite TV and movie recommendations you won’t want to miss.

🎬 TV & Movie Recommendations:

• The Pitt – We LOVED this one! Noah Wyle!
• Warfare – Intense, raw and unforgettable.
• The Pulse –Renee still on the fence with this one.
• Black Mirror (select episodes) – Always worth diving into

00:00 Introduction and Question of the Day

00:57 Episode Overview and Initial Impressions

03:13 Key Points and Revelations

08:58 Themes and Emotional Impact

16:33 Cultural Aspects and Symbolism

22:25 Speculations on the Mysterious Character

22:47 Ketamine and Its Implications

25:15 Analyzing Joe's Journey

26:37 Director's Insights and Inspirations

28:14 Question of the Day: Dreams and Real Life Pain

30:57 TV and Movie Recommendations

40:57 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Variety Article - https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/dark-winds-episode-6-joe-leaphorn-fever-dream-david-lynch-1236342931/

Renee Hansen: https://linktr.ee/renee.hansen https://reneehansen.journoportfolio.com

Follow and subscribe to Screens in Focus.

Website: www.screensinfocus.com

Email: [email protected]

X https://x.com/screensinfocus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screensinfocuspodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/screensinfocus

Feedback and TV/Movie Recommendations:

Google voice [phone]

Free background music from JewelBeat.com: www.jewelbeat.com