Tony Hillerman’s PBS Navajo Mystery TV Movie Adaptations Reviewed

2025-10-07

I do a brief overview on the initial PBS series of TV movies that adapted Tony Hillerman's Navajo mystery books. Produced by the late great Robert Redford, they starred Wes Studi (Last of the Mohicans, Heat) as Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Adam Beach (Windtalkers, Law & Order: SVU) as Officer Chee. Solid production values aside, how did these films change the way PBS ran its original productions? Do these adaptations make both the book and movie crowds happy? See how this community jives that Tues...

I do a brief overview on the initial PBS series of TV movies that adapted Tony Hillerman's Navajo mystery books.

Produced by the late great Robert Redford, they starred Wes Studi (Last of the Mohicans, Heat) as Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Adam Beach (Windtalkers, Law & Order: SVU) as Officer Chee.

Solid production values aside, how did these films change the way PBS ran its original productions?

Do these adaptations make both the book and movie crowds happy?

See how this community jives that Tuesday!

SONGS USED:

"Vadavora", "The Gauntlet" and "Delay Rock" by Kevin MacLeod. All Songs Are Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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