The world of Tony Hillerman’s beloved Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant, Joe Leaphorn, a character meticulously crafted over fourteen novels, took an intriguing turn when adapted for the screen. While the television portrayal in "Skinwalkers," the premiere episode of PBS’s "Mystery!" series, presented a Leaphorn markedly different from his literary counterpart, Hillerman himself expressed satisfaction with the adaptation. This acceptance stems from the collaborative efforts of Wes Studi, the actor embodying Leaphorn, director Chris Eyre, and writer Jamie Redford, the son of executive producer Robert Redford.
The "Mystery!" series, known for its predominantly British crime dramas, ventured into the American Southwest, bringing Hillerman’s Navajo world to a wider audience. However, the Leaphorn presented wasn’t the familiar wise, patient, and culturally attuned detective readers had come to admire. Instead, viewers encountered a more hardened, somewhat jaded figure, a former urban cop grappling with a disconnect from his Navajo heritage, returning to the reservation alongside his ailing wife. This divergence from the source material initially raised eyebrows, but the creative team’s vision, particularly Wes Studi’s interpretation, offered a compelling rationale.
Wes Studi, a veteran actor of Cherokee descent renowned for his powerful portrayals in films like "Geronimo," "Dances With Wolves," "The Doors," "Heat," and "The Last of the Mohicans," brought a nuanced perspective to the role. Studi argued that this reimagined Leaphorn, while different, was relatable. He believed that many, both Native American and non-Native, could identify with the character’s journey of leaving their roots behind to pursue opportunities in a more urbanized environment.
"I think Leaphorn is a figure that a lot of people can identify with – Indian and non-Indian – in terms of having left behind the world he grew up in to pursue interests in the urban world," Studi explained. He emphasized that Leaphorn’s return to the reservation wasn’t necessarily enthusiastic, but it triggered a rediscovery of his cultural identity and its profound influence on his character.
Studi further elaborated on how Leaphorn’s background, even with its urban experiences, shaped his approach to law enforcement. He envisioned Leaphorn as a detective characterized by a thoughtful and deliberate demeanor, prioritizing careful consideration over rash action. "I think he would bring a presence of mind that is not necessarily a shoot-before-you-think kind of thing," Studi said. "He of course would have to respond in life-threatening situations. He’s portrayed as thinking things over before acting on them, probably a very good thing for a detective."
Tony Hillerman, the architect of Leaphorn’s world, appreciated the adaptation’s pragmatic approach to translating the complex cultural elements of the Navajo Nation to the screen. He recognized the challenges inherent in conveying the nuances of Navajo traditions and beliefs within the constraints of a television format. "It solved the problem of explaining the cultural stuff without making 7 1/2-hour movies," Hillerman remarked.
Hillerman’s connection to Navajo culture predates his literary success. As a World War II veteran returning home, he witnessed firsthand the cleansing rituals performed by Navajo veterans, recognizing their shared experiences of returning from war and grappling with its psychological aftermath. This early exposure to Navajo traditions deeply influenced his writing, informing his sensitive and respectful portrayal of the Navajo people and their way of life.
The episode "Skinwalkers" was directed by Chris Eyre, a filmmaker of Cheyenne-Arapaho descent known for his critically acclaimed films "Smoke Signals" and "Skins." Eyre’s involvement was particularly significant, as he brought a unique perspective shaped by his own experiences growing up adopted in a white household, giving him an understanding of both Native American and non-Native American cultures. Hillerman lauded Eyre’s work, expressing his admiration for the director’s ability to create a compelling film from a complex novel. "I was very much impressed with that guy," the author stated. "I thought he did a hell of a good job making a movie out of that book, which was not an easy thing to do."
The "Skinwalkers" narrative revolves around a series of mysterious deaths among Navajo medicine men, plunging Leaphorn into a world of ancient traditions and potential supernatural forces. The story also introduces Jim Chee, a younger officer who is studying to become a medicine man himself. Chee’s deeper connection to traditional Navajo beliefs makes him particularly well-suited to investigate the crimes. The dynamic between Leaphorn and Chee, played by Adam Beach, adds another layer of complexity to the story. Sheila Tousey portrays Chee’s girlfriend, Janet Pete, while Michael Greyeyes appears as an Indian Health Service doctor who uncovers crucial evidence. Noah Watts is cast as a troubled teenager.
Eyre, being of Cheyenne-Arapaho ancestry, was particularly sensitive to the potential for perpetuating stereotypes in his portrayal of Native Americans. He made a conscious effort to avoid romanticizing Native American culture, presenting a realistic and nuanced depiction of Navajo life. "I don’t romanticize Indians," Eyre stated, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity.
Robert Redford, the executive producer of "Skinwalkers," had a long-standing passion for bringing Hillerman’s work to the screen. He saw it as an opportunity to elevate awareness of Native American culture and issues through engaging entertainment. "The chance to elevate the issues surrounding Native American culture and to do it through the vehicle of solid entertainment is our hope and purpose," Redford said.
The adaptation of "Skinwalkers," while presenting a departure from the established character of Joe Leaphorn, offered a fresh perspective on Hillerman’s world, appealing to a broader audience while remaining respectful of Navajo culture. The combination of Wes Studi’s nuanced performance, Chris Eyre’s sensitive direction, and Jamie Redford’s thoughtful writing, coupled with the approval of Tony Hillerman himself, made "Skinwalkers" a noteworthy addition to the "Mystery!" series and a valuable contribution to the representation of Native Americans in film and television. The success of "Skinwalkers" opened the door for further adaptations of Hillerman’s novels, solidifying the enduring appeal of Joe Leaphorn and the rich cultural landscape of the Navajo Nation. This initial offering of Joe Leaphorn on the small screen set the stage for future interpretations, each bringing its own unique lens to the iconic character.
The complexities of adapting a beloved literary character are always present, and the team behind Joe Leaphorn in "Skinwalkers" navigated these challenges with sensitivity and creativity. The reimagining of Joe Leaphorn for television sparked conversation and debate, but ultimately served to introduce a new generation to Hillerman’s captivating stories and the fascinating world of the Navajo Nation.