Episode 3 increases the tension and body count as we learn more about our sadistic assassin. Elsewhere Joe’s secret drives a wedge between Bernadette and Jim.

We open with Albert escaping the health clinic to his grandfather’s home. He succumbs to his injuries and his grandfather gave him a proper Navajo burial. Thus, why the home had a “death hogan.” However, our femme fatale silenced the grandfather and attempted to bury him with the same respect. The assassin has an odd appreciation for the traditional Navajo customs. Her obsession extends to breaking into Joe’s home, noticing a photo of him and Emma. She also eyes Emma’s new address.

Later, Chee and Bernadette learn the assassin was searching for Leroy, who turns out to be Albert’s brother. They suspect he’s returned to LA. Just as Chee and Bern’s relationship becomes “public” knowledge at the department, she tells Jim about Joe’s retirement. Offended, this places a pause on their plans to move-in together. We also see Jim experience more affects of the ghost poisoning. Hallucinations intensify as his wound has not healed — and he suddenly loses a tooth.

Joe returns home and notices things are amiss. He sees his photo with Emma missing and realizes the assassin has been closer than expected. Soon, the bold killer encounters Joe alone in the desert, talking riddles about a spiritual union and admiring his man-made ingenuity. She leaves him bewildered with a kiss.

The episode closes with Bernadette, who was hosting the orphan Billie, realizing the young teen has escaped to Los Angeles in search for Leroy, suggesting our investigation will leave the New Mexico reservation.

This episode was another solid entry, with great performances from Kiowa Gordon and Franka Potente. Gordon — whose Chee has always doubted the spiritual traditions of his Navajo heritage — will soon have to reckon with his complicated feelings about his past. He’s always represented a man straddling his ancestors’ world, and assimilation of the new world. And Potente remains a delightful mystery in the mix. Her draw to Leaphorn speaks to something she relishes of another world as well. An appreciation of things not tainted with whims of the new age. No telling what chaos will proceed when all parties converge in the City of Angels.

Rating: 8/10