Why Dark Winds Season 4, Episode 2 Is Dedicated To Taylor Roberts

Updated  Jul 18, 2026, 8:30 AM EDT

Episode 2, "Bikéé' Doo Éédahoozįįdę́ę́góó (Toward Their Unknown Paths)", is an extended chase episode that sees the trio of investigators checking out the massacre at the diner and searching for two suspects before a mysterious assassin finds them. The end of the episode features an in memoriam moment for one of the crew members of the series, Taylor Roberts, a make-up artist on season 3. Dark Winds has had several notable people involved with the show pass during its run, and Dark Winds season 4, episode 2 confirms the show lost another important person who brought the series to life.

Taylor Roberts Was A Make-Up Artist On Dark Winds

Dark Winds season 4, episode 2 memorialized Taylor Roberts, who was the makeup department head for the show's third season. As head of the department, Roberts likely oversaw all the makeup needs required for Dark Winds, from Leaphorn to the Ye'iitsoh from season 3. The makeup in Dark Winds is a crucial piece of filmmaking that entrenches the series in the moody, atmospheric setting that so many have been drawn to.

Roberts's work granted Dark Winds authenticity. The series is set in the 1970s, and as with any period piece, a lot of time and effort go into making sure the actors look era-appropriate, which means costumes, sets, speech, and of course, makeup, need to be on point. Roberts passed away on November 12, 2024 (via NeptuneSociety). If you partake, the writers of Roberts' obituary asked that you take a sip of scotch or champagne, and if you don't, a hug with a loved one or pet will do.

What Else Taylor Roberts Has Worked On (Besides Dark Winds)

While Taylor Roberts is likely best known for her work on Dark Winds season 3, she's worked on numerous other projects over the years, including The Really Loud House, a live-action adaptation of The Loud House, in 2022. Roberts also worked on Flamin' Hot and Snag, both in 2023. Roberts also did work on Happy Gilmore, Saving Silverman, 40 Days and 40 Nights, Carrie (2002), Freddy vs. Jason, Scary Movie 3, Stargate: Atlantis, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, 3:10 to Yuma, Hostiles, Bates Motel​​​​​, and much more.

Dark Winds Season 4 Has Also Paid Tribute To Robert Redford

The tribute to Taylor Roberts is not the first time Dark Winds has memorialized members of its cast and crew who have passed away. An episode of Dark Winds season 3 paid tribute to Joe Bufalino III, an assistant director for the show, while the premiere of Dark Winds season 4 included a memorial to Robert Redford. Redford died on September 16, 2025, and he was an executive producer for Dark Winds.

Redford had also made a cameo appearance in Dark Winds season 3, which would prove to be his last acting credit before his death. He made that appearance alongside fellow executive producer and esteemed author George R.R. Martin, and both played inmates at the Navajo Tribal Police station. Thanks to Dark Winds' efforts to memorialize its cast and crew who have passed away, Taylor Roberts will never be forgotten.