The problem with Hillerman on TV is what makes his work good in books. My sister-in-law doesn't like any of the Joe Leaphorn/Jim Chee books claiming that nothing ever happens. She's right, of course, but what's interesting is why it never happens. The whole point is the difference between our cultures that drives the plot away from what you expect.   Trying to depict the cultural differences in fairly stoic culture makes for a stilted TV mystery though, which is why I believe they changed Joe so much.