Robert Forster fights developers AND 1970s TV stereotypes in this forgotten gem.
An American Indian deputy sheriff is caught in the middle of a community dispute when the tribe tries to save an historic mission from a housing developer. This TV pilot film was an ABC Movie of the Week and later became a TV series.
Acting
Robert Forster's quiet dignity elevating every scene he's in.
Production
Actual Native actors in speaking roles — rare for 1974 television.
Director
Leonard Horn
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Nakia arrived during the 'Red Power' movement, making its existence politically charged — ABC greenlit it partly to seem relevant, not revolutionary.
The series bombed after just 13 episodes, with Forster later saying network interference watered down every script's political teeth.
US
