Nichols — Season 1
Nichols, who's almost a coward, never wanted to be a sheriff, but Jim Garner can't fight destiny.
About this season
Nichols is an American Western television series starring James Garner broadcast in the United States on NBC during the 1971-72 season. Set the fictional town of Nichols, Arizona, in 1914, Nichols differed from traditional Western series of the era. The main character, a sheriff, rode on a motorcycle and in an automobile rather than on the traditional horse. The hero did not carry a firearm and was generally opposed to the use of violence to solve problems, preferring other means. Margot Kidder portrayed Ruth, the love interest/barmaid of Nichols.
Episodes (24)
1. Nichols
Aired 16 September 1971 • 60 min
A retired soldier tired of guns returns to his family homestead in Arizona only to be forced to assume the position of local sheriff.
2. The Siege
Aired 23 September 1971 • 60 min
A bandit gang rides in from Mexico in search of a dentist for its leader.
3. The Indian Giver
Aired 30 September 1971 • 60 min
An Indian claims the Ketchams' land.
4. Paper Badge
Aired 7 October 1971 • 60 min
Nichols welcomes a would-be actress to town, while Ketcham is infuriated by a booksmart lawman.
5. Gulley vs Hansen
Aired 14 October 1971 • 60 min
Two aging gunfighters are pressured into a final showdown.
6. Deer Crossing
Aired 21 October 1971 • 60 min
Ketcham angers the Apaches when he tries to force a brave to end his hunt for a prize buck.
7. The Specialists
Aired 28 October 1971 • 60 min
Nichols and Ketcham hire second-rate mercenaries for an attack on an outlaw stronghold.
8. Peanuts and Crackerjacks
Aired 4 November 1971 • 60 min
A baseball game between a visiting Army team and the town's team becomes a betting event.
9. Ketcham Power
Aired 11 November 1971 • 60 min
Ketcham is made a deputy and promptly abuses his authority.
10. Bertha
Aired 18 November 1971 • 60 min
After twenty years in a school back east Bertha's daughter is coming to town. Bertha plans to close down and become "respectable" during her daughter's visit, but instead Nichols convinces her to let him run her place while she's "gone".
11. The One Eyed Mule's Time Has Come
Aired 23 November 1971 • 60 min
An earthquake traps Nichols in a cellar with an Army vet and his mule while looters rampage around them.
12. Away the Rolling River
Aired 30 November 1971 • 60 min
An old bandit has his eye on one last prize: a money train.
13. Where Did Everybody Go?
Aired 7 December 1971 • 60 min
A jealous boyfriend and his hulking brothers are after Nichols when he flirts with a temptress.
14. The Marrying Fool
Aired 28 December 1971 • 60 min
A man comes to town looking to kill Ruth's fiance, who hasn't told her everything about his past.
15. Eddie Joe
Aired 4 January 1972 • 60 min
A black fugitive hits town with a vengeful former cellmate close behind.
16. Zachariah
Aired 11 January 1972 • 60 min
Nichols races a con artist uncle to find a hidden stash of money.
17. The Unholy Alliance
Aired 18 January 1972 • 60 min
Thieves mistake Nichols for a top safecracker and force him into their latest crime.
18. Slight of Hand
Aired 1 February 1972 • 60 min
A con artist talks the townspeople into investing in a gold mine.
19. Wings of an Angel
Aired 8 February 1972 • 60 min
Nichols and a daredevil pilot search for killers.
20. About Jessie James
Aired 15 February 1972 • 60 min
Nichols sets out to catch Jesse James and collect the reward.
21. Fight of the Century
Aired 22 February 1972 • 60 min
Nichols is forced into the ring with a professional boxer.
22. Man's Best Enemy
Aired 29 February 1972 • 60 min
An accused killer escapes when Nichols is distracted by a barking dog.
23. Wonder Fizz Flies Again
Aired 7 March 1972 • 60 min
Nichols and his pilot friend team up once more, this time to rescue a kidnapped girl.
24. All in the Family
Aired 14 March 1972 • 60 min
When Nichols is killed, his identical brother comes to town to avenge his murder.