Nichols, who's almost a coward, never wanted to be a sheriff, but Jim Garner can't fight destiny.
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.
Nichols (Episode 1)
Writer: Frank Pierson
Air date: 1971-09-16
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: A retired soldier tired of guns returns to his family homestead in Arizona only to be forced to assume the position of local sheriff.
The Siege (Episode 2)
Writer: Shimon Wincelberg
Air date: 1971-09-23
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: A bandit gang rides in from Mexico in search of a dentist for its leader.
The Indian Giver (Episode 3)
Writer: Theodore J. Flicker
Air date: 1971-09-30
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: An Indian claims the Ketchams' land.
Paper Badge (Episode 4)
Writer: William Wood
Air date: 1971-10-07
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Nichols welcomes a would-be actress to town, while Ketcham is infuriated by a booksmart lawman.
Gulley vs Hansen (Episode 5)
Writer: Shimon Wincelberg
Air date: 1971-10-14
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Two aging gunfighters are pressured into a final showdown.
Deer Crossing (Episode 6)
Writer: Shimon Wincelberg
Air date: 1971-10-21
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Ketcham angers the Apaches when he tries to force a brave to end his hunt for a prize buck.
The Specialists (Episode 7)
Writer: George Kirgo
Air date: 1971-10-28
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Nichols and Ketcham hire second-rate mercenaries for an attack on an outlaw stronghold.
Peanuts and Crackerjacks (Episode 8)
Writer: Bud Freeman
Air date: 1971-11-04
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: A baseball game between a visiting Army team and the town's team becomes a betting event.
Ketcham Power (Episode 9)
Writer: Gene L. Coon
Air date: 1971-11-11
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Ketcham is made a deputy and promptly abuses his authority.
Bertha (Episode 10)
Writer: Juanita Bartlett
Air date: 1971-11-18
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: 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".
The One Eyed Mule's Time Has Come (Episode 11)
Writer: Jack Curtis
Air date: 1971-11-23
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: An earthquake traps Nichols in a cellar with an Army vet and his mule while looters rampage around them.
Away the Rolling River (Episode 12)
Writer: Juanita Bartlett
Air date: 1971-11-30
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: An old bandit has his eye on one last prize: a money train.
Where Did Everybody Go? (Episode 13)
Writer: Buck Houghton
Air date: 1971-12-07
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: A jealous boyfriend and his hulking brothers are after Nichols when he flirts with a temptress.
The Marrying Fool (Episode 14)
Writer: Benjamin Masselink
Air date: 1971-12-28
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: A man comes to town looking to kill Ruth's fiance, who hasn't told her everything about his past.
Eddie Joe (Episode 15)
Writer: William Wood
Air date: 1972-01-04
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: A black fugitive hits town with a vengeful former cellmate close behind.
Zachariah (Episode 16)
Writer: Juanita Bartlett
Air date: 1972-01-11
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Nichols races a con artist uncle to find a hidden stash of money.
The Unholy Alliance (Episode 17)
Writer: Benjamin Masselink
Air date: 1972-01-18
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Thieves mistake Nichols for a top safecracker and force him into their latest crime.
Slight of Hand (Episode 18)
Writer: Juanita Bartlett
Air date: 1972-02-01
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: A con artist talks the townspeople into investing in a gold mine.
Wings of an Angel (Episode 19)
Writer: Buck Houghton
Air date: 1972-02-08
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Nichols and a daredevil pilot search for killers.
About Jessie James (Episode 20)
Writer: James L. Henderson
Air date: 1972-02-15
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Nichols sets out to catch Jesse James and collect the reward.
Fight of the Century (Episode 21)
Writer: Marion Hargrove
Air date: 1972-02-22
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Nichols is forced into the ring with a professional boxer.
Man's Best Enemy (Episode 22)
Writer: Bud Freeman
Air date: 1972-02-29
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: An accused killer escapes when Nichols is distracted by a barking dog.
Wonder Fizz Flies Again (Episode 23)
Writer: Robert Foster
Air date: 1972-03-07
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Nichols and his pilot friend team up once more, this time to rescue a kidnapped girl.
All in the Family (Episode 24)
Writer: Juanita Bartlett
Air date: 1972-03-14
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: When Nichols is killed, his identical brother comes to town to avenge his murder.
