Makaniak

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iowahawk: "TV Classics: 'Makaniak'

makaniak

The TV police drama genre saw a major overhaul in 1970's, taking on a darker, grittier tone that reflected urban realities of the time. Spurred by the success of programs like 'Torino Squad' (starring Lash La Douche of the hit western 'Johnny Nuance') and the campus drama 'Chutch,' NBC debuted the hard-hitting undercover cop series 'Makaniak' in October 1975. The short-lived program starred Tony Arizona as maverick police detective Leo Makaniak, a tough-as-nails, disillusioned Vietnam vet who gains access to the city's seamy drug and prostitution underworld through tough street talk, a burly fu manchu, and skilled car hood-sliding.

'Makaniak' earned critical praise for its portrayal of a conflicted, tough-but-sensitive undercover cop who played both sides of the law, but it struggled in the ratings and was cancelled midway through its second season.

'I'm not sure what what went wrong,' says former star Arizona. 'Maybe it would have been more popular if Makaniak actually arrested a bad guy.'

EPISODE 1-07: 'THE FIRST ONE'S FREE'

OPENING CREDITS

Split screen montage: Makaniak running down sidewalks, combing mustache, sliding across car hoods

Theme: 'Remember Which Side You're On' (performed by Luther Van Peoples)

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When you're out on"