I just couldn't resist.
The fundamental problem with TV stories about American/aboriginal relationships is that they fail to address the fact the American government waged a war of genocide. And regardless of good will (on either side), there was a fundamental economic conflict that ultimately doomed the aboriginals to defeat.
"The Deserter" is only slightly better than average. The chief eventually recognizes that killing the officer who murdered the women and children of his tribe can only bring more tsuris. But the profound distrust and "acidity" of feeling that should remain after his acquiescence is not present. Ultimately, this is yet another "White viewer, you needn't feel too guilty" stories.
Claude Akins gives a pretty good performance. He has scenes were he has to show some subtlety of emotion -- which he was rarely called on to deliver -- and is creditable.
The fundamental problem with TV stories about American/aboriginal relationships is that they fail to address the fact the American government waged a war of genocide. And regardless of good will (on either side), there was a fundamental economic conflict that ultimately doomed the aboriginals to defeat.
"The Deserter" is only slightly better than average. The chief eventually recognizes that killing the officer who murdered the women and children of his tribe can only bring more tsuris. But the profound distrust and "acidity" of feeling that should remain after his acquiescence is not present. Ultimately, this is yet another "White viewer, you needn't feel too guilty" stories.
Claude Akins gives a pretty good performance. He has scenes were he has to show some subtlety of emotion -- which he was rarely called on to deliver -- and is creditable.