Endangered Species

A former New York City police officer who quits the force and fights to stay sober. He reconnects with his teenage daughter and moves west to start over, but his past and his temper threaten his fragile new life. His protective instincts for Mackenzie drive much of the plot, even as his drinking and violence flare up. He is both a realist and a man of impulse, navigating danger and loyalty in a hostile environment.

Ruben's teenage daughter, wary yet resourceful, traveling with her father to escape his past. She dates local deputy Wayne and becomes entangled in the town's escalating crisis. Her abduction by mercenaries tensions the stakes and tests her resilience. She serves as a catalyst for Ruben's attempt at redemption.

The newly appointed town sheriff who starts investigating the cattle-mutilation mystery. She befriends Ruben and shares a pragmatic, down-to-earth approach to law enforcement. Harriet strives to protect her town and Mackenzie, balancing duty with empathy as danger closes in.

Local newspaper publisher who provides Ruben with background on the cattle-mutilations and the region's sightings of strange events. His editorials fuel local debate and tension with the town's power players. He is found dead in his office, implicating the cover-up and raising the stakes for the investigation.

A cattle rancher and local power figure coerced by a nephew with political connections to allow illicit experiments on cattle. He becomes ill and dies in a dramatic, gruesome manner, symbolizing the reach of the conspiracy and its cost to ordinary people.

A ruthless mercenary close to the military outpost plot who intimidates locals and enforces the experiments' will. He wields power through fear and violence, clashing with Ruben and Harriet as the truth comes to light.

One of the mercenaries involved in the operation around the cattle. His presence underscores the reach of outside influence and the willingness to commit violence to protect secrets.

The town's mayor who becomes a focal point of political maneuvering and editorial clashes with Joe Hiatt. He represents local authority under pressure from powerful outsiders and the fear-driven mood of the town.