Have Gun Will Travel Season 1 Episode 3
Have Gun Will Travel was a popular western series that aired from 1957 to 1963. It followed the adventures of Paladin (played by Richard Boone), a gunslinger who worked as a mercenary for hire. Each episode had Paladin taking on different clients or missions, often involving dangerous showdowns and moral dilemmas. The Great Mojave Chase, the third episode of the first season, was no exception.
The Plot
The episode starts with Paladin in his hotel room, receiving a request for help from a woman named Mrs. Eaton. She explains that her husband has been falsely accused of a robbery and murder, and is now being chased by a posse led by Sheriff Seely (played by John Dehner). Mrs. Eaton asks Paladin to find her husband and bring him to justice, or at least clear his name.
Paladin accepts the job, but soon realizes that the situation is more complicated than he thought. He finds Mr. Eaton hiding in the desert, and learns that the real culprit is a man named Cully (played by Jack Lord), who framed Eaton for the crime. Cully is now on the run with the stolen money, and the posse is after him as well.
Paladin decides to help Eaton escape and catch Cully, which leads to a thrilling chase across the Mojave desert. Along the way, they face various obstacles and dangers, such as quicksand, hostile Indians, and a treacherous canyon. Paladin also has to deal with conflicting loyalties, as he is being pursued by both the posse and Cully's gang.
The Characters
One of the strengths of Have Gun Will Travel was its well-defined and memorable characters. The main protagonist, Paladin, was not your typical western hero. He was educated, refined, and often used his wits more than his gun. He also had a code of ethics that he followed, even if it meant going against his clients' wishes or risking his own safety.
The supporting cast was also notable, especially the villains. In The Great Mojave Chase, Jack Lord gave a standout performance as Cully, the cunning and ruthless criminal who caused all the trouble. John Dehner was also impressive as Sheriff Seely, a man torn between duty and justice.
The Analysis
The Great Mojave Chase is a classic example of the western genre, with its themes of honor, violence, and freedom. It also showcases the strengths of Have Gun Will Travel as a series, such as its sharp writing, strong acting, and high production values. The locations and scenery are also impressive, adding a sense of realism and adventure to the story.
However, the episode is not without its flaws. Some of the action sequences are a bit unrealistic or contrived, and some of the Native American stereotypes may be offensive to modern viewers. The pacing is also a bit uneven, with some scenes dragging or feeling repetitive.
Overall, though, The Great Mojave Chase is a solid and entertaining episode of Have Gun Will Travel, and a good introduction to the series for those unfamiliar with it. It captures the spirit and essence of the western genre, while also providing some thought-provoking moments and memorable characters.
