Have Gun Will Travel Season 2 Episode 10
Have Gun Will Travel is one of the most popular western television shows that aired from 1957 to 1963. The show follows the adventures of Paladin, a gun-for-hire with a sense of justice and honor. In season 2, episode 10, titled "A Matter of Ethics," Paladin finds himself in a difficult situation where he must make a tough ethical decision.
Plot Summary
The episode begins with Paladin receiving a letter from a man named John Simpson. Simpson states that he is in trouble and needs Paladin's help. When Paladin arrives, he finds out that Simpson is a Union Army deserter who is wanted for murder. Simpson claims that he was only defending himself, but the local law enforcement is convinced that he is guilty.
Paladin decides to help Simpson and takes him to a nearby town to find a lawyer who can represent him. While there, Paladin meets a woman named Beth, who is the wife of the lawyer that he was looking for. Paladin is immediately attracted to her, and when the lawyer is unable to take the case, Paladin decides to defend Simpson himself.
The trial begins, and Paladin is able to prove that Simpson was defending himself when he killed the man. The jury finds Simpson not guilty, and he is free to go. However, Paladin realizes that Simpson is not a good person and that he may have killed the man in cold blood.
After the trial, Paladin has a conversation with Beth and admits that he defended Simpson because he was attracted to her. Beth reveals that she is also attracted to him, but she cannot be with him because she is married. Paladin realizes that he has made a mistake and leaves town, but not before making Simpson promise to turn his life around.
Analysis
"A Matter of Ethics" is a thought-provoking episode that explores the idea of morality and the consequences of our actions. The main theme of the episode is that actions have consequences, and we must be willing to accept those consequences, no matter how difficult they may be.
Paladin is faced with a tough ethical decision when he decides to defend Simpson. He knows that Simpson may not be innocent, but he also believes that everyone deserves a fair trial. In the end, Paladin realizes that he made a mistake, and he must live with the consequences of his actions.
The episode also explores the idea of attraction and the consequences of acting on those feelings. Paladin is attracted to Beth, but he knows that he cannot pursue her because she is married. This decision is not only ethical but also shows that Paladin is a man of honor and integrity.
Conclusion
"A Matter of Ethics" is a well-crafted episode that explores complex themes in a thoughtful and engaging way. The episode's main message is that actions have consequences, and we must be willing to accept those consequences, no matter how difficult they may be. It's a message that is still relevant today and one that we can all take to heart.