Have Gun Will Travel Season 1 Episode 20
Have Gun Will Travel is a popular western television series that aired from 1957-1963. The show follows the adventures of Paladin, a gunfighter with a strong sense of justice and a love for fine living. In the show's first season, episode 20 titled "The Search for Wylie Dawson," Paladin takes on a dangerous mission to rescue a young man who has been kidnapped.
Plot Summary
The episode begins with Paladin (played by Richard Boone) arriving in the town of Tascosa to collect a $1000 reward for capturing a notorious outlaw. While in town, he meets a woman named Barbara Wylie (played by Karen Steele) who asks for his help in finding her brother, Wylie Dawson. She believes that her brother has been kidnapped by a gang of outlaws and she needs Paladin's help to rescue him.
Paladin agrees to help and sets out to search for Wylie. He finds a trail of clues that lead him to an abandoned mine where he discovers that Wylie has been taken hostage by a group of bandits led by a notorious outlaw named Lash (played by Claude Akins). Lash demands a ransom of $5000 for Wylie's safe return.
Paladin decides to take matters into his own hands and sets a trap for Lash and his gang. With the help of some local ranchers, Paladin is able to capture Lash and his men and rescue Wylie. However, the victory is short-lived as Lash's brother and his men arrive and a shootout ensues. In the end, Paladin is able to defeat Lash's brother and save Wylie.
Analysis
"The Search for Wylie Dawson" is a classic episode of Have Gun Will Travel that showcases Paladin's skills as a gunfighter and his strong sense of justice. The episode is also notable for its portrayal of strong female characters, with Barbara Wylie playing a prominent role in the plot.
The episode also explores the theme of loyalty and honor among thieves. Lash, the main antagonist of the episode, is seen as a dishonorable outlaw who is willing to kidnap and ransom innocent people for money. In contrast, Paladin is portrayed as a honorable gunslinger who is willing to risk his life to save others.
Legacy
Have Gun Will Travel was a groundbreaking television series that helped to shape the western genre. The show's complex characters and thought-provoking themes set it apart from other westerns of the time and made it a fan favorite.
Today, the show is remembered as one of the best westerns of all time and has inspired countless other works in the genre. "The Search for Wylie Dawson" remains a fan favorite episode that showcases the best of what Have Gun Will Travel had to offer.
Conclusion
"The Search for Wylie Dawson" is an excellent episode of Have Gun Will Travel that showcases the show's strong writing and memorable characters. The episode's exploration of loyalty, honor, and justice make it a classic example of what the western genre can achieve.