This episode is a fine introduction to the series. The characters' personalities are well drawn out: Nick, the hot-headed firebrand; Jarrod the respected family and community adviser who, as a lawyer, is inclined to be more temperate and willing to explore options; Eugene, the youngest son not sure which of his older brothers to emulate; Audra, the willful and entitled "spitfire;" Heath, the illegitimate son determined to claim his rightful place in the family; and Victoria, the family matriarch who instills both wisdom and a sense of calmness to the household. I like how these traits that were introduced in the opener held true to the end of the series, although we do see a gentler and compassionate side to Audra in later episodes, and, of course, Eugene gradually disappears. I actually liked to see how he was caught between the two older brothers here; that would have been interesting to explore if the character had remained on the show.
My favorite thing about this episode is the subtleties portrayed without dialogue. Barbara Stanwyck and Richard Long are especially skilled at this. It is riveting to watch Victoria's face as she helplessly watches her sons, one by one, take a stand in a fight she knows they have little chance of winning. And Jarrod's expression when he is torn between what is right and what is legal, with a final glance at his mother, is heart-tugging, as is his expression later when the sheriff is shot. Linda Evans caught my attention, too, when Audra looks at Nick with such open admiration during his impassioned speech in the final scene. Other scenes that portray so much without dialogue are the one where Jarrod offers a shaken Heath a cigar after the fight and the last scene at the breakfast table when Nick and Heath come to terms with their new-found relationship, with an assist from Jarrod.
And of course there's lots of action mixed in with the character studies. It is, after all, a western, and there are rules of the genre. Here's the tally:
Fistfights: Nick and Heath duke it out in the barn. Heath holds his own, but it's Nick who's left standing. Neatly choreographed scene, but the stunt double for Lee Majors is stockier and has darker hair, which is a little disconcerting.
Shootouts: The farmers and ranchers of the valley vs. the hired guns of the railroad. It's a violent one, with plenty of causalities on both sides. At least 20 are dead.
Injuries: Minor. Audra gets gouged in the arm by a ruffian in the street and Jarrod gets shot in the arm during the shootout.
Romance: none
Flubs: After Nick and Heath fall into the river, they both manage to ride away with their hats. But there's a hat floating in the river. Nick's horse has a brand other than the Barkley brand.
My favorite thing about this episode is the subtleties portrayed without dialogue. Barbara Stanwyck and Richard Long are especially skilled at this. It is riveting to watch Victoria's face as she helplessly watches her sons, one by one, take a stand in a fight she knows they have little chance of winning. And Jarrod's expression when he is torn between what is right and what is legal, with a final glance at his mother, is heart-tugging, as is his expression later when the sheriff is shot. Linda Evans caught my attention, too, when Audra looks at Nick with such open admiration during his impassioned speech in the final scene. Other scenes that portray so much without dialogue are the one where Jarrod offers a shaken Heath a cigar after the fight and the last scene at the breakfast table when Nick and Heath come to terms with their new-found relationship, with an assist from Jarrod.
And of course there's lots of action mixed in with the character studies. It is, after all, a western, and there are rules of the genre. Here's the tally:
Fistfights: Nick and Heath duke it out in the barn. Heath holds his own, but it's Nick who's left standing. Neatly choreographed scene, but the stunt double for Lee Majors is stockier and has darker hair, which is a little disconcerting.
Shootouts: The farmers and ranchers of the valley vs. the hired guns of the railroad. It's a violent one, with plenty of causalities on both sides. At least 20 are dead.
Injuries: Minor. Audra gets gouged in the arm by a ruffian in the street and Jarrod gets shot in the arm during the shootout.
Romance: none
Flubs: After Nick and Heath fall into the river, they both manage to ride away with their hats. But there's a hat floating in the river. Nick's horse has a brand other than the Barkley brand.