Yes it's a formula the writers went back to time and time again which does make it sort of predictable. Ok, so very predictable. Still it has the strength of several fine character actors in supporting roles (and no, Cliff Osmond is not related to Donny and Marie in any manner as has been incorrectly stated), plus a usual fine performance by the incomparable Beverly Garland. It just seems that every program or film she was in was better for her being in it, so there's that. Well, maybe except for My Three Sons, but that was more because of the really, really, really terrible incredibly spoiled brat "Dodie" character that was brought along with her that led to the demise of that show.
One of the other strengths of this episode is one of the things some other reviewers disparage and that's that it doesn't have any of the usual other main cast members in it. That had become one of the most tedious parts of this otherwise great series from the beginning. After the first few seasons it was obvious that the writers were struggling, likely because of some limited thinking on what Westerns were supposed to be about. They (depending on the writer) did explore racism against Native Americans, spousal abuse and even rape, but many times there were others who seemed determined to only write scripts that made Chester look increasingly stupid or to desperately introduce characters such as Thad that were played by below B level actors and that just made the show worse. At least here they went back to a traditional script, but with a really great cast.
Bravo!
One of the other strengths of this episode is one of the things some other reviewers disparage and that's that it doesn't have any of the usual other main cast members in it. That had become one of the most tedious parts of this otherwise great series from the beginning. After the first few seasons it was obvious that the writers were struggling, likely because of some limited thinking on what Westerns were supposed to be about. They (depending on the writer) did explore racism against Native Americans, spousal abuse and even rape, but many times there were others who seemed determined to only write scripts that made Chester look increasingly stupid or to desperately introduce characters such as Thad that were played by below B level actors and that just made the show worse. At least here they went back to a traditional script, but with a really great cast.
Bravo!