There's a powerful story buried somewhere in the needless complications that come to a head at episode's end. The Amber's are trying to make a go of the homestead given them by the wife's righteous brother, but despite all the hard work, they are failing. Mr. Amber (the quirky Paul Richards) is at wit's end. He's laboring day and night not only for his wife but to prove himself to his arrogant brother-in-law. However, as his wife says: he's simply no farmer. Now both are desperate, and in a really strong scene, Mrs. Amber (Gloria McGhee) shows the desperation, while her exhausted husband sleeps on a rickety bed next to her. What will become of them.
Had the screenplay (Victor & Little) stayed focused on just their plight as homesteaders, the narrative could have reached a streamlined and powerful climax. However the final scene is not only poorly staged, but brings in a host of unnecessary developments that are more confusing than affecting. The centerpiece remains McGhee's moving portrayal of a plain-faced woman in rags unable to take any more of punishing life on the prairie. The refusal to glamorize her appearance in any way, along with her husband's steadfast devotion make up the dramatic core. Too bad the script can't see the the various ill-digested sub-plots for what they are-- unfortunate clutter.