This is one of my favorite Rawhide episodes. I gave it 10 out of 10. I liked the way it revolved around the work of a cattle drive and not some bizarre fish-out-of water episode like aiding a traveling circus or some cute immigrant.
Two qualms I had though were (1) they never explained the predicament, dire choices that well, and (2) I didn't like the belligerent, arrogant, inappropriate comments instead of the men answering and fully explaining their concerns.
For example, in the beginning of the episode, Cord complains about Favor's decisions and route, and Favor logically asks, "Maybe you got a better way?" Cord ignores the question and insults Favor: "Surprised you are boss. I always heard you were a good cowman." And so it goes, men complaining about things and making suggestions, but the points are not threshed out. There are no direct replies; they talk over each others' heads.
I would have liked to know how Cord got them through the badlands to the river. He decided not to turn back. Earlier it was said that there was no trail in the direction Favor was heading.
One last small point. The Bates gang wanted 10-cents a head as tribute to cross the river. That came to $300, which to me (even in those days) was a small amount and perhaps worth it to avoid a gun fight. The cattle are worth $20-$40 per head. Favor is always giving cattle to Indians to avoid trouble, and strays are always running away with no big concern.