User Reviews

In this part 1 of a two part story, we are witnesses to a forest fire that is threatening a small town and also the mining companies of the wealthy landowners, including the Barkleys, in Stockton. The small town of Granite City is in line with the fire so the mine owners hire a local man and two drifters to move nitroglycerin up the mountain to build a fire-break to save the town and the mines. However during the haul the horses are spooked by a rattlesnake and the nitro explodes killing the men.

While the mine owners are discussing their next move, a farmer comes in and advises that the wind has shift and the fire is now heading toward Stockton. Instead of saving Granite City, the people must find some people to carry the nitro just to save the town of Stockton.

With people fleeing Stockton, the only people willing to take the nitro up the mountain is the Barkley boys. So the rest of the episode a filler before the next trip up the mountain is made. Heath is talking to the undertaker about using his coach, Jarrod is having trouble with a potential client, Nick is 'sweet talking' a French women, Audra is saving the orphans and Victoria is getting first-aid available for potential victims.

And as the boys get ready to set off, it will be time for part two to fulfill the journey.

Interesting story. I would have liked to have seen what became of the Marquis and his daughter

All three of the Barkley men are in the town of Granite City where one humongous forest fire is racing for not just Granite City, but Stockton and eventually the Barkley holdings. In more immediate danger are the holdings of a rich foreign born Marquis played by Carl Esmond.

To say that Esmond holds himself truly above the rest of the hoi ploi of Granite City is an understatement. He can't quite get used to a society where there are no titles of nobility. But as we know from history the aristocracy is not above doing a little pimping to achieve their ends. I do love how Peter Breck tells him off.

An expedition of sorts with explosives man Stu Erwin in charge goes to make a fire break with some mighty unstable TNT. Erwin himself is a bit ridiculous declaring his love for a saloon girl old enough to be his granddaughter. I found that part of the story a bit ridiculous.

Still this all leads to a much better part 2.