Watching this Big Valley episode I don't think I had ever seen Robert Walker, Jr. channel his father quite so much as in this story. Walker plays the son of R.G. Armstrong and Katherine Bard, Barkley neighbors and long time friends. The kid has come home after spending some considerable time in boarding school. He's also spoiled and indulged by his father who is blind to the fact that this kid has some real issues.
One night at a Barkley family party Walker tries to take advantage of Linda Evans. That sets in motion a whole train of events that lead to tragedy.
As I watched Walker I saw some distinct traces of Walker the father in his last three roles when he stopped playing callow youths and started doing dark parts as Vengeance Valley, Strangers On A Train, and My Son John.
See if you don't agree.