User Reviews

With a cast that features James Whitmore, Julie Adams and Strother Martin the viewer knows that they are in for a treat. Add a good story to the fine actors and you get a show that is entertaining.

The story begins when Joshua Hawks (James Whitmore), a candidate for governor, comes into Stockton and announces that the land that the Barkley's claim was actually stolen property. And when he makes this claim in front of Nick, we all know that is just a matter of time before Nick punches Hawks in the jaw.

Even though the claims are made-up information by Hawks' campaign manager the story draws interest. In fact it gains Hawks so much interest that he decides to stick with the story so that his name will appear in papers as the voting date nears. Even with objections from the campaign manager, Hawks continues his rants on the entire Barkley family.

When a committee calls Hawks to show proof of his claim, he plots a scheme where the building the meeting is to occur will be damaged by an explosion. And afterwards the blame will be pinned on the Barkleys. However something goes terribly wrong which will end Mr Hawks seeking the governor's chair.

Good acting and an interesting story keeps this episode going strong. A good watch for viewers.

I used to think it was preposterous that anyone would believe Joshua Hawks. Now it doesn't surprise me at all. This is a difficult episode to watch without getting furious, even more furious now than I was in 1966.

James Whitmore guest stars in this Big Valley story as a former dirt farmer turned into demagogic politician who is now running for governor of California. He's making a lot of loose charges and among them is how the mega-rich Barkleys acquired their wealth and property.

There's a lot of Joe McCarthy in Whitmore's performance. And like McCarthy he gets wilder and wilder in his lust for power.

Strother Martin is also in the cast as his drone like partner in crime and make no doubt there's a monstrous crime brewing.

Good performances by Whitmore and Martin make this a crackling good episode.