User Reviews

As a hefty admirer of Richard Long - not for his versatility, heaven knows - but rather for his extremely likable personality = he seemed to be a very cordial man in real life.

I thought he was brilliant in "Nanny and the Professor" as well but he pretty much went from 1878-1970: his personality was that of a sincerely kind man - or he was a far better actor than i assumed! Anyway, without giving out spoilers, Jarrod has been temporarily blinded in a nasty (foul play) explosion in his office.

Long gives a well-modulated performance and he's excellent.

I remember as a boy asking my mom just why Victoria was so mean to Jarrod "You've lived in this house all your life" - in reference to his getting around without sight "Because self-pity is a very bad thing" was mom's wise answer.

This episode begins as Jarrod is over at Jim Scanlon's house who is the local District Attorney. They are talking about a case that Jim is working that involves a wealthy land owner named Joshua Cunningham. Seems Mr Cunningham is accused of trying to dynamite the dam and then buy the farmer's flooded land for pennies on the dollar. When Jim goes to answer the door he is shot and killed because someone does not want him to prosecute Cunningham.

Mr Cunningham then tries to buy off Jarrod in order that he not prosecute the case. However Jarrod is appalled about trying to be bought that he agrees to take the case. While studying the case, someone throws dynamite into Jarrod's office and the explosion causes Jarrod to lose his sight. And now Jarrod is more determined than every before as he prosecutes the case even though he is blind.

I assume that it was more difficult writing for Richard Long's character than any other on the cast. Most of Jarrod shows involve material in the law profession so the writers were limited in their adventures. With that said, Richard Long does a wonderful job in this show. Even though it was very obvious where this story was going, it was well acted. Richard Long did all he could with this script. Nice watch for viewers.

Not a strong script - full of holes (for God's sake, Jarrod, just hold onto the railing and mix your peas and potatoes!). But Richard Long was one underrated actor and he could and did save this episode. A big slam on the table, a "Will you stop trying to tell me how brave I am?!" and a simple rocking back and forth while standing scared in the dark made for a believably handicapped man in an otherwise hackneyed and predictable script.

And I sure would like to know who the stunt man was who took the tumble down the stairs for Long. He looked more like Long than any other stunt man on this show ever did, but he is not listed. Only Jeannie Epper is listed and that sure wasn't her going down the stairs.

The spotlight is on Richard Long in this Big Valley episode. Long is present when the county prosecutor is killed with a shotgun blast before a big case against a crooked land baron who would like to be in the same position the Barkley family is. He gets the job of temporary prosecutor but then he's blinded in a firebomb attack also ordered by the land baron. The prognosis is guarded by Dr. Jon Lormer as to Jarrod Barkley's full recovery.

Even a blind Barkley is a dangerous one so reasons Lloyd Bochner playing one of his patented villains. I don't Bochner played too many good guys in his career. He's especially nasty with a murderous crew of gunfighters on his payroll and a smugness you just want to punch out the television to get to him.

The last scene with a blind Richard Long dealing with Bochner and two of his thugs is well done.