The story begins with Matt Dillon shooting a horse in the desert. Matt and his prisoner, Carl Craddock, are on their way to Dodge, but the lack of water has reached a critical point where even their horses cannot survive. When Matt and Craddock find a small pool of water, they drink, not realizing the water is contaminated.
A group of drovers, led by Virgil Powell, are engaged in a cattle drive toward Dodge when they find Matt and his prisoner near death. They nurse the two back to health and everyone makes their way to Dodge.
In Dodge, the cowboys engage in typical rowdy, drunken behavior. Matt has to walk a fine line between keeping the peace and allowing the cowboys to let off a little steam.
Craddock is in the Dodge City jail, but he is one mean, nasty character. He repeatedly threatens Matt and continuously looks for a way to escape. He has nothing to lose, as he is surely going to be executed by hanging.
This sets the stage for the series of events that take place in the remainder of this fine episode--one of the better of Season 12.
William Watson was always great at playing psychopathic type characters, and he certainly does not disappoint here. Carl Craddock is pretty much pure evil.
Leif Erickson is excellent as the grizzled Virgil, leader of the drovers. Victor French and Dub Taylor also provide memorable performances.