Paladin goes up against Ben Jalisco (Bronson) who intends on killing wife (Gray) because she sent him to prison by informing on him.
The humorous little sequence in Paladin's San Francisco hotel sets stage for very watchable entry. At this career point, Bronson's rapidly on his way up following The Magnificent Seven (1960). Fact that the entry hired him plus expense of location filming in scenic Lone Pine suggests this was a special episode. Also, presence of accomplished actress Coleen Gray (catch her subtle facial emoting in a difficult role) adds to that impression.
Drama sets up nicely with Litel's sheriff framed against southern Sierras and the isolated bar. Suspense builds as we await revenge-minded Bronson who's a persuasive menace. Action plays out nicely. If there's a drawback, it's with the script, which puts some clunky dialog in Bronson's mouth. Then too, it's odd that Gray would inform on a man she continues to love even though he brutally threatens her. Anyway, it's fun to watch two such formidable presences as Bronson and Boone square off in primitive surroundings.
(In passing— the episode looks and plays a lot like one of Buddy Boetticher's cycle of classic Westerns, such as The Tall T {1957}, Comanche Station {1960}, et al.)
The humorous little sequence in Paladin's San Francisco hotel sets stage for very watchable entry. At this career point, Bronson's rapidly on his way up following The Magnificent Seven (1960). Fact that the entry hired him plus expense of location filming in scenic Lone Pine suggests this was a special episode. Also, presence of accomplished actress Coleen Gray (catch her subtle facial emoting in a difficult role) adds to that impression.
Drama sets up nicely with Litel's sheriff framed against southern Sierras and the isolated bar. Suspense builds as we await revenge-minded Bronson who's a persuasive menace. Action plays out nicely. If there's a drawback, it's with the script, which puts some clunky dialog in Bronson's mouth. Then too, it's odd that Gray would inform on a man she continues to love even though he brutally threatens her. Anyway, it's fun to watch two such formidable presences as Bronson and Boone square off in primitive surroundings.
(In passing— the episode looks and plays a lot like one of Buddy Boetticher's cycle of classic Westerns, such as The Tall T {1957}, Comanche Station {1960}, et al.)
