One of the best episodes of the series is enhanced by a strong supporting cast: Denver Pyle, Harry Carey Jr., Ken Curtis and Perry Cook.
Palladin is riding somewhere when he sees a posse ride by. Later he comes across a man named Dobie (Perry Cook) who invites him to share his campsite. Although suspicious, Palladin agrees. When the Posse arrives, Dobie claims Palladin was holding him prisoner and is the killer the posse is looking for. He convinces them with planted evidence, while Palladin says nothing in his own defense other than recite famous quotations that show what a cultured and learned man he is. The cowboys are not impressed.
Though the Sheriff (Harry Carey Jr.) kinda wants to bring Palladin in for a real trial, he yields to a powerful local rancher (Denver Pyle) who sees no reason to deal with rights and trials and stuff like that. It looks pretty bleak for Palladin. He even has to stomach being beat up by Curly (Ken Curtis, far from Festus at this point and at his sadistic best).
Unfortunately the device they use to get Palladin out of the hangman's noose at the last moment is pretty flimsy story wise, as is the way they suddenly discover the real culprit is Dobie.
But the episode is so well done (and has a surprisingly grim ending) that I kinda forgave its flaws and enjoyed its strengths.
Palladin is riding somewhere when he sees a posse ride by. Later he comes across a man named Dobie (Perry Cook) who invites him to share his campsite. Although suspicious, Palladin agrees. When the Posse arrives, Dobie claims Palladin was holding him prisoner and is the killer the posse is looking for. He convinces them with planted evidence, while Palladin says nothing in his own defense other than recite famous quotations that show what a cultured and learned man he is. The cowboys are not impressed.
Though the Sheriff (Harry Carey Jr.) kinda wants to bring Palladin in for a real trial, he yields to a powerful local rancher (Denver Pyle) who sees no reason to deal with rights and trials and stuff like that. It looks pretty bleak for Palladin. He even has to stomach being beat up by Curly (Ken Curtis, far from Festus at this point and at his sadistic best).
Unfortunately the device they use to get Palladin out of the hangman's noose at the last moment is pretty flimsy story wise, as is the way they suddenly discover the real culprit is Dobie.
But the episode is so well done (and has a surprisingly grim ending) that I kinda forgave its flaws and enjoyed its strengths.