Add a ticking clock, and routine drama becomes suspense. It's a plot element that's still valid today, although at times, the ticking clock is a hack writer's prop that provides the only real drama in an otherwise bland script. But, there other times when the time element is used well, and the sense of urgency propels the story forward.
The countdown clock is used effectively here. Time is very relevant in this episode, as Hoss and Joe prepare for the showdown. Preparations must be made, and allies found for the upcoming battle. Once again, we see how those who know the Cartwrights actually feel about them...a couple of ineffective strangers are the only volunteers to help the outnumbered Cartwrights.
Contrary to Hoss's dimwitted nature that appears in several previous episodes, it's up to Hoss to organize the planned defense as Ben recovers from his wound, and Hoss mostly delivers.
Overall, the episode is well paced, and the acting is perfect--very well directed. Ben's final showdown at the end is great gun-down scene (perhaps only Sergio Leone could have improved upon it), but there's no elation in the victory...this is a typically nihilist first season ending. And that's good...too much blood has been spilled for anyone, including the viewer, to be cheering.moreless
EDIT
Episode Summary
While in the bank, Ben and Hoss are caught in a robbery by the Morgan gang. Ben gets shot but manages to take down one of Morgan's brothers. Leader Carl Morgan vows to avenge his death and the town cowers in fear. This leaves only Ben, Hoss, a drunk and a visiting doctor to defend the town against the Morgans.moreless
-
Dan Blocker
Eric "Hoss" Cartwright (1959-1972)
-
Lorne Greene
Ben Cartwright
-
Pernell Roberts
Adam Cartwright (1959-1965)
Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions
See All-
Trivia
ADD TRIVIA- Featured Cartwrights: Ben and Hoss Edit
-
Notes
ADD NOTES- Scenes were filmed on location at Franklin Lake in the Santa Monica Mountains of California. Edit
-
Quotes
ADD QUOTES- Ben: A man feels better with a gun in his hand. Edit
-
Allusions
-
Help by adding allusions to this episode. Add allusions
-
Show Forums
Add a Topic
See All
Last Activity
Replies
-
The Hopefuls
10/25/111
-
The Mill
10/25/111
-
Badge Without Honor
10/25/111
-
Showdown
10/24/111
-
Death at Dawn
10/24/111
-
The Spitfire
S 2 : Ep 17
Aired 1/14/61
-
The Courtship
S 2 : Ep 16
Aired 1/7/61
-
The Blood Line
S 2 : Ep 15
Aired 12/31/60
-
Bloodline
S 2 : Ep 15
Aired 1/1/60
Related Shows
Season 1 Episodes
See AllEp 32
Death at Dawn
Ep 31
Dark Star
Ep 30
Feet of Clay
Ep 29
Bitter Water
Ep 28
San Francisco
Ep 27
The Last Trophy
Ep 26
The Avenger
Ep 25
Escape to Ponderosa
Ep 25
Escape to the Ponderosa
Ep 24
The Stranger
Ep 23
Desert Justice
Ep 22
Blood on the Land
Ep 21
The Spanish Grant
Ep 20
The Fear Merchants
Ep 19
The Gunmen
Ep 18
A House Divided
Ep 17
The Outcast
Ep 16
El Toro Grande
Ep 15
The Last Hunt
Ep 14
The Sisters
Ep 13
Vendetta
Ep 12
The Hanging Posse
Ep 11
The Truckee Strip
Ep 10
The Magnificent Adah
Ep 9
Mr. Henry Comstock
Ep 8
The Philip Diedesheimer Story
Ep 7
The Saga of Annie O'Toole
Ep 6
The Julia Bulette Story
Ep 5
Enter Mark Twain
Ep 4
The Paiute War
Ep 3
The Newcomers
Ep 2
The Sun Mountain Herd
Ep 2
Death On Sun Mountain
Ep 1
A Rose for Lotta
-
jaynashvil EDITOR
User Score: 6012
-
scc1fan
User Score: 743
-
karo479
User Score: 400
-
Lucey
User Score: 399
-
Pahana
User Score: 104
-
char2renee
User Score: 74
-
rgrimsley
User Score: 72
-
millerem99
User Score: 62
-
midniteeve
User Score: 54
-
tvwatcher21
User Score: 47
More
Less
