This introduction to the Barkley family broke ground by including a major character, Heath, who was illegitimate. While America had become used to the formulaic western, i.e., Bonanza and Gunsmoke, Big Valley tried to be a bit different, at least at first. Instead of just concentrating on male characters, this show gave us a couple strong female characters, neither of whom were saloon girls. This episode set a high standard for what was to come--a standard episodic TV couldn't quite live up to.
The introductory episode gives us a more realistic view of the entire family, without the anachronistic hairstyles and makeup that would come along later, especially for the ladies. Victoria, the widow and matriarch, is aloof and impressive, albeit less interesting than she becomes later when she starts strutting around in pants, wearing turtlenecks and cropped hair.
The tension between Heath and Nick is the centerpiece of the story. We want them to fight; they do. The daughter, Audra, is established as a feisty younger version of the mother. She struts into Stockton and tests her new half brother by trying to seduce him. The physical resemblance between Heath and Audra is striking; they look more alike than anyone else in the family.
The battle with the railroad is 'ripped from the headlines' of history, although the closest such incident happened later in real life than in the series. The outcome of the action is less important than the acceptance of Heath into the Barkley family.
And, of course, this is one of the few first season episodes with the soon-to-disappear youngest brother, Eugene. Supposedly the actor, Charles Briles, went into the service. On screen he went off to college (and was never mentioned again).
The grateful citizens of Stockton and the surrounding valley are closely aligned with the rich Barkley family in this episode. Tom Barkley, it seems, is some sort of icon. In subsequent episodes this will be fleshed out a bit, then forgotten. Usually the Barkleys' neighbors are nothing but a pain or some sort of impediment.
Peter Breck and Lee Majors were impressive; so much so, in fact, it's hard to believe how much the acting deteriorated later in the series, especially on Majors' part. (The bigger a star he became, the more wooden an actor.) But here they're full of controlled vitality and sweaty, raw emotion. And Barbara Stanwyck's Victoria, as mentioned above, is a remote yet powerful figure, barely hinting at the swath she'll cut through the series later. Here, in the first Big Valley episode, we're introduced to one of TV's great families, the Barkleys. And we can't wait to see more!moreless
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Episode Summary
In this series premiere, the railroad has hired men to force the farmers and ranchers of Stockton off their land. The Barkleys join with the rest of the valley to help fight them off. While at home an angry young man, Heath, shows up claiming to be the deceased Tom Barkley's illegitimate son.moreless
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Linda Evans
Audra Barkley
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Barbara Stanwyck
Victoria Barkley
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Richard Long
Jarrod Barkley
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ADD NOTES- Audra and Heath nearly share a kiss in the hotel room before Heath tells her that he is her half-brother. Edit
- Much controversy over Linda Evans' blouse. I recall something about the buttons, which would not have been in use in that era. The trades remarked how this showed where the male viewers were looking. Edit
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