The Way to Kill a Killer

Season 1, Episode 11, Aired
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Episode Summary

When one of Nick's old friends, Mariano Montoya, comes through town on his way to sell his cattle, trouble hits in the form of deadly anthrax. The man's cattle begins to die off and it seems as though they will have to shoot them all, killing as well, Mariano's dreams for the money. Until Eugene tells them of something called immunization, which he believes will work. Mariano isn't so sure however and tells them that to prove it works, the Barkleys must first try it on their own prize bull! The bull collapses and it looks as though it has been killed but then it moves and gets up, it works! Mariano's herd is saved!moreless
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  • A rather authentic episode.

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By JarrodMcDonald, Jul 19, 2010 Report Abuse
    This episode has a good combination of real-life details, related to the history of diseased animals and immunizations. Plus, we see the merging of the Anglo and Latino cultures in California. The plot is not too rushed, nor is it really dragged out. We get a chance to see the friendship among Nick and the ex-thief Mexican (played by Martin Landau); and we get to see how the Barkley family must be willing to sacrifice their own prized bull in the name of science. It's a risky episode, but it pays off...it not only educates, but entertains.moreless

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  • Nice story, good characterization and a believable plotline. One of the best of the series.

    8.3
    "Great"
    By Mac-Ale, Apr 23, 2010 Report Abuse
    Nick's old friend Mario returns to the valley with a herd of cattle of his own.

    This is among my favorite episodes of the series, I liked it when the program stretched and tried to include elements of the Mexican culture that were so integral to 19th century California. And while Martin Landau is not that convincing as a Mexican, he delivers his dialog sincerely, with a good sense of emotion. Noteworthy scenes include the opening, when Mario "pays" Nick back with a calf to symbolize the help he received long ago, and the steer roast at the Barkleys where Mario expresses his emotion to Victoria. I like Victoria best in the first season, still as tough as nails but better drawn as a more feminine matriarch rather than the woman in leather riding gear and a cowboy hat.

    Eugene actually has something to do in this episode, showing off his "college-boy" knowledge of anthrax and the new idea of immunization, and Audra gets at least one good line asking her half-brother Heath to dance. Best of all is a story that centers on the cattle so important to northern California and Nick as a tough guy that once gave another a chance in the world.

    This is one of the programs that shows interesting production clues, with constant switches between real outdoor footage and scenes shot on a soundstage - it's not always convincing but it's fun to see the mixture even when it's not successful.moreless

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  • Trivia

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    • This episode acts as though immunizations are brand new, untried things. The smallpox immunization was developed in 1790, almost 100 years prior to this episode! British physician Edward Jenner tested the possibility of using the cowpox vaccine as an immunization for smallpox in humans for the first time. By the 1830's, a generation had been inoculated, and there was a marked decline in smallpox cases within the United States. Most soldiers were given inoculations or vaccinations, and with all the boys having been in the army, they couldn't have not known. Edit

  • Notes

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    • Nick says that he grew up with Mariano, and that they played together as boys. Apparently, Mariano's mother scrubbed floors and worked in the Barkley home. Edit

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