The Empty Gun

The episode preceding this one is The Renegade. It co-stars Peter Brown who was the deputy on the Lawman tv show. His character on this episode is somewhat different than the one he portrays on the Lawman but he does still stand for what he thinks is right, regardless of what others may think. In this episode, The Empty Gun, which co-stars John Russell, he was the sheriff of the Lawman tv show. His character on there was no nonsense. Pretty much the same as in this episode. In both shows he portrays a man whose fast with a gun. Both the Cheyenne tv show and the Lawman tv show began airing in the late 50's.

While Cheyenne riding on a cold and stormy night he comes upon a grave being dug and he's joined by Matt Reardon, who shot the man. The two ride off together talking, and heading to Moundsville for a meal and room.

He finds out that Reardon, a notorious gunslinger, has regrets and a 12-year old debt he needs to pay before anyone finds out he's no longer the same gunslinger he used to be, meaning his gun hand isn't working. He offers to pay Cheyenne $300 to help by being his second gun - sort of a bodyguard. Cheyenne agrees but he wants no money.

The next day they pay a visit to a widow Martha Fullerton and her son Mike. The first man Reardon killed was her husband and Reardon's business partner because he loved Martha as well. However, Mike has other ideas about repayment. And that's by a bullet.

Two gargantuan screen presences and imposing cheekbones and a hell of a story - gripping and quite lyrical. John Russell is superb and totally invests in his character. He plays a fast gun who regrets the path he has chosen and tries to rectify things. Clint Walker is a calm presence towards Reardon. He shows empathy and common sense. One of the best Cheyenne episodes. The grave digging bit in the beginning and the end is very effectively done.

John Russell plays a gunslinger who regrets killing he's done. He also is hindered by a bad hand. A storyline involving a mother and her son is similar to Hondo. Vince Barnett provides good support as the conscience of the town. Clint Walker shares the spotlight well with Russell in a Western where brains are as important as gun speed.