Ghost of the Cimarron stands as one of the most interesting entries from the golden age of TV westerns. The plot is engaging and moves along quickly, and the cast is beyond exceptional. The sum total of the episode exceeds the individual cast members substantially and becomes something far greater, leaving the viewer pondering the various twists and turns of the storyline long after the credits run.
After losing his horse, Cheyenne encounters a group of outlaws planning their next bank robbery, headed up by Doc Johnson - the Ghost of the Cimarron (Vaughn Taylor). Rather than allow him to continue on, the gang takes Cheyenne prisoner and forces him to follow along during the robbery. Unfortunately the gang was set up by one of their own, the Kiowa Kid (Wright King), who sold them all out for blood money. Cheyenne is just another payday for Kiowa, who tells Marshal Heck Short (Russ Conway) he's been one of the gang all along in order to collect an additional bounty. Cheyenne is labelled one of the gang and is forced to run for his life.
Cheyenne and a wounded Doc Johnson escape Marshal Short's posse when one of the gang sacrifices himself deliberately, which prompts Cheyenne to begin to reevaluate his opinion about Johnson.
The guest stars really pull their weight, the episode is character driven and the cast rises to the occasion.
The story is unique for the series, Cheyenne had been associated with outlaws in other episodes, but he would typically find himself facing off against them in the end. His relationship with Doc Johnson is completely different, and as new revelations are revealed Cheyenne begins to see Doc Johnson in a different light. Doc Johnson is a departure from the typical character seen throughout the series as well. He is unrepentant in relation to his lifestyle, even musing that he may keep Cheyenne "in the business" much as he did with the Kiowa Kid. Yet he is charismatic, eventually winning Cheyenne's friendship and respect as the episode progresses. The story is Doc Johnson's final adventure, with Cheyenne along for the ride.
But for me the episode was stolen completely by Isabelle Dwan as Powder Kate Hadigan. Dwan's scenery chewing, over-the-top, bombastic performance was suited perfectly for the role, and she emerges as one of the most unforgettable characters of the entire series run.
By episode's end the plot has shifted considerably, with a new thread related to Doc Johnson's biological son incorporated into the primary story, with additional revelations about his past. Again, Cheyenne's relationship with Doc Johnson evolves when he learns of the noble decision Johnson made from many years previous in relation to his son. But with this knowledge Cheyenne also perceives a primary motivation in Doc Johnson's endeavors over the last few years.
In closing I have to mention a different feel to this one, there's something about it that's difficult to describe, an intangible quality to the characters and story that elevates the episode. As the credits roll the viewer is left with an undeniable feeling that they've watched something completely unlike the typical shoot-em up offerings of the era, a unique and well written story that's hard to forget. A full-on 10 out of 10 for Ghost of Cimarron, one on the very best offerings from the series.
