Shadow of a Man

There are a couple of odd things about this episode: first, the title has a double meaning; and second, the "teaser line" does not seem to appear in the dialogue, no doubt raising false expectations in some viewers.

A desperate woman sends Paladin a note along with a purported "diamond" brooch that is clearly a fake, asking him to meet her in a small town with the curious name of Patchwork Junction. Her husband, John Sutter, a Confederate Civil War veteran, is determined to raise cotton in "Cattle country". But no one will work for him, and store credit is abruptly cut off. He's harassed and humiliated at every torn by the townsmen but makes no effort to stand up for himself.

At first Sutter seems to be just another victim of virulent anti-Southern sentiment, but there's clearly something more involved. Cryptic messages, in the form of names, are carefully spelled out at random points on Sutter's property. An astute student of American History's footnotes may recognize them --Paladin and Sutter certainly do -- but to many viewers they will mean nothing.

Sutter's wife admits it was the town troublemaker, Miggs who suggested that she contact Paladin and make use of his services. (The man clearly has left too many "business cards" floating around!)

Miggs has also tipped off successful cattle rancher Logan Adcock to the secret that Sutter's been keeping from even his wife --for very good reason. (Marion Sutter even makes an abortive play for Paladin, prompting him to remind her there is more than one way to show courage, by skillfully echoing Charles Bronson's speech to the Mexican urchins in "Magnificent Seven".)

In the end the inevitable gunshots ring out , and Paladin, as he exits the scene, reflects that in Peace as in War, the wrong men often pay the price.