Tangled Trail

Tanner and his men stop Bronco from taking a herd of horses across Mark Tanner's range, telling him he can't cross. When Bronco starts to argue, Tanner's men drag him off his horse, beat him up and scatter his horses.

An injured Bronco is nursed back to health by a small rancher Joe Russo and his wife Claire. Joe's seventeen year old daughter Robin takes a shine to him, so does Claire.

Beholden by their caring, Bronco stays to help Russo fight against Tanner who is trying to force the small ranchers to sell to him by having his hired gun Dove drive away ranch hands. Bronco suggests the small ranchers band together against Tanner but they refuse to do. They change their mind when Bronco guns down Dove and collects his $300.

Claire is jealous of Robin's interest in Bronco who spurns Claire. A drunk Joe drowns when Claire refuses to help him but the decision haunts her which Tanner uses to frame Bronco for Joe's murder.

Excellent episode with shades of a psychological thriller especially where it concerns Claire, the rancher's wife. The role is excellently played by Randy Stuart. It's quite gripping, especially in the second half and ends in a nail biting fashion.