The Angry Gun

Lucas and Mark are riding back to North Fork on a stage which also is carrying a wanted man named Johnny Cotton. During a lunch break, two of Cotton's friends shoot a law man to free their friend. Before riding off, Cotton decides to rob the strong box and also to take all of Lucas's money and his prize rifle. Needles to say this is not going to sit well with Lucas.

With Mark safely back on the stage to North Fork, Lucas sets after the three on foot. Because of the rocky conditions, Lucas is able to overtake he men on horseback and without any weapon plans on getting his money and rifle. And with Cotton bullying his comrades, Lucas just might have a chance.

This was a nice story that was well acted by all involved. Vic Morrow, Leo Gordon and Greg Walcott were 'as-good-as-you-can-get' when it comes to villains and their acting shown bright in this episode.

Note- this may not be odd to some, but when Mark is put on the stage back to North Fork, Lucas tells the driver to take him to Ms Palmer's place and she will care for him. This is the first and only time we hear of Ms Palmer in the entire series. Mark usually stays with Hattie.

I again saw the episode this morning, and thought back that I was six years old when it originally aired. I have always been a fan of Vic Morrow and in this episode, he did not disappoint. He comes off as a natural actor and his scenes were riveting. It is easy to see that three years later, he would be chosen for the lead in Combat and one of the most interesting characters ever as Sgt. Saunders. This episode, as all the Riflemen, had a lesson. In this, the love of a father for his son that was the prevalent theme in the series as a single fathers only wish was that his son grows up right. They don't make them like this anymore. R.I.P. to both Chuck and Vic. You both died before your time.

It's great from beginning to end! I especially like Lucas/Mark/Johnny conversation. I love how Lucas says he uses his rifle to shoot animals and not me, yet how many animals did we actually see him kill? Hmmmm....I think he killed a fake-looking bear in one episode, but did he really kill any other animals? Oh yes...the wolf! The rest of the time, it WAS indeed used to fight men!

And the way Mark was talking to Johnny...I'm surprised Lucas sat there and let him talk that way, outlaw or not...He was being sort of smart eliky and rude...but Lucas was tired, maybe Mark had given him some other problems before the trip...

Oh, and you have to love how Lucas just takes off after those men without a gun just like he did in Home Range.