Possibly the best in the series. And arguably one of the best half hours of western action and drama on TV. A "High Noon" story, VERY well crafted and executed, and engrossing from start to finish. Really lives up to the spirit of the opening credit sequence and the theme song of the series, as stalwart marshal Dan Troop and his loyal young deputy stand against the dark in a mythical, windswept western town. EXCELLENT guest turn by James Drury (who had appeared in a previous different role in the series and starred subsequently on TV's "The Virginian") as Clay, the marshal's long-estranged, ne'er-do-well brother, here determined at all costs to save the marshal from the vengeful intentions of the Hayes gang. Also, Barbara Lang, who was noted for playing "blond bombshell" roles elsewhere (and is certainly nothing less than gorgeous here), gives an intelligent and effective performance (one of four in the series) as the town newspaperwoman and friend of the marshal, who is recruited to serve as Clay's nurse after he is wounded in an early exchange with an advanced contingent of the gang. Her character's interaction with the ne'er-do-well ladies' man Clay adds to the story.
The series as a whole is very good, a cut above most of the other Warner Brothers TV Westerns IMO, but this particular episode really stands out,
The series as a whole is very good, a cut above most of the other Warner Brothers TV Westerns IMO, but this particular episode really stands out,