User Reviews

Laredo made its debut with this episode as we are introduced to Captain Parmalee played by Philip Carey and his three favorite stepchild Rangers Neville Brand, Peter Brown, and William Smith. Their assignment to track down an Indian named LazyFoot played Mario Alcalde before he reaches a mountain hideout where the Texas Rangers can't get at him.

Aiding in this endeavor is old time prospector Burgess Meredith who has a surprise or two for all concerned when the story ends. Providing rest and relaxation is Beverly Garland who'd like to have any or all of the guys around permanently. She of course does not know they're Texas Rangers.

A nice introduction to this trio of rambunctious Texas Rangers and their much put upon Captain.

In the series premiere, Native American Indians terrorize the town of Presidio, stealing the people's supply of liquor. Meanwhile, back in Laredo, gullible Neville Brand (as Reese Bennett) is tricked into entering a bullfight, by handsome Texas rangers Peter Brown (as Chad Cooper) and William Smith (as Joe Riley), who take bets on the victor. After some silliness, ranger boss Philip Carey (as Capt. Parmalee) sends the trio undercover, as gold prospectors, to catch the Indian "Lazyfoot", and his tribe. Mr. Carey surmises the Indians will be easy to catch, as they will be drunk on their stolen booty.

In Presidio, the trio meet old prospector Burgess Meredith (as Grubby), and hip-swinging saloon proprietor Beverly Garland (as Aggie). Excited about a claim, Mr. Meredith invites the undercover lawmen to partner up. Chad and Joe want to go along, for the money, but Reese vetoes the idea. To get rid of Reese (temporarily), Chad and Joe pretend he is the wanted sheep rustler "Jack Kendall". After Reese is jailed, Chad and Joe head out prospecting. Instead of gold, they find "Lazyfoot" and his boozing Indians to be more surefooted than expected.

The lighthearted camaraderie between stars Neville Brand, Peter Brown, and William Smith is what really sustains the episode and, more or less, the series. For the climax, Brown and Smith are stripped of their shirts, and tied to the ground; obviously, this is done to show off their admirable physiques. Unfortunately, Native Americans are not only stereotypical in manner, but also laughable in appearance. "Laredo" was piloted in an earlier edition of "The Virginian".

*** Lazyfoot, Where Are You? (9/16/65) Paul Stanley ~ Neville Brand, Peter Brown, William Smith