User Reviews

While it is the beginning of its' second season, this is one of the core episodes if "The Virginian". This is the story of Trampas, his father, Frank Trampas, and how Trampas came to Shilo. If you read the bio of Sonny Tufts, aka Frank Trampas, you will see the irony of Sonny playing this role. Frank and his son live on the edge and brushes with trouble and the law are the norm. After Frank is killed in self defense, and a chance meeting with Judge Garth. The judge saves the young Trampas from drowning after which they part ways. Trampas makes his round about way to Medicine Bow and yet another brush with the law there. Having met Garth, the name saves him from jail an to a job at Shilo. Still driven by the anger and seeking revenge over Frank's shooting it comes to a head at Shilo. Royal Dano puts on a stellar performance as a fellow ranch hand, and becomes the father Trampas has so badly needed. Saying more will spoil the enjoyment, so sit back and enjoy the story about Trampas, his journey to Shilo, and finally growing up. This is required viewing for any fan of "The Virginian ".

In this second season opener for The Virginian we have a flashback episode where The Virginian relates how Trampas came to arrive and work at Shiloh ranch. Although we don't learn what Doug McClure's first name of his character is, we do learn he had a father named Frank.

Sonny Tufts plays Doug McClure's father Frank Trampas. Doug's a chip off the old block. Tufts is a Maverick like roving gambler though not as good. And Doug with his charming ways has a future going nowhere fast. When a judge tells Tufts to get his kid out of a jail term he has to settle down he buys a small spread that hasn't been worked, but Doug just wants to party.

I won't go into it, but his lack of the most rudimentary knowledge about the cattle business gets him killed and killed by Lee J. Cobb in self defense of himself and an unarmed man. After which McClure goes after the killer of his father not knowing it was Cobb.

Another saloon scrape lands Trampas on probation at Shiloh ranch. All I will say is it takes another near tragedy for McClure to learn the meaning of the words 'work' and 'responsibility'.

James Drury turns out to be a role model for Trampas. I guess that's why they become the pals they are. Sonny Tufts turns in a nice performance as Frank Trampas who realizes too late he did a rotten job of raising a son.