banj0man Reviews

Gunsmoke: Where'd They Go (1960) Season 5, Episode 27

Wiley Jack Elam runs em ragged

[10/10 · 31 October 2023]

I won't rehash this episode as others have done a fine job. Suffice it to say that this just might be one of the most memorable Gunsmoke episodes of the 20 year run. I've seen it a number of times and it always gets a laugh out of me. Jack is perfect in his role as 'adoring husband' of a pregnant homesteading wife. Chester also is in perfect character; I love his homespun comparisons. Matt is obviously out of his bailiwick.as farmhand and laborer, although his spotless reputation remains intact. Matt is one of my childhood heroes.

It's a must see episode that only works with the well-developed characters of Matt and Chester mixing it up with Wiley Jack Elam.

LOVE IT!

Have Gun - Will Travel: The Five Books of Owen Deaver (1958) Season 1, Episode 32

Gun Control in a disarmed town

[9/10 · 1 November 2022]

I found this episode interesting in that the gun control debate is waged a full generation before the issue would become a national discussion.

Utilizing the familiar western plot of a 'safe, disarmed' town: Of course once again, the town Sheriff has instituted a 'gun free' policy.

Our hero Paladin, owing to the friendship he had with our young, idealistic Sheriff's father, decides to check in on the young man.

Finally acquiescing to the adage that 'my enemies enemy is my friend', the reluctant young lawman decides to take Paladin's offer.

Our Hero offers this appraisal of 'gun free' zones: 'When the good people of this town are disarmed, how can they protect themselves when evil arrives?'

Leave It to Beaver: The Bank Account (1958) Season 1, Episode 19

The boys teach the parents a lesson in love and trust

[10/10 · 1 June 2022]

Ward and June are dubious as to the boys' intentions when they raid their savings account.

Perhaps Hugh Beaumont's best performance as Ward Cleaver.

Not one of the better plots and takes time to unfurl, but the ending is indeed memorable and should cause your eyes to water.

Have Gun - Will Travel: The Solid Gold Patrol (1958) Season 2, Episode 13

Good story / Good ending

[8/10 · 6 January 2022]

Interesting premise for the opportunistic Paladin, who shows some real smarts in the face of almost certain death on this mission.

Certainly Paladin, always the hero, is the fulcrum upon which this episode turns. He doesn't really NEED to take this job and embarks upon the mission without knowing whether he will be compensated. (which IS somewhat out-of-character for our Hero)

He faces the greatest risks in this episode and at the end .. is he compensated for his labors?

Let the viewer and Paladin lovers decide!

:)