Do, 27. Okt. 1988
In the late 1800's, a female music hall singer/dancer knows she's dying, so she sends her four young children from the big cities of the east coast to the western frontier, where her estranged brother, Ethan Cord, lives as a gunfighter in a town named Paradise, which is anything but. Shootings in the streets and rowdy bar brawls are no atmosphere for little children, so Ethan, with the help of a beautiful female banker, makes a home on the outskirts of town. He tries to face up to his new-found responsibilities as a single father, even resolving to hang up his guns and become a rancher, but his past as a wanted man keeps intruding into his new life.
Do, 15. Dez. 1988
It's near Christmas. Claire brought her mother's angel with them from St Louis intending to carry on her mother's tradition of placing it on the town tree, only Paradise doesn't have a town tree - or any decorations. Ethan had treated the younger boys to a trip to Carson City, but coming home the bridge was washed out. In order to make it home in time for Christmas they have to cross the desert, where they find a mother and newborn baby.
Do, 29. Dez. 1988
The "travelling social club" arrives back in Paradise. Ethan knew the owner and her little girl in his past. The owner has arranged for her now 14 year old daughter to end her childhood that night and join the family business, but things become complicated when Claire strikes up a friendship and Joseph falls for her.
Do, 5. Jan. 1989
The mine has moved in to take over Paradise. Those who won't sell are burned out or their lives threatened. The marshal (Nicholas Surovy) is hunting two young runaway boys who worked in the mine and are being hidden by Claire and the boys. Ethan quits the mine payroll and opposes them when he sees how they operate, so they hire the marshal to kill him. The marshal has to decide what his friendship with Ethan means, and Amelia has to decide where her future lies if she sells the bank.
Do, 12. Jan. 1989
A Texas Ranger comes to Paradise to bring Ethan back. Ethan at first thinks of running but changes his mind and decides to go with the man. However along the way Ethan tries to convince him that being with the children has changed him. And they're being attacked by men who want to get Ethan.
Do, 16. Feb. 1989
A gang of men ride into town and take hostages in the hotel. The children and Amelia are among the hostages. They use Amelia to rob the bank of all its money and the town is torn between saving the hostages or storming the hotel to save the money. John Taylor is brought in to heal one of their men, meanwhile Ethan is bringing in law men in from out of town, who have been tracking this gang through three states.
Do, 23. Feb. 1989
A timber company decides to move their operation to Paradise. And the town is excited about it. But John Taylor opposes it and tries to stand in their way. Amelia also decides to side with him when a photographer who came to photograph the thing show her what happened to another town who gave the timber company permission.
Do, 16. März 1989
Ethan joins in the hunt for a fugitive because he thinks the man can lead him to a man whom he has a vendetta against. Claire meets a guy, who is the son of the man Ethan is looking for. And when he learns Ethan is looking for him, he challenges Ethan even though he doesn't stand a chance. And Claire begs him not to kill him.
Sa, 15. Apr. 1989
Ethan helps his old friend Gideon (Chuck Connors) dry out and thinks Gideon's going to help them. Gideon says he took the businessman's (Jennings) money and is honor bound to fight for him. Upon arrival at Jenning's ranch Gideon finds another gunfighter has been hired. The conflict escalates to a showdown between Gideon and Ethan. (Part 2 of 2 episodes)
Sa, 13. Mai 1989
The Marble Creek town boss, Emory, is having Matthew Grady (John Beck) hanged for murder. Actually his guilt was paying attention to Emory's mistress, Marian, and he wants the hanging done before his wife arrives in town. Ethan intervenes to spoil the hanging. The only problem is Matthew wants to return to save Marian.