User Reviews

This particular episode of The Big Valley touches on what really did in the red race, it's lack of immunity from diseases of the eastern hemisphere. Once Christopher Columbus and all that followed him brought the germs of the old world the Indian population declined at a rapid pace before a treaty was ever broken or any arms were taken up by either side.

By the 19th century Indians were still subject to even measles which we think as an annoying childhood ailment could ravage a tribe. That is why Padre Malachi Throne is desperately trying to prevent Makee Blaisdell from returning to his Paiute village from his mission. But he only knows from the medicine man's practice.

A concerned Victoria Barkley delivers her annual contribution of medicine to Throne's mission finds a sick padre himself and goes after Blaisdell with the help of her driver, a drunken dissolute James Gregory. Stanwyck's scenes with Gregory are the highlight of the show as Gregory turns out to be one reluctant Samaritan.

Gregory and Stanwyck are something to see.

If you want an hour long show that features the full range of Barbara Stanwyck's acting abilities then this show is for you. I did not time the scenes but I think it would be close to say that Ms Stanwyck was in 98% of the scenes. I really only remember two scenes she was not in-- one was the beginning and the other was when we had to get Heath and Audra's face on camera per contract. Other than those two shots it was Barbara's moment to shine.

The plot of the show was that Victoria was visiting Father Andre in a near by town to deliver some medicine. Right before she got to the church an Indian (or should I say Native-American) is sick with the measles and instead of staying at the church he is going back to the tribe. However taking the sickness back will wipe out most, if not all, the tribe. Father Andre cannot stop the Indian since he also is coming down with the disease.

Victoria is being driven to the church by a local drunk named Simon Carter (James Gregory). Simon is one that does odd jobs around this town to make money to gamble and drink. He wants nothing to do with Victoria or the church.

When the two arrive at the church, Father Andre tells them of the measles outbreak and of the Indian. Of course Simon covers his mouth and heads back to town. And Victoria feels compelled to go in the desert and find the Indian before he can make it back to his tribe.

When Simon returns with help for the Father, he learns that Victoria has gone by herself in the desert. So he goes out to find her and bring her back to the church. Not to help assist in her cause, but force her back to the church so she can be of help. When he catches up to her that is when the show really takes off.

There are actually some very good scenes between Victoria and Simon. And through the interaction of the two we really see that Simon is not as bad and tough has he projects to others. In fact Victoria could have a new man in her life had it not been for getting back to Stockton.

I found this episode quite entertaining. One of my favorites from the entire 'Big Valley' series. The first one third of the show was kind of slow- but when Simon and Victoria meet in the desert the show takes off like a bullet train.

This is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE of all episodes of all seasons! It's Victoria and Simon! This episode made me fall head over heels for Barbara Stanwyck and James Gregory!! i mean, they're hardly the "young golden couple" tv shows often portray. But their CHEMISTRY is UNMISTAKABLE! OMGOSH cute, funny, sarcastic, unwillingly loyal, even (YES) sexy! Well at least imo but i'm 53 so youngsters may not agree? lol not even gonna go into the story, we've already got two brilliant reviews prior to me! Just if there's ever an episode of the Big Valley to not miss, this is it! Watch and i can (almost) promise you'll agree!