The problem with a long-running drama series based on a single idea, is that the stories become repetitive and samey. However, now and again, an absolute gem shines forth. This episode is one.
Directors of TV dramas certainly got their money's worth when casting Warren Oates as villain. Here he is in full toothy, leering mode as local bad boy Hanes McLure a suspected bank robber and murderer. Heading back to his home town of Corona he picks up Richard Kimble. Roaring into Main Street in his truck, he almost runs down local teenager Tad Thompson, whose life is saved by Kimble's intervention at the wheel. The Sheriff tries to arrest McLure in a pool hall. In a scene worthy of the cover of a lurid pulp magazine, McLure grabs teenage, jailbait waitress Sue-Anne (bouffant - check, bare midriff- check, tight pants - check) by the hair and pulls a gun, using her as a shield. Again, Kimble's quick thinking saves the day, and the criminal is hustled into a cell. Trouble is, Kimble is also arrested as McLure's accomplice. Then - the bombshell. The Sheriff expresses his gratitude for Kimble's help, but tells him he knows who he is, and that he will be sending for Lieutenant Gerard!
At this point things get rather unsavoury . Realising they have two celebrity criminals in their midst, the townsfolk take advantage.
Rapacious acting deputy Saulter starts charging people 50 cents for a peek at the prisoners, and Sue-Anne poses provocatively for photos near the bullet holes in the pool hall wall and floor, at $1,50 a picture! The press and media are invited in and visitors are regaled with individual versions of what occurred. Everybody is on the make.
Tad Thompson is disgusted by the antics of his fellow citizens. He is grateful to Kimble and wants to help him. Tad's problem however, is his clinging domineering mother Marybeth who orders him not to get involved. She treats him like a 5 year-old and there are definite shades of Mrs Bates (Psycho) in her character!
Being "The Fugitive," we know that Kimble is likely to get away. But, in the meantime we are able to observe an unpleasant indictment of human nature at the hands of the greed-obsessed hicks who live in this shabby south-western town.
A plus for this series is the quality of the guest stars. In addition to
Warren Oates, Strother Martin plays avaricious pool hall owner Saulter with a convincing slimeiness, and Wilford Brimley is the smug, self-safisfied mayor, who suddenly sees benefits for the town in the situation.