Solid episode with a lot of great character interaction--- very well done in most respects.
The individual scenes and dramatic events are so convincing that only at the end do we realize that the script is somewhat misjudged...not that it really matters. But it might have made an extremely compelling HALF hour show.
Consider all the time and attention given to the Bill Phipps character (Stark). In the latter half of the show, "Flack" steps in and takes over the role of antagonist, and Stark basically bows out. So WHY do we need so much of Stark? --- the entire chicken-stealing scene? The stable scene where Chester picks up a hunk of wood to defend Moss from Stark? Stark's four loose teeth? Again, it's all well-done, but ultimately Starks' character is REPLACED in the final, crucial scenes by Flack, who shows up out of nowhere.
There are a couple more things that seem rather contrived, and are only there to facilitate the plot: 1.) Bill Phipp's yelling "Killer--you're a killer!" after he gets pummeled by Jeremy Slate. No reason for him to do that EXCEPT to set up the following scenes in Dodge. 2.) The very convenient and stage-y altercation between Barney Phillips and Stanford Jolley...again, an obvious plot contrivance, ending with a "If you ever need a friend..." from the bum to Hargis. But the relationship worked out nicely as the plot progressed.
And, speaking of relationships, Anjanette Comer was an absolutely gorgeous babe, and a heck of an actress to boot. She and Jeremy made a terrifically engaging couple, and you just HOPE that things will work out for them, as the forces of evil begin to close in. Too bad.
And just as Jeremy ran upstairs in a rage to find out what happened to her, we cut to a STUPID scene with a yawning Chester and an unwelcome, intrusive "comic" exchange with Doc. Wrong time, wrong place for it.
And why did both Chester and Sam tell Dillon that neither of them saw who drew first (Mims or Flack) in the final shoot-out? They were both standing a few feet away watching-- as was the rest of the crowd. That was very unconvincing. And the only one who could testify was the mystery guy who happened to walk in to the Long Branch just in time for the shooting.
Still, IN SPITE OF ALL OF THIS, I'd rate the show an 8. It's very well made,
and the romantic couple is very engaging. LR
PS-- Hate to admit it, but that roast chicken shorrrrr looked tasty.....